Move aside EMMYs, Grammys, Oscars and Tony’s, The Black Magic awards are in town and they are making some serious noise.
Following last year’s star studded, inaugural awards ceremony, The Black Magic Awards returned on 1st October to the Criterion Theatre in the heart of London’s West End. Hosted by Capital Xtra’s award-winning presenter Remel London, the evening honoured and celebrated the remarkable achievements of 16 black women from across TV, Film, Music, Sport, Fashion, Business and the Community.
Sponsored by international beauty brand, Palmers – The Black Magic Awards which was founded in 2017 by Comedian, Actor and Film Producer Kojo Anim and Editor and Entrepreneur Annika Allen is dedicated to recognising the epitome of black excellence and is the ultimate night of #blackgirlmagic! Honourees included TV Presenter Angellica Bell, Magic FM’s Angie Greaves (YAY!), Stand-up Comedian Gina Yashere, Saxophonist and Composer Yolanda Brown and Model and Activist Munroe Bergdrof and many more!
Kojo Anim and Annika Allen from The Colour Network have created a fabulous concept which I envisage will be on the same scale if not bigger than Black Girls Rock in the States within 2 years time. The Criterion Theatre in Piccadilly Circus was filled with #BlackGirlMagic on Monday 1st October (or as one of my Instagram followers would say “filled floor-to-ceiling wall-to-wall with #MelaninMagnificence).
The Awards highlight women of colour across British media who have stood the test of time and are either at the top of their game or have been making the right noises for the last few years and I was more than honoured to receive an award for Services to Radio.
It was an absolute pleasure and an honour to stand alongside Ellen Thomas of EastEnders, Gina Yashere Comedian, Angelica Bell TV presenter CBBC, Yolanda Brown Saxophonist, and amongst others Emeli Sandé singer and entertainer. A truly fabulous event.
The British Black Business Awards
Celebrates the often unsung contributions of exceptional black business professionals and entrepreneurs.
Recognises and rewards exceptional role models and the businesses that support them.
Focuses on commercial excellence and business impact.
Transcends stereotypes, challenges unconscious bias and promotes social mobility.
Inspires confidence in the strength of the ethnic minority talent pipeline across sectors.
The BBBAwards are the only premium awards programme to celebrate both the exceptional performance and outstanding achievements of black professionals and entrepreneurs in global, small and medium enterprises operating in Great Britain. The BBBAwards uncover inspirational role models; ambassadors who represent the very best talent across various sectors in the British economy. The BBBAwards are designed to transcend stereotypes and highlight the often-unsung contributions of black people to the British economy.
Thursday 4th October at the Grange Hotel, St Pauls, the creme de la creme of British Black Businesses gathered to celebrate their achievements. I’ve got to say – and this really isn’t a cliche – that I was totally honoured to have been nominated. To stand alongside past and present Award recipients such as Saville Row Tailor Ozwald Boateng, British Vogue Publisher Vanessa Kingori and the likes of Karen Blackett of Mediacom was beyond an honour.
The evening proceeded with a video message from Virgin founder and CEO Richard Branson and was hosted by Holby City’s Chizzy Akudolu
A fabulous evening with the concept created by Melanie Eusebe and Sophia Chanduaja. SO proud to be a part of the evening. And so so proud to be a Finalist. Thank you BBBAs 🌟@melanieeusebe and thank you to @adriannapapell for my dress 😊
Yes! Last week was a busy one… but so worth it to see so many queens and kings celebrating #BlackMagic! I was honoured, moved, elated and overjoyed to be able to be a part of it all.
