As the organisers of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced its 2026 inductees on Monday, April 13, two of Nigerians music icons Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Sade Adu were unveiled among a robust slate of special honourees, marking a historic moment for Nigerian and African music on the global stage.

The list signals the institution’s ongoing commitment to reflecting a broader, global musical landscape. Sade Adu, celebrated for her smooth, velvety vocals and timeless hits from the 1980s and 1990s, will be inducted into the ‘Performer’ category.

Her distinctive sound and understated style have shaped generations of artistes and continue to influence modern superstars across genres. According to music analysts, her legacy remains evident in the work of contemporary acts like Adele, Drake, who draw inspiration from her soulful delivery and sophisticated musical identity.

She joins seven other performers in the 2026 class: British rock mainstays Oasis and Iron Maiden, the post-punk and electronic pioneers Joy Division/New Order, chart-topping drummer-turned-frontman Phil Collins and solo powerhouses Billy Idol; R&B titan Luther Vandross, and the hip-hop collective Wu-Tang Clan.

Also, in a major recognition for African music heritage, Fela Kuti has been honoured with the ‘Early Influence Award,’ acknowledging his groundbreaking role in shaping modern music. Widely regarded as the father of Afrobeat, Fela fused highlife, jazz, and funk into a revolutionary sound that challenged political authority and transformed the global rhythm landscape.

Fela is recognised alongside other trailblazing figures like ‘Early Influence’ recipients: the “Queen of Salsa” Celia Cruz, hip-hop pioneers Queen Latifah and MC Lyte, and country-rock innovator Gram Parsons.

This year’s ceremony is scheduled for November 14 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, also celebrates the architects behind the scenes through the Musical Excellence Award.

This year’s recipients include prolific songwriter Linda Creed and legendary producers Arif Mardin and Jimmy Miller, and the genre-defining co-founder of Def Jam, Rick Rubin.

To be eligible for induction, an artiste must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years ago.