Legendary Nigerian musician Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has made history as the first African artist to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Fela will be honoured in the Early Influence category this year, alongside notable figures including Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Gram Parsons, and Celia Cruz.
The honourees were unveiled on Monday night in the United States during a broadcast of American Idol.
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Nigerian-born British singer Sade Adu will also be recognised in the Performance category.
However, several high-profile nominees—including Shakira, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, New Edition, and Pink—did not make the final list.
More than 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals participated in the voting process to determine this year’s inductees.
The induction ceremony is scheduled to take place on November 14 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.
Earlier this year, Fela also achieved another milestone, becoming the first African musician to receive a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.