The 15th anniversary of the GUBA Awards, was a night of celebration, inspiration, and major announcements. The prestigious event, held at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London on Friday evening, brought together leaders from politics to business, innovators, acting, sporting and musical talent as well as changemakers, to honour the achievements of the African diaspora while charting a bold path for the future.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, the evening’s guest of honour used the occasion to praise the contributions of Londoners of African heritage and to announce his ambition to lead a historic trade mission to Africa, in partnership with GUBA, highlighting the importance of strengthening London’s ties with Africa.
Speaking to an audience which included actor Micheal Ward, musician Fuse ODG, MPs Bell Ribeiro-Addy and Dawn Butler, Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice Debbie Weekes-Bernard, former footballer and broadcaster Eni Aluko, Director of Community Engagement for King Charles and The Queen, Eva Omaghomi, and comedian and BBC radio host Eddie Kadi, the Mayor said: “I’m delighted to have the chance to pay tribute to all of tonight’s winners and to celebrate the spectacular contributions and achievements of London’s African Diaspora.
“The individuals in this room and African communities across this city are living proof that diversity isn’t a weakness but our greatest strength. It’s crystal clear that Londoners of African heritage have contributed and continue to contribute endlessly to the spirit, soul, and success of our city. Indeed, without your energy and input, London wouldn’t be what it is today – the greatest city in the world.
“As a city and as a country, we need to be doing much more to deepen our trading relationship with Africa, to spotlight and support African heritage innovators and businesses, and to unlock the limitless talent of people of African descent. As Mayor of London, I’m firmly committed to advancing these goals.
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“I still have many ambitions, and one of them is to be the first-ever Mayor of London to lead a trade mission to Africa. While I can’t give details tonight, I am hopeful to make an announcement soon, side by side with GUBA.”
Lady Dentaa Amoateng, MBE, Founder and CEO of the GUBA Awards, marked the milestone with her own significant announcement – the first-ever GUBA Awards in the Caribbean, expanding the platform’s global reach and fostering stronger ties between Africa and the Caribbean.
“Fifteen years. It’s hard to believe. This journey began as the Ghana UK-Based Achievement Awards and has since evolved into Grow, Unite, Build Africa (GUBA) – a thriving platform that unites the global African diaspora,” she said as she thanked her team, GUBA board, family, friends and supporters for being with her every step of the way.
“Looking ahead, I am thrilled to announce our commitment to hosting the first-ever GUBA Awards in the Caribbean, possibly in Barbados. This expansion reflects GUBA’s vision of connecting ideas, talents, and resources across borders to foster real, lasting development.”
The evening celebrated GUBA’s evolution from a single event in London to an international platform spotlighting African excellence, with ceremonies held in Ghana, Rwanda, and the USA.
Notable past honorees include actor Idris Elba, music artist Stormzy, music icon Angelique Kidjo, leading Ghanaian businessman Sir Sam Jonah and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Director General of the World Trade Organisation.
The theme of the evening, “From Seeds to Crystals,” captured GUBA’s journey of growth, resilience, and transformation.
Key sponsors of the event were PayAngel, KGL Group, Bills Micro-Credit, Royal Kingdom Estate and Genius Loci International.
The GUBA Awards have not only celebrated extraordinary achievements but also inspired countless young people from the African diaspora. GUBA’s impact is exemplified by initiatives like the Recording Academy’s exploration of a Grammy Africa award, underscoring the platform’s influence in championing African talent globally.
Over the past 15 years, the GUBA Awards have garnered endorsements from figures such as King Charles III and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, cementing its position as a beacon of African ingenuity and resilience. The next chapter in GUBA’s story promises to unite Africa, its diaspora, and the Caribbean in an unprecedented celebration of shared heritage and achievement.
