Fela Kuti, meanwhile, is receiving the Early Influence Award, a distinction reserved for pioneers whose sound and ideas laid the groundwork for entire genres and movements.

In short, Sade is recognised for her body of work as a recording artist, while Fela is honoured for creating a musical blueprint (Afrobeats) that others have built on.

The induction ceremony will take place on November 14, 2026, at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, with global broadcasts on ABC and Disney+.

Alongside names like Phil Collins, Oasis, Wu-Tang Clan, and Luther Vandross, the inclusion of Sade and Fela signals a shift in perspective.

Sade Adu

Born Helen Folasade Adu in Ibadan, Nigeria, in 1959, Sade’s life has always sat between worlds. She moved to the UK as a child, grew up in Essex, and later immersed herself in London’s creative scene. Fashion student, model, backup singer, but none of it quite fit until she formed Sade, the band that would carry her name and define a sound.

What sets her apart is control. Her voice doesn’t reach for drama; it pulls you in quietly. That restraint became her signature.

Her debut album, Diamond Life (1984), introduced a new kind of pop sophistication. Smooth Operator and Your Love Is King weren’t loud statements but were precise, polished, and emotionally contained. Follow-up projects like Promise , Stronger Than Pride and The Sweetest Taboo doubled down on that formula, blending jazz, soul, and minimalism into her own touch.

As a Grammy-winning artist with global sales in the tens of millions, Sade’s influence runs deep.

Her induction in the Performer Category recognises a career built not on volume, but precision, by refining how emotion is delivered in sound.

Fela Kuti

Where Sade is measured, Fela Kuti was uncompromising.

Born in 1938 in Abeokuta, Nigeria, into a politically active family, Fela inherited a strong sense of resistance early on. His mother was a leading anti-colonial activist, and that spirit carried directly into his work.

After studying music in London and later encountering the Black Power movement in the US, Fela returned to Nigeria with a clear direction. The result was Afrobeat, a genre he didn’t just pioneer, but fully engineered.

Afrobeat fused jazz, funk, highlife, and traditional West African rhythms into long, groove-driven compositions layered with horns, percussion, and politically charged lyrics. Songs like Zombie and Sorrow , Tears and Blood weren’t just records, but confrontations with authority.

He built the Kalakuta Republic , a commune that doubled as a creative and political base. The Nigerian government responded with force. Raids, arrests, violence, yet Fela absorbed it all and kept recording.

His music wasn’t escapism. It was resistance.

Receiving the Early Influence Award, Fela’s impact is now formally acknowledged at a global level. His legacy runs through modern African stars like Wizkid and Burna Boy.

Hermès reported consolidated revenue of €15.2 billion for 2024, a 15 % increase at constant exchange rates and 13 % at current rates. The French house also recorded a recurring operating income of €6.2 billion, representing 40.5 % of sales, and a net profit of €4.6 billion (about 30.3 % of sales).

Meanwhile, Ferrari logged net revenues of €6.677 billion in 2024, up 11.8 % from the previous year (or 13.4 % at constant currency). The Italian marque also earned an operating profit of €1.888 billion (28.3 % margin) and delivered 13,752 vehicles — modest growth in volume, but strategic strength in model mix and personalisation.

Hermès ’ performance highlights the enduring power of artisanal excellence and brand heritage. Growth spans all geographic areas, with the Americas in particular showing strong momentum.

On the other hand, Ferrari’s ascent reflects its dual identity as a luxury brand and an automotive innovator. The company attributes its growth to a richer product mix, increased personalisation, and strong brand desirability, despite global headwinds in volume markets.

The luxury sector overall faced disruptions in 2024: economic slowdowns, shifting consumer patterns, weaker demand in China, and inflationary pressures. Remarkably, both Hermès and Ferrari navigated these challenges successfully.

These results also tie into bigger global themes of the luxury market is becoming increasingly segmented. Brands that can offer uniqueness, exclusivity and emotional appeal may fare better than those relying purely on scale. Consumers are more discerning, and as luxury becomes more globalised, brands must maintain authenticity while expanding reach.

"This is amazing, blowing a trumpet for 24 hours straight is incredible," said Myra, a student attending the event.

Brian Nyarango, a software developer, expressed confidence in Mutsembi's attempt. "We have a good pedigree as marathon runners. Now a musician is trying to achieve something similar. It's beautiful."

Digital marketer James Wamaathai was thrilled to witness the event. "I've supported his music before, but being part of a Guinness World Records attempt is something special," he said.

Writer Rehab Gachango marveled at Mutsembi's stamina. "It's mind-blowing, where does he get the lungs for this?" she wondered.

Mutsembi's attempt captured the spirit of determination and creativity, inspiring those who gathered to witness this remarkable feat.