The late afrobeat legend, Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti popularly known as Fela Anikulapo Kuti could be set for a posthumous honour after he was nominated for the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The late musician was nominated alongside international artistes like JAY-Z, Dionne Warwick, Foo Fighters, The Go-Go’s, Iron Maiden and Carole King, and he could be inducted on his first-ever nomination.
The Water No Get Enemy singer will also compete with other veteran singers likes of Mary J. Blige, Tina Turner, LL Cool J and Chaka Khan who made the 16-man list of nominees which was announced on Wednesday.
Todd Rundgren, Kate Bush, the New York Dolls, Devo and Rage Against the Machine completes the nomination list.
According to the chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, John Skyles, “This remarkable ballot reflects the diversity and depth of the artists and music the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrates.
“These Nominees have left an indelible impact on the sonic landscape of the world and influenced countless artists that have followed them.”
Fans vote for up to five nominees daily from today till the 30th of April on the Rock Halls website while the winners of the 36th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony which will take in Cleveland, Ohio will be inducted in May 2021.
President Buhari commended the construction company handling the project, Messrs Mota-Engil Nigeria Limited, for supporting knowledge and technology transfer by investing in the establishment of a learning Institution for Transportation and Railway Science.
“We have in the rail sector embarked on the completion of the 1,424 Kilometer Lagos – Kano rail line to join the one being flagged-off today for the country’s Western axis.
“On the Eastern corridor of the country, the Port Harcourt – Enugu – Makurdi – Maiduguri rail line with branches to Owerri, Imo State and Damaturu, Yobe State, have been awarded for reconstruction to include a deep seaport in Bonny Island and a Railway Industrial Park in Port Harcourt with the objectives of achieving a vibrant and functional railway.”
In his remarks, the Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari, appreciated the President for bringing the life-long dream of the state to reality with inclusion on the Kano-Maradi rail line.
Governor Masari, accompanied by the Governor of Kano, Abdullahi Ganduje, and Jigawa, Badaru Abubakar, urged the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, to work towards the completion and commissioning of the project by 2023.
The Minister of Transportation said the feasibility study for the Kano-Maradi railway started in 2012 and was concluded by 2015, thanking the President for support and regular intervention. Punch
Pix: Fela Anikulapo Kuti
