Why Fela Deserves To Be Inducted Into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame

The late Fela Kuti has been chosen among the nominees in the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and if history is any indication, he could take his place among the pantheon of the all-time greats.

Fela may have died in 1997 but his words, actions, and music still echo today. He is without a doubt an inspiration to many and perhaps no one on the list of nominees deserves to be inducted into the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame than he does. Below are the reasons.

Human Rights Hero

If there was one thing that distinguished the pioneer of Afrobeat music, it was his tireless efforts in fighting the injustice being meted out to his people. From the start, the fearless icon was a beacon of hope to many, defying the government at the time and getting beaten up and locked up for it. 

Fela's efforts were met with stiff opposition from the administration and in 1984, the military government of Muhammadu Buhari imprisoned him on the charge of currency smuggling. His case caught the attention of Amnesty International and he was released 20 months later.

 International Recognition

His staunch political views and popularity earned him international recognition; something that has refused to fade many years after his passing. This is because he wasn't just Fela for Nigerians. He was (and is still seen as) the incarnation of the unending fight against oppression in whatever form. 

Each year, the Felaberation festival is held in his honor, and many artists, fans, and personalities from different parts of the world gather to celebrate the man who transcended the genre of music to become a global icon.

Also, a Broadway musical titled Fela! was made. Premiering on Broadway at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre on November 23, 2009, it ran for a month and won the Lucille Lortel Awards for Best Musical, Oustanding Choreography, and Outstanding Costume Design.

READ ALSO: Fela Kuti Nominated For 2021 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame

 Afrobeat Legacy

Fela was best known for the creation and promotion of the genre of music known as Afrobeat. Because of his unique delivery and didactic themes bordering on societal ills, it came to be accepted by many on a global scale. 

Thanks to his efforts, today many artists have become Afrobeat ambassadors as it has now become what has put Nigeria (and indeed Africa) on the world map in terms of entertainment.

Undying Name and Relevance

There is hardly a civilized place in the world where the name "Fela" doesn't ring a bell. Even the child today has heard of the great deeds of the one who sacrificed his time and body for the greater good of the common man. 

There is a saying that legends live forever. That is an apt description of what Fela Kuti's name has become as he is still mentioned in contemporary times due to his continued relevance. 

As a matter of fact, one cannot talk about the rich history of Nigeria without talking about the man and the myth known as Fela. His story is one of the most appealing aspects of our entertainment industry and many are still being inspired today as a result of his heroics.