A landmark moment for African music is set to take center stage as Fela Kuti and Sade are honored in the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class, announced Monday night.
Fela Kuti, the revolutionary force behind Afrobeat, will receive the Early Influence Award recognizing a legacy that reshaped global music and continues to inspire generations long after his passing. Sade Adu, celebrated for her velvety voice and timeless sound, earns her place in the Performer category, cementing her influence on artists across genres, from soul to contemporary pop and R&B.
She joins an eclectic lineup of inductees, including Wu-Tang Clan, Luther Vandross, Oasis, Iron Maiden, Phil Collins, Billy Idol, and the combined post-punk legacy of Joy Division and New Order. The induction ceremony is scheduled for November 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, where music history and African excellence will be firmly in the spotlight.
