Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has made history as the first African artist to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, following the announcement of the Class of 2026.

The announcement came during a live broadcast of American Idol, after a voting process involving more than 1,200 artists, historians and music industry professionals.

Fela, who passed away in 1997, earned recognition in the Early Influence category. The Hall of Fame described him as “a revolutionary voice who spoke out against injustice through his innovative music,” noting his role in blending jazz, West African rhythms and soul to pioneer Afrobeat.

The induction caps a year of major global recognition for the late icon. He was recently honoured with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming the first African artist to receive the distinction.

For an artist whose influence spans continents, the recognition signals a broader shift in how global institutions acknowledge Africa’s contribution to modern music.

Widely known as the “Black President,” Fela built a legacy that extended far beyond music. His work challenged authority and documented social realities, often putting him at odds with Nigeria’s military regimes. He faced multiple arrests, while Amnesty International once classified him as a prisoner of conscience.

His 1976 album Zombie, a sharp critique of the Nigerian military, was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame last year. It remains one of the few African records to receive that honour.

The 2026 induction also marked a strong moment for the African diaspora. Nigerian-born British singer Sade Adu joined the Hall of Fame in the Performer category, alongside global acts such as Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Oasis, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan.

The induction ceremony is scheduled to be held on November 14 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, where Fela’s legacy will take its place on one of music’s most prestigious stages.