Singers Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and Sade Adu have been recognised by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for their contributions to music.
The organisation confirmed the 2026 inductees on Monday night, describing a lineup that brings together artistes across different genres and eras. The class includes eight performers, along with recipients of special honours for influence and musical contribution.
Sade Adu, known globally for her calm vocal style and long running catalogue of music from the 1980s and 1990s, was selected in the Performer category. Her songs such as ‘Smooth Operator’, ‘The Sweetest Taboo’ and ‘No Ordinary Love’ helped establish her international profile. Her influence has continued across generations, with her sound often referenced by contemporary artistes.
The Performer category also includes groups and artistes such as Oasis, Iron Maiden, Joy Division and New Order, Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Luther Vandross and Wu Tang Clan.
Fela Anikulapo Kuti was honoured with the Early Influence Award, recognising his role in shaping Afrobeat and his wider impact on global music. Fela’s work, including tracks like ‘Water No Get Enemy’ and ‘Zombie’, combined highlife, jazz and funk with socially conscious themes that challenged political structures and influenced later generations of musicians across Africa and beyond.
He is listed among other Early Influence recipients including Celia Cruz, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte and Gram Parsons.
The Hall of Fame also announced Musical Excellence Award recipients, which include songwriter Linda Creed, producers Arif Mardin and Jimmy Miller and Def Jam co-founder Rick Rubin, in recognition of their work behind major recordings across several decades.
To be eligible for induction, artistes are required to have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years earlier. The induction ceremony for the Class of 2026 is scheduled for November 14 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.
Both Sade Adu and Fela Anikulapo-Kuti have previously appeared on nomination lists in earlier cycles before this year’s recognition.
