Afrobeats Hall of Fame honours class of 2021

The annual event is the brainchild of tourism and hospitality consultancy firm Estilo Davida and seeks to honour artistry and the significant contributions made by personalities toward the dissemination and creation of African music. It was hosted by Nigerian musician D'banj and comedian Bovi, with performances by 2022 Grammy nominees Wizkid and Made Kuti.

Chairman of the panel Kenny Ogungbe said the initiative aimed to “inspiring and engaging African people through the power of African music, and building a serious level of credibility, respect and acceptance across Africa and the entire world.”

This year’s edition honoured personalities across performance and non-performance categories. The performance categories featured three segments including The Early Influencers category, which comprises legendary entertainers Tunde King, Onitsha Native Orchestra, E.C. Arinze, Victor Olaiya, Mamman Chata and Bobby Benson.

The Mid-influencer category, which honours personalities who made contributions from the 1960s to 1970s, comprises honourees such as Chief Osita Osadebe, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Rex Lawson, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, King Sunny Ade, Dan Maraya Jos, Peacock Guitar Band International and Bala Miller. The Modern Influencer category, which awards important figures from the 1990s to 2000s, comprised the likes of 2Baba Idibia, Onyeka Onwenu, Femi Kuti, Daddy Showkey and a host of others.

The Non-performance category honoured industry professionals including Keke and D1, Olisa Adibu, Obi Asika, Sunday Are and Eddie Lawani. 

“It is very exciting to be involved in a project of this nature, which is fundamentally about celebrating world-class talents that have come out of Africa,” Obi Asika, who served as the vice-chairman of ABHF’s blue-ribbon panel, said. “We know that the title says Afrobeats Hall of Fame, but we are not genre-specific. We are looking at all African music and all African legends.”

Meanwhile, Fela Kuti, Tony Odili, Jimmy Amu, King Sunny Ade, Rex Lawson, Onyeka Onwenu, Ebenezer Obey and Chief Osita Osadebe received special lifetime achievement recognition for their impact on the music industry.