Fela misses out on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction — despite massive fan votes

The 2021 inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame were announced on Wednesday with Fela Kuti, the late Afrobeat legend, missing out on the list.

The development comes despite the fact that he placed second in the fan vote category which creates a single official ballot.

TheCable Lifestyle had reported how the iconic singer was nominated alongside 15 other artistes for possible induction into the coveted institution.

But on Wednesday, he was not included in the list of inductees.

Inductees in the performers’ category include Jay-Z, Tina Turner, Carole King, The Go-Go’s, Foo Fighters and Todd Rundgren, and LL Cool J.

Others inductees in the special categories include Clarence Ahmet (Ahmet Ertegum Awardee), Karftwerk, Charley Patton, Gil Scot-Herron (Early Influence), Billy Preston, and Randy Rhoads (Musical Excellence).

The induction ceremony is billed for October 30 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Just Announced: The #RockHall2021 Inductees pic.twitter.com/WeocRAvSDb

— Rock Hall (@rockhall) May 12, 2021

HOW WERE THE INDUCTEES SELECTED?

In a statement on its website, the organisers explained that “the top five artists, as selected by the public, will comprise a ‘fans’ ballot’ that will be tallied along with the other ballots to select the 2021 Inductees.”

“Nominee ballots are sent to an international voting body of more than 1,000 artists, historians, and members of the music industry. Factors such as an artist’s musical influence on other artists, length and depth of career and the body of work, innovation and superiority in style and technique are taken into consideration,” it added.

This means that making the top five in the fan vote category does not automatically qualify a nominee for induction.

For instance, Fela, Turner, The Go-Go’s, Foo Fighters and Iron Maiden made the top five of the fan vote category.

But only the three of them — Turner, The Go-Go’s and Foo Fighters — made the inductees’ list alongside some of those — like Jay-Z — who missed out on the top five in the fan vote category.

The development has continued to generate controversies on Twitter, with many Nigerians expressing different views on the selection process.

Joining the fray, Femi Kuti, the late singer’s son, faulted the lack of adequate enlightenment on the part of the organisers on how inductees are selected.

Apparently there’s another vote only members can take part in, and that’s what counts. So they kind of wasted our precious time, the positive side #Fela was trending and many who never heard of him got to hear his music and his story . https://t.co/xhUqFTeZiO

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— Femi Anikulapo-Kuti (@Femiakuti) May 12, 2021

“It’s so sad when Afrobeats has come so far, that they still refuse to acknowledge our talents and clear influence on the culture. Is it too much to ask that African Artists be acknowledge in the same categories, not just “International Talent”?” another user queried.

It’s so sad when Afrobeats has come so far, that they still refuse to acknowledge our talents and clear influence on the culture.

Is it too much to ask that African Artists be acknowledge in the same categories, not just “International Talent”? #felarockhalloffame #felakuti

— Raro Lae (@TheRaroLae) May 12, 2021

The organisers had earlier described this year’s nominations as the most racially diverse since 1996 with nine people of colour making the list.

“This remarkable ballot reflects the diversity and depth of the artists and music the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrates,” it had said.

“These nominees have left an indelible impact on the sonic landscape of the world and influenced countless artists that have followed them.”

The Notorious B.I.G; and Whitney Houston, US gospel singer, were among those inducted in 2020.

Here are other reactions below:

This is bullshit! With all the massive campaigns and votes for Fela, you still don’t count him worthy to make the list? You must think Nigerians are a joke to you! Don’t come to the Mainland! https://t.co/FZhVNG8yXy

— Wale Adetona (@iSlimfit) May 12, 2021

Wait, Fela didn't make it into the list of inductees at all? How? https://t.co/TLUCYkjmj3

— Kelvin Odanz (@MrOdanz) May 12, 2021

#RockHall2021 Fela came 2nd on the final day of Voting,the Go-Go’s 3rd,Foo Fighters 5th. 3rd& 5th were inducted, leaving out 2nd. @rockhall, care to explain why you made us vote massively for Fela when you knew induction wasn’t going to be be based on the final poll results?! pic.twitter.com/YIZMJneHMZ

— WizkidtheGreatest 🐐 (@WizkidtheLegend) May 12, 2021

So Fela Anikulapo-Kuti didn't make the list of #RockHall2021 inductees, with all our campaigns and votes?. I think fans vote is just formality, because Fela was the first runner up behind Tina Turner, and those in 3rd, 4th and 5th place made the list.

— UNCLE AJ (@UNCLE_AJALA) May 12, 2021