D’CEM Awards honours Inojie, Mr Raw, Doc Curry, Tray Chaney with Hall Of Fame

Hollywood and Nollywood stars, award-winning filmmakers, musicians, actors and other creative professionals converged on Atlanta, Georgia, for the 2026 D’CEM Awards of Global Excellence, where outstanding contributions to entertainment and the creative industries were celebrated.

The 18th edition of the Distinguished Creative Empowerment Merit Awards was held on Saturday, October 17, at the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center, bringing together entertainment personalities, nominees, award recipients and industry stakeholders from the United States, Nigeria and other countries.

The ceremony recognised achievements across film, television, music, comedy, media, fashion, entrepreneurship and other creative fields, celebrating both established industry figures and emerging talents.

Organised and executive-produced by Nigerian-American media entrepreneur, publisher and creative producer, Dr. Debby Goodnews Silas, popularly known as Debby Classique, the event featured a celebrity red carpet, musical performances, award winners, honorary recognitions and networking opportunities.

The ceremony was hosted by NOLLYWOOD icons, Prince EKE and Daniel K. Daniel, with Debby Classique also participating in the proceedings. Bianca Re’ Zine, Erica Pettway and Jasmine J.R. Tilman were among the award presenters and coordinators.

One of the major highlights of the ceremony was the induction of five distinguished entertainment personalities into the D’CEM Hall of Fame in recognition of their contributions to film, television, music and popular culture.

Veteran Nollywood actor, comedian and filmmaker Charles Inojie received the D’CEM Hall of Fame Lifetime Legacy Achievement Award for his longstanding contributions to the Nigerian film industry.

American television and film actor Tray Chaney was also honoured with the Hall of Fame Lifetime Legacy Achievement Award for his contributions to screen entertainment.

Hip-hop pioneer Doc Curry, professionally known as The D.O.C., received the Lifetime Legacy Hall of Fame Achievement Award for Excellence in Hip-Hop and Global Music Culture.

Nigerian indigenous rapper Mr Raw, born Ukeje Okechukwu, received the D’CEM Hall of Fame Legacy Achievement Award for Excellence in Hip-Hop, Music and Cultural Impact.

American film professional Bobby T. Thompson was inducted into the Hall of Fame with the Lifetime Legacy Award for Excellence in Film and Cinematic Arts.

The recognitions highlighted the awards’ international outlook and their focus on celebrating influential careers across African and American entertainment.

Several other entertainment professionals received honorary awards for their contributions to filmmaking, acting, screenwriting, talent development and creative leadership.

Russell Wyche received the Excellence in Independent Film Production and Cinematic Leadership Award, while filmmaker Shaun M. Mathis was honoured for Excellence in Screenwriting and Cinematic Storytelling.

Barrington Marson received the Distinguished Creative Empowerment Merit Award, while Pierre V. Johnson was recognised for outstanding screen acting.

Maurice P. Kerry received the Legacy Award for Excellence in the Film Industry and Cinematic Storytelling, while DeMarcus Bumpers was honoured for Outstanding Achievement in Film and Cinematic Arts.

Dr. LaKeisha LaGuins received the Outstanding Legacy Achievement Award in Entertainment, while Danielle Leigh Jackson was recognised for excellence in talent development, mental health advocacy and cinematic empowerment.

Other recipients included Leo Sullivan, recognised for contributions to literary arts and film; Michael James Sewell Jr., honoured for lead acting and cinematic impact; and Elijah Lamar, recognised for excellence in independent filmmaking.

Actor Brian “Maverick” Clouston received the Empowerment Merit Award for Excellence in Acting, while Michael Steven-Paul, popularly known as Mikey Jay, received the Legacy Award for Lifetime Excellence in Film, Television and Community Impact.

George Buff, known professionally as Gudda King, also received the Distinguished Creative Empowerment Merit Award in Creative Arts.

In comedy, Charles Edobor, popularly known as EdoCharles, received the Legacy Icon Award for Excellence in Comedy, Diaspora Entertainment and Creative Impact.

Actress May Owen was honoured with the International Nollywood Icon Award, while Xica Bee received the Distinguished Breakout Actress of the Year recognition.

Tolex African Grill received the Best Business of the Year Award.

The competitive categories recognised achievements in directing, acting, writing, television and independent film production.

Tiffany Graham emerged as Best Film Director of the Year, while Silk White won the Best Director — Drama category.

Kiki Lowery received the Best Director — Action/Thriller award.

In the acting categories, Alphonso Settles was named Best Actor in an Indie Movie of the Year, while Laporsha Ellis won Best Actress in an Indie Movie of the Year.

Clouston also won Best Supporting Actor of the Year, adding a competitive award to his honorary recognition.

Sasha Love received the Best Lead Actress in an Indie Film Award for her performance in *Our Daily Bread*, while Wendy Denise Wilson won Indie Star — Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

DeMarcus Jackson Sr. received the Indie Star — Best Actor in a Supporting Role Award.

Telesee T-Stephen was recognised as Outstanding Talent in an Indie Movie of the Year, while Natasha Eli emerged as Best Actress in a TV Series.

May Owen also won Best Supporting Actress of the Year in the USA-Based African Films category for her performance in *Shattered Trust*.

In the production categories, *The Clean Up* won Best Movie of the Year, while *Reflection* received the Best Short Movie of the Year Award.

Derrick Muhammad was recognised as Best Writer of the Year.

The awards underscored the contributions of independent filmmakers and performers to expanding storytelling opportunities beyond conventional studio productions.

The ceremony also recognised rising actors and emerging creative professionals whose work is attracting attention in the entertainment industry.

Michael M. Jackson received the Most Promising Actor/Actress of the Year Award, while Frederick Taylor won Rising Star Actor.

Sidney was recognised as Rising Star Actress, and Terrance King emerged as Best Rising Movie Star of the Year.

Anneka Honor received the Most Promising Actress of the Year Award, while Shirley Oke won Best Rising Actor/Actress to Watch in the Afro-International Film category for *Under My Roof*.

Other categories celebrated achievements in red carpet presentation, comedy, digital content creation, hairstyling and make-up artistry.

Mo Clark won Best Red Carpet Host, while Ciera Finger received the Most Outstanding Red Carpet recognition. Ciera Finger and Uche, professionally known as UBLN — Master of Ceremonies, were also recognised in the Best Event Host of the Year category.

ComedyBae won Best Creative Stand-Up Comedian of the Year — Queens, while De’Anthony Turner received the corresponding Kings recognition.

Jermaine Jackson emerged as Most Creative Comedy Skit Producer of the Year, while digital creator Daddy Clivert won Best Content Creator of the Year.

Nikky Terry was named Best Make-Up Artist of the Year, while Dr. Shuper Jones received the Best Hairstylist of the Year Award.

Dr. Ryan Scott received the Golden Pinnacle Award, one of the ceremony’s special distinctions.

Music was another major feature of the celebration, with awards presented to recording artists and disc jockeys for their contributions to the industry.

JMEEL received the Best Artist — Soul and Vocal Performance Award, while Gudda King won Best Breakthrough Song of the Year for *Hustling*.

DJ Goodnoiz received the Best Afro-International DJ of the Year Award.

Performers at the event included Mr Raw, Waga G, JMEEL, Hasani Vibez, Mr Him Him, Erica Hill and EME, also known as May Owen.

Legacy Music Group provided live-band entertainment, while DJ Dutchy performed during the celebration.

The performances complemented the award presentations and showcased different musical styles represented at the event.

The ceremony featured a special tribute to late actor Hakeem Sharif, a 2026 D’CEM Awards nominee who died shortly before the event.

A video presentation highlighted his artistic journey, screen performances and contributions to entertainment.

The tribute provided an opportunity for attendees to reflect on his work and celebrate the legacy he left behind.

The awards were founded by Dr. Debby Goodnews Silas, a Nigerian-American fashion designer, publisher, media entrepreneur and creative producer whose initiatives focus on providing recognition and visibility for entertainment professionals.

Through the D’CEM Awards, Debby Classique Magazine and CITYMAG NEWS24, she has continued to promote creative achievements, professional networking and media exposure for established and emerging talents.

In her welcome address, Classique emphasised the importance of recognising talent, appreciating the dedication behind creative achievements and supporting professionals whose work contributes to the growth of the entertainment industry.

The awards platform promotes recognition beyond the presentation of trophies, highlighting the importance of publicity, professional relationships, mentorship and opportunities for future development.

Its media activities include magazine features, newspaper reports, interviews, documentaries and promotional opportunities for participating creatives.

The main ceremony was preceded by The Glamours Awards — Pre-D’CEM Cultural Gala Night, held on Friday, October 16, in Norcross, Georgia.

The event provided another platform for cultural expression, entertainment, creative recognition and interaction among participating artists and guests.

Together, the two programmes formed a weekend celebration of artistic achievement, cultural diversity and international entertainment.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Classique expressed appreciation to honourees, nominees, award winners, sponsors, media representatives, volunteers, performers and production professionals whose contributions supported the event.

She also acknowledged guests who travelled from different parts of the United States and other countries to attend the celebration.

According to the organisers, plans are underway to provide further coverage of the event through red carpet photographs, interviews, performance videos, newspaper reports and special magazine features.

The organisers also indicated that the 2027 edition would seek to expand international participation, strengthen creative partnerships and provide more opportunities for filmmakers, musicians, actors and other entertainment professionals.

The 18th D’CEM Awards brought together Hall of Fame recognitions, competitive awards, honorary distinctions and live entertainment in a celebration aimed at honouring established careers while encouraging emerging talent.

The D’CEM Awards of Global Excellence, formally known as the Distinguished Creative Empowerment Merit Awards, is an international entertainment and creative recognition platform founded by Dr. Debby Goodnews Silas, professionally known as Debby Classique.

The platform recognises achievements in film, television, music, comedy, fashion, media, entrepreneurship, leadership and the creative arts, with the stated aim of celebrating excellence, promoting creative talent and encouraging professional connections across international entertainment communities.