Fela Kuti Tops Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Nominee List As Nigerians Canvass Votes
Fela Kuti, the late Afrobeat legend, is currently topping the voting chart for the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees for possible induction.
As of the time of filing this report, Fela has garnered over 64,000 votes to occupy the first spot followed closely by Tina Turner who has over 54,000 votes.
TheCable Lifestyle had reported how the late Afrobeat icon was nominated alongside 15 other artistes for possible induction into the coveted institution.
The organisers had announced that those with the highest votes will be announced in May and inducted at a ceremony in the fall in Cleveland, Ohio.
But on Thursday, Fela was the least on the chart with only 2,654 votes — a development which generated concerns among several Nigerians, including celebrities.
This led celebrities like Burna Boy, Don Jazzy, Davido, Mr Macaroni, Banky W to join other Nigerians in canvassing for votes for the legendary singer.
“Come on Nigerians ! We can do this. This is our Baba Fela we are talking about o. Vote for Fela Anikulapo Kuti for a well-deserved place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,” the Mavins Records CEO wrote.j
In the same vein, the ‘African Giant’ crooner wrote: “Let’s get the legend Fela Kuti inducted into the Rock n Roll hall of fame.
Similarly, Banky W, wrote: “As at last night Fela had the least votes… Nigerians, Africans, let’s pretend like this is Big Brother Naija and pepper dem. Vote for Fela Anikulapo Kuti for a well-deserved place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”
Fela is regarded as the originator of Afrobeat an African music genre combining traditional Yoruba music and Afro-Cuban music with funk and a bit of jazz in it.
He came into the spotlight in the 70’s for his constant criticism of the then military regime in Nigeria.