By Ajayi Oluwatomisin-
The late Nigeria music legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti lost out in the race to become an inductee of the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of fame.
On the 12th of May, 2021,the Rock and Roll Hall of fame foundation annouced the new inductees of the 2021 class, with notable names such as; American Rap star Jay-Z, and America-born singer Tina Turner widely referred to as the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll making the cut ahead of the late Nigerian musician. Other new inductees included; The Foo Fighters, The Go-Go’s, Carole King and Todd Rundgren.
The late musician was nominated for the award for the first time in February, with Nigerians kick-starting a social media movement to garner votes for the Nigerian legend soon after the announcement of the nomination was made and eventually emerged in second place behind Tina Turner in the final fans’ vote, according to the results, though as it will turn out online voting wasn’t really significant in influencing the final decision.
Expectedly, this decision did not sit well with a lot of Nigerians , as some took to social media to express their displeasure at the final decision. This reaction should come as no surprise as the Late Fela Kuti is inarguably one of the most acclaimed musician to emerge from the Nigeria, with his influence transcending the musical terrain.
Femi Kuti one of the sons of the late Afrobeat legend reacted to his father’s loss inter 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of fame induction, noting that although, Fela had votes from Nigerians the final decision was made by members. On his twitter page he wrote: “Apparently there is another vote only members can take part in, and that’s what count. So, they kind of wasted our precious time; the positive side is Fela was trending and many who never heard of him got to hear his music and his story”.
The Chairman of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame foundation, John Sykes said “This diverse class of talented inductees reflects the Rock Hall’s ongoing commitment to honour artists whose music created the sound of youth culture.” The Vent Republic can confirm.
The Hall said it’s 2021 class includes the “most diverse list of inductees in the organization’s history.” If Fela had won, he would have made history as the first Nigerian artist in the Rock and Roll Hall of fame.
The 36th annual ceremony is planned for the 30th of October, in Cleveland Ohio, where the Hall of fame is based.
