Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has been named among five recipients of the 2026 Early Influence Award by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, joining American music stars Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Celia Cruz and Gram Parsons.
The recognition places the late Nigerian musician among influential figures whose contributions helped shape modern music, particularly through his fusion of traditional African rhythms, jazz and funk.
The award is separate from the Hall of Fame's performer induction category, which this year features British singer Sade, rock band Oasis, American hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan and Phil Collins, among others.
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The honours will be presented at a ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Saturday, with music stars and industry figures expected to attend.
Other performers named in the 2026 class include Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Billy Idol and the late American singer Luther Vandross.
Fela's recognition is particularly significant for Nigerian music, given his influence on the development of Afrobeat and its subsequent impact on contemporary African music.
The musician, who died in 1997, used his music to challenge political oppression, corruption and social injustice, combining his activism with an innovative musical style that gained international recognition.
Meanwhile, several of the performer inductees, including Sade, Oasis and Iron Maiden, have indicated that they will not attend the ceremony.
Sade, the British band fronted by Nigerian-born singer Sade Adu, expressed appreciation for the recognition while apologising for its absence.
“Sorry we can’t be there in person to celebrate with the other artists. Please know that our absence takes nothing away from how much this recognition means to us,” the group said in a statement on its website.
Oasis, whose members include brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, also confirmed that it would miss the event.
Responding to a fan on X, Liam Gallagher said, “It’s too far to be going for the night.”
Iron Maiden will equally be absent because the band is currently touring Australia.
Phil Collins, known for songs including In the Air Tonight and Sussudio, will also miss the ceremony because of health challenges.
Wu-Tang Clan, which recently concluded a tour billed as its last, is among the hip-hop acts receiving performer recognition.
Billy Idol, however, is expected to attend after Los Angeles declared November 13 Billy Idol Day ahead of the ceremony.
Reacting to his selection, the singer described the recognition as “a tremendous honour”.
Beyond the performer and Early Influence categories, the 2026 awards include the Musical Excellence Award, which will go to Linda Creed, Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller and Rick Rubin.
The late television personality Ed Sullivan will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame requires performers to have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years before becoming eligible for nomination.
The 2026 selection involved more than 1,000 musicians, historians and music industry professionals.
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