Fela Kuti, Sade Adu, Others Inducted Into Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame

Music legends Fela Kuti and Sade Adu have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in recognition of their lasting impact on global music.

The 2026 inductees were revealed during a special segment on American Idol, with judge Lionel Richie and host Ryan Seacrest making the announcement.

The Hall of Fame, which also operates as a museum, honours artists who have made major contributions to popular music across genres like rock, pop, hip-hop, R&B, and soul.

Fela, who passed away years ago and is widely credited as the founder of Afrobeat, received the ‘Early Influence Award’.

His mix of traditional West African sounds with funk and jazz from the United States helped create a genre that is still influential today.

Earlier this year, Fela was also honoured with a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at an event in Los Angeles.

Sade Adu was inducted in the ‘Performer’ category.

Known for her calm, rich voice and popular songs like Smooth Operator and The Sweetest Taboo, the 67-year-old Grammy winner remains a standout figure in soul and pop music.

A total of 18 artists were Inducted across four categories this year.

Performer Category:

Early Influence Award:

• Ed Sullivan

To qualify for induction, artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years ago.

The 2026 class was selected by more than 1,200 voters, including artists, historians, and music industry professionals.

The official induction ceremony is scheduled for November 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, and will be broadcast on ABC and Disney+ in December.

ALSO READ: Seun Kuti Reveals Why He Won’t Attend Grammy Ceremony Honouring His Father Fela