The public announcement unveiled a diverse lineup of inductees across multiple categories, reflecting the institution’s continued effort to recognise global influence in music beyond its traditional Western roots.

In the Performer category, a star-studded class includes acts such as Wu-Tang Clan, Luther Vandross, Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division / New Order, and Oasis—an eclectic mix spanning hip-hop, R&B, rock, and alternative music.

For Nigeria, however, the standout moment is the dual recognition of two icons whose influence has long crossed continents.

Sade Adu, known for her smooth, timeless vocals and genre-defining classics from the 80s and 90s, continues to shape modern music culture, with her influence echoing in the work of global stars such as Adele and Drake.

Meanwhile, Fela Kuti was honoured in the Early Influence Award category, a recognition of his groundbreaking role as the pioneer of Afrobeat. His fusion of highlife, jazz, and funk didn’t just create a genre—it became a powerful cultural and political statement that still inspires artists worldwide.

He joins other influential figures in that category, including Celia Cruz, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, and Gram Parsons, highlighting his place among music’s most transformative voices.

The 2026 ceremony, scheduled for November 14 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, also celebrates behind-the-scenes contributors through the Musical Excellence Award, with honourees such as Rick Rubin, Linda Creed, Arif Mardin, and Jimmy Miller.

Eligibility rules require that artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior, making this year’s class a celebration of long-standing impact rather than fleeting success.

With both Fela Kuti and Sade Adu recognised on the same induction list, the 2026 edition stands out as a landmark year—one that firmly places Nigerian musical heritage at the heart of global music history.

 

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Nigerian singer Iyanya has asserted that he endorsed his estranged Ghanaian girlfriend, actress Yvonne Nelson’s controversial memoir, ‘I Am Not Yvonne Nelson,’ without prior knowledge of his inclusion in the book.

Mp3bullet reported, the Ghanaian actress detailed her experiences with Iyanya in a chapter titled “Iyanya And My Love Life,” revealing her discoveries about his alleged infidelity with Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh.

In a recent interview with The Beat 99.9 FM in Lagos, Iyanya admitted to endorsing the book without being aware of its contents. Despite his previous promise to address Nelson’s allegations when the book was released, he stated that he is not yet prepared to respond to the accusations of infidelity.

Iyanya emphasized that he and Nelson maintain a positive relationship and communicate regularly, indicating that despite any past issues, they remain on good terms.

“I endorsed Yvonne Nelson’s book without knowing I was in the book”

– Iyanya pic.twitter.com/L2QorhAZpC

— 🐬 @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) March 20, 2024

In addition, Iyanya has unveiled the intriguing backstory behind the title of his latest album, ‘Once Upon A Cat,’ revealing that it was inspired by a comment from a social media troll. During an interview on Naija FM, Iyanya discussed his album and his decision to collaborate with emerging artists.

The album title stemmed from a remark made by a social media user during a discussion sparked by Davido’s classification of Burna Boy as a “new cat” in the Afrobeats scene.

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