The organizers of the Afrobeats Hall of Fame (ABHF) Induction have announced the 2021 inductees in an epoch-making ceremony held in Lagos on Saturday (February 26). The institution is distinguished as the first of its kind in Africa and created to pay homage and honour African achievements in music.
The 2021 Afrobeats Hall of Fame Induction honored and recognized the artistry and contributions of those who have played major roles in the dissemination and creation of African music in four categories: Early Influencers, Mid-Influencers (the 1960s and 1970s), Modern Influencers, and Non-Performing.
Tunde King, Onitsha Native Orchestra, E.C Arinze, Victor Olaiya, Mamman Chata, and Bobby Benson are among the early influencers, while Chief Osita Osadebe, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Rex Lawson, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, King Sunny Ade, Dan Maraya Jos, Peacock Guitar Band International, and Bala Miller are among the mid-influencers who were honored.
The Non-Performing category honored Keke and D1, Olisa Adibu, Obi Asika, Sunday Are, and Eddie Lawani. The last category—(the 90s-2000s) Modern Influencer, which includes the power to vote—has the likes of 2face Idibia, Onyeka Onwenu, Femi Kuti, Daddy Showkey, and a host of others, while Tony Odili, Jimmy Amu, King Sunny Ade, Rex Lawson, Onyeka Onwenu, Ebenezer Obey, Chief Osita Osadebe, Fela Anikulapo Kuti will be getting special recognition for “Lifetime Achievements” in the music industry.
The ground-breaking event also celebrated the historic and cultural relevance of African music by showcasing the African pride of the entertainment industry.
The Afrobeats Hall of Fame’s goals include inspiring and engaging African people via the force of African music, establishing serious legitimacy, and celebrating the historic and cultural relevance of African music.
With its induction ceremony bringing together key stakeholders in the music industry to create a never-before Hall of Fame Induction in Africa, the ceremony included a string of hybrid events spanning from headline tribute live performances from A-list Nigerian superstar artistes to art exhibitions, creating an immersive and exotic experience designed to meet the entertainment cravings of Africans.
The ABHF was created to pay homage and honour African achievements and to showcase African pride in the entertainment industry. This exponential ceremony is to be marked annually to fully recognize and immerse our African legends and entertainment veterans who constantly raise the bar and have changed narratives in this industry with their achievements.
