Late Afrobeat legend, Fela Kuti, has been nominated for induction into the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
He was nominated alongside 15 other music icons. Seven out of the Nominees are on the ballot for the first time, including Kuti, Foo Fighters, The Go-Go’s, Iron Maiden, JAY-Z, and Dionne Warwick.
To be eligible for a nomination, artistes must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to the nomination year.
If elected this year, nominees Carole King and Tina Turner will become the second and third female artistes inducted twice, following Stevie Nicks’ 2019 election.
Speaking on this year’s nomination, John Sykes, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame foundation chairman said:
“This remarkable ballot reflects the diversity and depth of the artists and music the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrates. These nominees have left an indelible impact on the sonic landscape of the world and influenced countless artists that have followed them.”
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Last year, Notorious B.I.G; and Whitney Houston, were inducted in a virtual ceremony while rock bands Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode, T.Rex and the Doobie Brothers were awarded top honors.
Below is the full list of nominees
- Mary J. Blige (First-time nominee)
- Kate Bush (Previously nominated in 2018, 2021)
- Devo (Previously nominated in 2019, 2021)
- Foo Fighters (First-time nominee)
- The Go-Go’s (First-time nominee)
- Iron Maiden (First-time nominee)
- JAY-Z (First-time nominee)
- Chaka Khan (Previously nominated in 2016, 2017, 2021)
- Carole King (Previously nominated in 1989, 2021)
- Fela Kuti (First time nominee)
- LL Cool J (Previously nominated in 2010, 2011, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2021)
- New York Dolls (Previously nominated in 2001, 2021)
- Rage Against the Machine (Previously nominated in 2018, 2019, 2021)
- Todd Rundgren (Previously nominated in 2019, 2020, 2021)
- Tina Turner (Previously nominated in 1987, 2021)
- Dionne Warwick (First-time nominee)
Music stars with the highest votes will be announced in May 2021 at the induction Ceremony which will take place in Cleveland, Ohio this fall.
