Fela loses Induction into 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame despite massive Fan votes

The Afro-beat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti has lost the induction into the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame despite the massive Fan Votes.

The Rock Hall announced the 2021 inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Wednesday, but Fela was missing on the list, despite being the second in the fan vote category.

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).

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

— Rock Hall (@rockhall) May 12, 2021

The Rock Hall explained on their website that the Inductees were not chosen based on just Fans vote alone but other forms of voting systems were considered. A voting system that includes historians, artists, and all other members of the music industry

“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,” they wrote.

The entire incident however generated several reactions on Twitter particularly from Nigerians tweep.

Fela Kuti was 2nd place based on fan votes. However, the ppl who didn’t come close to him were selected to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Despite this there was a clause that essentially meant the fan vote didn’t matter. They never planned on letting Fela win. pic.twitter.com/u3UGIQGnXv

— Raro Lae (@TheRaroLae) May 12, 2021

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