Celebrity News
Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and Sade Adu Inducted Into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced the induction of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and Sade Adu, placing two artists with very different approaches to music in the same class.
For Fela, the recognition follows years of nominations and support from critics and musicians who view Afrobeat as one of the most influential genres to emerge from Africa. His recordings from the 1970s and 1980s, particularly albums like Zombie and Expensive Shit, have been frequently referenced by international music publications. Outlets such as Rolling Stone and Pitchfork have consistently ranked his work among the most important global contributions to modern music, noting his direct political messaging and complex arrangements, which departed from standard pop song structures.
Sade Adu – Instagram
Sade Adu’s induction points to a different type of influence. Emerging in the 1980s with her band Sade, she has maintained consistent commercial performance over decades without frequent releases or heavy promotion. Albums such as Diamond Life and Love Deluxe continue to attract new listeners through streaming and media use. Coverage from outlets like Billboard often highlights her consistency, noting a sound that avoids shifting trends.
The Hall of Fame has historically faced criticism for its narrow definition of “rock”, with past inductions gradually expanding to include hip-hop, R&B and global music traditions. Fela’s inclusion marks a more direct recognition of African genres. Many critics argue that Afrobeat’s fusion of jazz, highlife and funk influenced artists far beyond Nigeria, shaping rhythms and production in American and British music scenes.
Sade Adu – Instagram
Sade’s case is less about genre expansion and more about longevity. Her work does not fit easily into rock classifications, yet its impact on contemporary R&B and pop is widely recorded. Artists over time have cited her as an example of restrained vocals and minimal production. Unlike many Hall of Fame inductees, her public presence has remained deliberately limited, without affecting her commercial performance.
Industry reaction has focused on the timing of the decision. Both artists have been eligible for years, and their eventual induction raises questions about how the Hall weighs global influence against commercial success. Neither artist built their career solely around the American market, yet their music has maintained a strong presence within it.
Fela Anikulapo-Kuti – Instagram
For many African audiences, Fela’s induction has added significance. His music was inseparable from his political activism, and his legacy is maintained in Nigeria through institutions like the Felabration, which draws international audiences each year. Sade, though more removed from public life in Nigeria, remains one of the most widely recognised artists of Nigerian heritage.
Placing both names on the same list does not suggest similarity in style or career strategy. Instead, it reflects a shift in how influence is assessed. The Hall of Fame is moving toward recognising artists whose impact falls outside traditional Western genre categories.
French Montana is set to headline two shows in South Africa this December. This is part of the launch of AFROTRAX, a new live entertainment series. The rapper will perform in Cape Town on December 4 before heading to Johannesburg for a second show on December 5, 2026.
The events are organised by AFROTRAX in partnership with PLAYY. The Cape Town show takes place at The Ostrich Farm. It will start from 2pm until midnight. The Johannesburg event is at The Canvas. It begins at 1pm and ends at 11pm.
Born Karim Kharbouch, Montana songs include “Unforgettable” featuring Swae Lee, “No Stylist,” “Pop That” and “Ain’t Worried About Nothin’.” Over the years, he has worked with Drake, Cardi B, Post Malone and Chris Brown.
Photo: Getty Images
“Unforgettable,” released in 2017, was one of his top hits and it reached the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100.
American rapper B.o.B will be a special guest at both events. His songs are “Nothin’ on You,” featuring Bruno Mars, “Airplanes,” featuring Hayley Williams, and “Magic,” featuring Rivers Cuomo.
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South African artists will also feature prominently across the two dates. The Cape Town line-up includes Cassper Nyovest, Nasty C, YoungstaCPT and 25K, alongside Jairic, Rarri, Kane as a DJ and Bassik.
The Johannesburg event will feature Cassper Nyovest, amapiano producer and DJ Kabza De Small, and rapper Blxckie. Lucasraps, Jairic, Rarri, K.Keed and Teddy Tumi are also scheduled to perform.
AFROTRAX says its events will offer a festival experience that extends beyond the headline performances, with music, food, lifestyle activations and hospitality options forming part of the programme.
Photo: Getty Images
The organisers have directed fans to PLAYY. Music for ticket access and latest updates about the event. Fans should consult the official ticketing platform before making arrangements.
The two shows will mark the launch of AFROTRAX in South Africa. With French Montana and B.o.B leading the international line-up, the events will bring American performers and South African artists together in December.
Nia Long has been honoured with the 2,857th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking a major milestone in a career that has spanned more than three decades across film and television.
The actress was celebrated during a ceremony on Wednesday, September 16, where rapper Snoop Dogg and Michael producer Graham King served as guest speakers. Larenz Tate, Morris Chestnut, Tiffany Haddish, Mike Epps and Terrence Howard were among the stars who attended the event. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce also declared September 16 Nia Long Day.
Photo: Instagram/@Nia Long
For Long, the occasion brought back memories of visiting Hollywood Boulevard with her mother, Talita Long, when she was young. She recalled looking at the stars along the famous street before eventually seeing her own name added to the Walk of Fame decades later.
Long’s career gained wider attention with John Singleton’s 1991 film Boyz n the Hood. She went on to appear in films including Friday, Love Jones, The Best Man, Soul Food and Made in America. Her television credits include playing Lisa Wilkes on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, as well as roles in Third Watch, NCIS: Los Angeles, Empire, Dear White People and #blackAF.
Her recent work includes Michael, Antoine Fuqua’s biopic about Michael Jackson, in which Long plays Katherine Jackson. The role also reunited her with producer Graham King.
Photo: Instagram/@Nia Long
During the ceremony, Snoop Dogg spoke about Long’s career and the importance of remaining true to herself in an industry where performers can face pressure to change. His appearance reflected the long-standing connections Long has built during her years in entertainment.
Long also used her speech to recognise the people who have supported her throughout her journey. She thanked God, her mother, her sons Massai and Kez, family members who have died and the women who have been part of her life.
She also reflected on her younger self, remembering the girl from Brooklyn with Caribbean roots who once questioned whether she could achieve the career she wanted.
Photo: Instagram/@Nia Long
The Walk of Fame recognition comes as Long continues to work in film and television. She is set to reunite with her Love Jones co-star Larenz Tate in the upcoming Netflix romantic drama Don’t Ever Wonder, where she also serves as executive producer.
The actress is also working on a memoir, while another project with Ice Cube, Are They Gone Yet?, is in development. The pair previously worked together on Are We There Yet? and Are We Done Yet?.
Long’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star adds another significant milestone to a career that has included some of the most recognisable films and television shows of the past three decades.
Shekhinah has announced that she is now a mother. She shared the news through a series of maternity photographs online.
The Suited hitmaker posted images from a beachside maternity shoot. She wore a beaded white two-piece outfit with a lace veil while looking in the ocean at sunset. The photographs were credited to “Aunty Bebe.”
Shekhinah also shared a message dedicated to her daughter. She described her child as a blessing.
“We are so lucky to have you with us, baby girl. I am leaving these pictures here as a forever reminder of the magic that is pregnancy and a time stamp to when life changed forever for the better. By God’s grace, you are here and more precious@ than we could have asked for… happy three months to our favourite girl,”
Photo: Instagram/@Shekinahd
The announcement came three months after the birth, meaning Shekhinah kept her pregnancy secret. The child’s father’s name was not mentioned.
Read Also: Ciara Is Pregnant, Expecting Her Fifth Child With Russell Wilson
Her decision to share the news after the birth follows how private she is. While Shekhinah has a successful career in music, she has kept family matters to herself.
The maternity photographs attracted reactions from Bonang Matheba, Boity Thulo, DJ Zinhle, Natasha Thahane, Ayanda Thabethe and Lungile Thabethe.
Photo: Instagram/@Shekinahd
Her appearance on Idols SA made her popular. She established herself as a singer and songwriter with songs including “Suited,” “Please Mr.” and “Different.”
Her debut album, Rose Gold, became a multi platinum release in South Africa. Her second album, Trouble in Paradise earned Gold certification.
The singer’s motherhood announcement comes as a new chapter in her personal life. By choosing to reveal the news through selected maternity photographs, she has shown the world she can be open when need be.
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