Late Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo Kuti is currently topping the vote for the nomination of the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for possible induction.
The Rock and Roll hall of fame is an America Awards based organisation, who awards and celebrates outstanding rock and rock personals.
The award has five categories namely performers, non-performers, early influences, lifetime achievements and sidemen.
Fela is currently leading the votes with 56 thousand plus votes while Tina Turner following closely with 52 thousand plus votes on the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame official page.
The Nigerian musical icon was nominated alongside Mary J. Blige, Kate Bush, Devo, Foo Fighters.
Others are The Go-Go’s, Iron Maiden, Jay-Z, Chaka Khan, Carole King, LL Cool J, New York Dolls, Rage Against the Machine, Todd Rundgren, Tina Turner and Dionne Warwick.
Some top Nigerian celebrities Burna Boy and Don Jazzy have come out to clamour for people to vote for Fela via the official website and link: https://vote.rockhall.com
Burnaboy wrote via his official Twitter handle @burnaboy, “Let’s get the legend FELA KUTI inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame!’’
Don jazzy also wrote via his official Twitter handle @DONJAZZY, “Come on Nigerians.! We can do this. This is our Baba Fela we are talking about. Vote for Fela Anikulapo Kuti for a well-deserved place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,’’ he said.
According to the chairman, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, John Skyles, this remarkable ballot reflects the diversity and depth of the artists and music the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrates.
“These Nominees have left an indelible impact on the sonic landscape of the world and influenced countless artists that have followed them.”
The category would be based on highest votes, where the top five would be inducted into the 2021 hall of fame. The voting process is held on their official website .to vote go to vote.rockhall.com
Fela Anikulapo Kuti is regarded as the originator of Afrobeat in Nigeria an African music genre combining traditional Yoruba music and Afro-Cuban music with funk and a bit of jazz in it.
He came into fame in the 70’s known for his constant criticism of the then military regime in Nigeria, he was fearless and he founded the Afrika Shrine which is seen as an ancestral home for Afro-pop music.