Nigerian music icon Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has been selected for special recognition at the 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony alongside American rapper Queen Latifah and three other influential music figures.
Fela will receive the Early Influence Award, which celebrates artists whose contributions have helped shape the development of music across generations.
Other recipients in the category are Cuban music legend Celia Cruz, American rapper MC Lyte and singer-songwriter Gram Parsons.
The announcement comes ahead of Saturday’s star-studded induction ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, where several prominent musicians will also be honoured.
Among those entering the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 2026 performer category are British band Oasis, singer Sade Adu, hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan and rock musician Billy Idol.
The list also features Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order and the late American singer Luther Vandross.
The inductees were selected through a voting process involving more than 1,000 music professionals, historians and artists.
Despite the recognition, some of the selected acts will not be represented at the event.
British band Sade, fronted by Nigerian-born singer Sade Adu, confirmed it would be absent, although it welcomed the honour.
“Sorry we can’t be there in person to celebrate with the other artists. Please know that our absence takes nothing away from how much this recognition means to us,” the group said.
Oasis will also skip the ceremony, with Liam Gallagher previously giving a blunt response when asked about attending. He told a fan on X, “It’s too far to be going for the night.”
Iron Maiden equally confirmed its absence because of its ongoing commitments in Australia.
Meanwhile, Joy Division and New Order will receive recognition together because of their shared musical history. New Order emerged after the death of Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis in 1980 and later became a major name in alternative dance music.
Phil Collins, who built a successful career with songs such as In the Air Tonight and Sussudio, will also miss the ceremony due to health-related challenges.
Wu-Tang Clan, renowned for its influence on hip-hop, recently wrapped up a tour described as its final run. Billy Idol, however, is expected to attend after Los Angeles honoured him with a special day on November 13.
Reacting to his induction, Idol described the recognition as “a tremendous honor”.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame considers artists eligible for nomination once at least 25 years have passed since the release of their first commercial recording.
Fela’s inclusion among this year’s Early Influence Award recipients further recognises the Nigerian musician’s impact on the international music scene and his role in shaping the sound and influence of Afrobeat.
