Fela Kuti enters the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Los Angeles, the first African solo artist inducted

Nigerian music legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti was honoured with the Early Influence Award at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's 2026 induction ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Saturday night (November 14), becoming the first African solo artist to enter the Hall.

The father of Afrobeat, an influence on generations

Fela Kuti pioneered Afrobeat, fusing West African music with jazz and funk, and used his lyrics to speak out bluntly against the politics of his time, influencing musicians around the world. He died in 1997, and earlier this year received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy.

A star-studded Class of 2026

Fela was named in the Class of 2026, announced in April, alongside fellow Nigerian-born singer Sade Adu. The performer inductees also include Oasis, Billy Idol, Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Wu-Tang Clan and the late Luther Vandross. The Early Influence Award also goes to Queen Latifah, Celia Cruz, MC Lyte and Gram Parsons.

Some inductees absent; the ceremony airs in December

Tonight's ceremony begins at 7 p.m. Los Angeles time, but some inductees are not attending in person: Oasis and Iron Maiden are absent, and Sade has said she will not be there. The City of Los Angeles declared Friday (November 13) “Billy Idol Day.” The ceremony was recorded and will air as an edited special on ABC on December 8, then stream on Disney+ and Hulu the next day.