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Nigerian music pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti and British-Nigerian singer Sade Adu are among the artists to be recognised at the 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Los Angeles on Saturday.
Fela and Sade are among five artists selected for the Early Influence Award, alongside Queen Latifah, Celia Cruz and Gram Parsons.
The ceremony, scheduled to be held at the Peacock Theatre, will also honour Oasis, Billy Idol, Wu-Tang Clan, Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order and the late Luther Vandross in the performer category.
The Cleveland-based Rock and Roll Hall of Fame said more than 1,000 musicians, historians and music industry professionals took part in selecting this year’s inductees.
Fela, the pioneer of Afrobeat, is being recognised for his influence on music, while Sade is celebrated for a catalogue of songs that includes “Smooth Operator” and “No Ordinary Love”.
However, several inductees have confirmed they will not attend the ceremony.
Sade announced its absence in a statement, saying, “Sorry, we can’t be there in person to celebrate with the other artists. Please know that our absence takes nothing away from how much this recognition means to us.”
Oasis members Liam and Noel Gallagher have also declined to attend. Noel is scheduled to perform in London, while Liam said in a social media response that the journey was too far for one night.
Iron Maiden will miss the event because of its tour in Australia, while Phil Collins has said health problems will prevent him from taking the stage.
Joy Division and New Order will receive a joint induction. New Order was formed after Joy Division’s lead singer, Ian Curtis, died in 1980. The group later became influential in alternative dance music, releasing songs including “Blue Monday” and “True Faith”.
The attendance of New Order members and whether the group will perform remain uncertain.
Wu-Tang Clan, known for tracks such as “C.R.E.A.M” and “Protect Ya Neck”, are also among this year’s inductees. The group recently concluded a tour billed as its last.
Billy Idol is expected to attend after Los Angeles declared November 13 as “Billy Idol Day”. The singer described his induction as “a tremendous honor”.
Artists become eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25 years after releasing their first commercial recording.
