- American-born Swiss singer, Tina Turner, also known as “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll” listed on 14
Late Nigerian Afrobeat icon, Fela Kuti, has been nominated for possible inauguration into the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
According to a list released on Wednesday, the Afrobeat pioneer was listed alongside American-born Swiss singer, Tina Turner, also known as “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll”.
The ace musician was listed 9th among 15 others up for this year’s edition of the honour.
Nominees have influenced countless artists that have followed them
TNG gathered that those with the highest votes will be announced in May and inducted at a ceremony in the fall in Cleveland, Ohio.
Organizers of the event explained that this year’s selection is the most racially diverse since 1996.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation Chairman, John Sykes, said “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.”
It would be recalled that last year, American rapper, Notorious B.I.G, as well as US gospel singer, Whitney Houston, were among those inducted into the Hall of Fame.
AllMusic described Fela as a “musical and sociopolitical voice” of international significance
See 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
WHO REALLY IS FELA?
Late Fela was named Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti following his birth on 15 October 1938 but died 2 August 1997.
He was a Nigerian multi-instrumentalist, bandleader, composer, political activist, and Pan-Africanist.
Describing him as an African music genre remains unarguable because of his style of combining traditional Yoruba and Afro-Cuban music with funk and jazz.
At the height of his popularity, he was referred to as one of Africa’s most “challenging and charismatic music performers.”
AllMusic described him as a “musical and sociopolitical voice” of international significance.
Fela was the son of Nigerian women’s rights activist, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti.
After early experiences abroad, his band, Africa ’70, shot to stardom in Nigeria during the 1970s, during which time he was an outspoken critic and target of Nigeria’s military juntas.
In 1970, he founded the Kalakuta Republic commune, which declared itself independent from military rule.
The commune was destroyed in a 1977 raid.