Fela, KSA, others, inducted into Afrobeats Hall of Fame

History was made last Saturday, at the Amore Gardens in Lagos, as the novel edition of the Afrobeats Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held. The annual inauguration ceremony, which honours outstanding pioneers and key players in the African music space, saw veterans like King Sunny Ade, Alhaji Sikiru Barrister, Daddy Showkey, among others, become the first class of inductees.

Spearheaded by foremost tourism and lifestyle brand, Estilo Da Vida, the event was hosted by Nigerian entertainers, Bovi and D’banj, respectively. It also witnessed scintillating performances from current wave makers, including Wizkid, Flavour, D’banj, Omawumi, among others.

According to the Chairman of the Blue Ribbon Panel (the kingmakers of the award), Kenny Ogungbe, the initiative is geared at inspiring and engaging African people through the power of African music, and “building a serious level of credibility, respect and acceptance across Africa and the entire world.”

The induction was split into two classes: performance and non-performance categories. The performance categories was further stratified into three segments namely: The Early Influencers category, which comprises legendary entertainers Tunde King, Onitsha Native Orchestra, E.C. Arinze, Victor Olaiya, Mamman Chata and Bobby Benson; The Mid-influencer category, (‘60s – ‘70s wavemakers) such as Chief Osita Osadebe, Fela Kuti, Rex Lawson, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, King Sunny Ade, Dan Maraya Jos, Peacock Guitar Band International and Bala Miller; and, lastly, The Modern Influencer category (‘90s – 2000s wavemakers) such as Tubaba, Onyeka Onwenu, Femi Kuti, Daddy Showkey, among others.

Meanwhile, the Non-performance category honoured industry professionals including Keke and D1, Olisa Adibu, Obi Asika, Sunday Are and Eddie Lawani. Also, the lifetime achievement recognition went to Fela Kuti, Tony Odili, King Sunny Ade, Chief Ebenezer Obey, and Alhaji Sikiru Barrister.