Nigerian Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, could be set for a posthumous honour after he was nominated for the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The maverick musician and social activist was nominated alongside Jay-Z, Carole King and Tina Turner.
Other nominees are Mary J. Blige, Kate Bush, Devo, Foo Fighters, The Go-Go’s, Iron Maiden, Chaka Khan, LL Cool J, New York Dolls, Rage Against the Machine, Todd Rundgren and Dionne Warwick.
To be eligible, an individual artist or band must have released its first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination.
According to the chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, John Skyles, “This remarkable ballot reflects the diversity and depth of the artists and music the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrates.
“These nominees have left an indelible impact on the sonic landscape of the world and influenced countless artists that have followed them.”
The public will once again have the opportunity to participate in the induction selection process.
Fans can vote for up to five nominees daily from 10 February till 30 April at the Hall of Fame’s site or at the museum in Cleveland. The top five artists selected by the public will comprise a “fans’ ballot” that will be tallied along with the other ballots to pick the 2021 inductees.
The winners of the 36th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony which will take place in Cleveland, Ohio, will be inducted in May 2021.
Demola Ojo