Nigerians and music lovers all over the world have continued to show their support for the King of Afrobeat, the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti. The music icon and Pan-Africanist has been nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the year, 2021.
According to reports, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame published 16 nominees for its 2021 class of inductees, and on the list is the Afrobeat originator, who is widely believed to have inspired hundreds of African musicians playing Afrobeat music today. There is overwhelming support from various walks of life and the Abami Eda is believed to have been eligible for some time but he is finally been recognised for the honour.
He was nominated alongside 15 other artistes including Jay-Z, LL Cool J, Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan and Dionne Warwick.
In a statement, the Chairman of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, John Sykes, said, “This remarkable ballot reflects the diversity and depth of the artistes and music the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame celebrates. These nominees have left an indelible impact on the music landscape of the world and influenced countless artists that have followed them.”
Since the news made the rounds, celebrities and other notable personalities have been passionately canvassing votes for Fela.
As a result, Fela had over 116,362 votes, followed by Tina Turner with 80,223 votes, while Foo Fighters had 59,287 votes.
Fela’s son, Seun Kuti, who leads his father’s former band, Egypt 80, took to his Instagram page to thank his father’s supporters and urged them to keep voting for ‘Abami Eda’ as the late Afrobeat legend is fondly called.
Seun wrote, “On behalf of the Anikulapo-Kuti family, we want to say thanks for the support. One can vote every day so please visit the website to keep the numbers going up. I have to say though, we Africans all over the world have already put Fela in the greatest hall of fame of all time— our hearts. #liberationgeneration.”
Seun’s elder brother, Femi, also wrote, “Vote for Fela Anikulapo Kuti for a well-deserved place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”
Nigerians who have canvassed votes for Fela include the Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, Davido, Don Jazzy, Burna Boy, Banky W, Japheth Omojuwa, Omoyele Sowore, and Funke Kuti. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (RRHOF) is a museum and hall of fame located in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, United States, on the shore of Lake Erie. The museum documents the history of rock music and the artists, producers, engineers, and other notable figures who have influenced its development.
It was established on April 20, 1983, by Ahmet Ertegun, founder and chairman of Atlantic Records. After a long search for the right city, Cleveland was chosen in 1986 as the Hall of Fame’s permanent home. Architect I. M. Pei designed the museum, and it was dedicated on September 1, 1995.
A nominating committee composed of rock and roll historians selects names for the “Performers” category (singers, vocal groups, bands, and instrumentalists of all kinds), Artists become eligible for induction 25 years after the release of their first record. Criteria include the influence and significance of the artists’ contributions music.