Late Afrobeat legend, Fela Kuti has been named among 16 nominees up for possible induction into the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The legendary singer was among the seven artistes appearing on the list for the first time alongside Jay-Z, Foo Fighters and Tina Turner.
Other first-timer on the list include the Go-Go’s, Iron Maiden and Dionne Warwick.
Carole King, who is also on the list, had previously been inducted into the institution as a non-performer and could become the second female artist to get another induction twice since Stevie Nicks in 2019.
Turner, on the other hand, will become the third female artiste to be inducted twice if she gets the nod this year having achieved the feat in 1991.
Those with the highest votes will be announced in May and inducted at a ceremony in the fall in Cleveland, Ohio.
In a statement, John Sykes, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame foundation chairman, described this year’s nominations as the most racially diverse since 1996 with nine people of colour making the cut.
“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,” he said.
WITHIN NIGERIA recalls that Christopher Wallace, American rapper better known as The Notorious B.I.G; and Whitney Houston, US gospel singer, were inducted last year.
Below is the full list of nominees for the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame:
Kate Bush
Devo
Foo Fighters
The Go-Go’s
Iron Maiden
JAY-Z
Chaka Khan
Carole King
Fela Kuti
LL Cool J
New York Dolls
Rage Against the Machine
Todd Rundgren
Tina Turner
Dionne Warwick
