Tina Turner has overtaken late Nigerian legend Fela Kuti in the race for induction into the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The iconic American singer has amassed 425617 votes at the time of writing. Just over 2,400 separate the ‘Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll’ from her closest competitor, the Afrobeat pioneer, Fela. The pair have been locked in a tight race for the top since the polls opened in February.
American rock bands the Go-Go’s, Iron Maiden and the Foo Fighters round out the top 5. Other huge names nominated include Jay-Z, Chaka Khan, Carole King, Mary J. Blige, Kate Bush, Rage Against the Machine and Dionne Warwick.
Kuti has the chance of making history as the first Nigerian artist in the Rock and Roll hall of fame. He is remembered as an influential icon who was brave enough to boldly voice his opinions on matters that affected the nation through his music.
At the height of his popularity, he was referred to as one of Africa’s most “challenging and charismatic music performers.”
To be eligible, an individual artist or band must have released its first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination.
Voting closes on April 30, and the inductees will be announced in May 2021.
Rita Osakwe
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