D’CEM Awards announces 2026 ceremony, celebrates nearly two decades of Global Excellence

Michael Olumide Alabi

D’CEM Awards, an international recognition platform dedicated to celebrating excellence, creativity, leadership and social impact, has announced its 2026 awards ceremony as the organisation approaches two decades of honouring outstanding personalities and changemakers across the globe.

The 2026 edition of the Distinguished Creative Empowerment Merit Awards is scheduled to hold on Saturday, October 17, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, with the organisers expected to unveil and celebrate another distinguished class of honourees and award winners.

Since its establishment, the D’CEM Awards has recognised more than 1,200 distinguished personalities from different parts of the world, covering diverse fields including entertainment, government, business, entrepreneurship, humanitarian service, sports, education, technology and community development.

The organisers said the awards were established to identify and honour individuals whose contributions have made a significant impact in their respective fields while using the platform to promote cultural exchange, leadership, collaboration and stronger relationships between Africa, the United States and the wider international community.

Over the years, the D’CEM Awards have built an impressive list of honourees drawn from different sectors and professional backgrounds. Its recognition of excellence has particularly extended to Nollywood, where several prominent actors, filmmakers, producers and television personalities have been honoured for their contributions to the growth and development of the Nigerian and African entertainment industry.

Among the Nollywood personalities recognised by the awards are Charles Inojie, AY Makun, also known as Ayodeji Makun, Ejike Asiegbu, Norbert Young, Gloria Young, Regina Askia, Robert Peters, Dauda Kingsley Ogbonna, Ebere Okaro, Ngozi Ezeonu, Gbenro Ajibade, Anita Joseph, Mercy Mac Joe, Omalicha Chucks, Daniel K. Daniel, Olufemi Raymond Brainard, Stella Damasus, Taiwo Oduala, Dr. Amb. Moji Oyetayo, Christopher Danian, Prince Eke, Clarion Chukwurah, Funsho Adeolu, Florence Onuma, Daniel Lloyd, Nzube Onyia, Emma Odele, Joseph Benjamin, Denrele Edun and Gloria Mba.

The list also includes several other accomplished professionals whose careers and creative contributions have continued to influence the entertainment industry and inspire younger generations.

Beyond the entertainment sector, the D’CEM Awards has also provided a platform for recognising public officials and government leaders for their contributions to governance, community development and public service.

Among those previously recognised are former Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu; Atlanta Mayor, Andre Dickens; Montgomery Mayor, Steven L. Reed; South Fulton Mayor, Carmalitha Gumbs; Norcross Mayor, Craig Newton; Dallas, Georgia Mayor, James Kelly; Newark Deputy Mayor, Ugochukwu Nwokoro; and Georgia Governor’s Representative, Sebastian Barron.

The organisation’s recognition programme has also extended to international diplomacy, humanitarian service, civil rights advocacy and intellectual leadership.

Notable personalities in this category include Benjamin Crump, a prominent American civil rights attorney; Dr. Khalilah Camacho-Ali; Mamadou Saliou Diallo, President of the Guinean Community of America, GUICO-HY; Ambassador Waleed Shamsid-Deen; Hon. (Dr.) Cosmos Ndukwe; Prof. Emeritus Augustine O. Esogbue; Prof. Femi Ajayi; Prof. Lloyd C. Onyirimba; Hon. Mrs. Rosemarie Sesay Osuji; and Stacy Bogan.

Through its various editions, the D’CEM Awards has equally maintained a strong connection with the music industry, celebrating performers, entertainers, DJs, producers and industry executives who have contributed to the development and promotion of African music and global entertainment.

Among the music personalities and industry stakeholders recognised over the years are Flavour, Mr. Raw (Nigga Raw), Wizboyy, Big A Entertainment, Joey Oscar, Mr. Olu Maintain, Don Crucifixto (Tumi), Waga G, DJ T Films (Adetokunbo Odubawo), DJ Jimijat, Chimere Emejuobi, Omawumi, Samklef, Terry Moorer, Tya A. Martin, Dr. Garfield Bright, DJ Karlifornia, Jay Claxton, Nana Adwoa, Tony One Week, Chief Priest, Donna Adja, Richie Smile, Kaha, Dayo Adeneye (D1), DJ Manny, DJ Face and Brandi Little, among others.

Comedy and live entertainment have also remained an important component of the D’CEM Awards’ recognition programme.
The organisation has honoured comedy and entertainment personalities, including AY Makun, Klint Da Drunk, Helen Paul, Elenu, Mr. Patrick, Rod Minger, MC PC, Larry Foreman, also known as Olanrewaju John Nwabueze, Kiana Dancie, Erica Duchess, Oguefi Agotuku and Raheem Holt.

The awards platform has further expanded its recognition beyond Africa, celebrating Hollywood performers and international media personalities whose creative works and professional achievements have attracted attention on the global stage.

Some of those recognised in this category include Javon Johnson, Brittany Passion, Schelle Purcell, Kadé Hill, Princess Elmore, Ernesto Santisteban, Omar Soto, Mahogany Raspberry, Mimi Mala, Queen Aftan, DJ Commissioner Wisye, Kelvin Boj and Princess Ella.
In addition to entertainment, the D’CEM Awards have honoured individuals and organisations making contributions to sports, entrepreneurship, technology, education and business.

Among the notable personalities recognised in these areas is former Nigerian international football star Emmanuel Emenike, alongside executives from HYT Phones and several innovators, philanthropists, educators and community leaders.

The organisers said the broad range of personalities recognised by the D’CEM Awards reflects its commitment to celebrating excellence irrespective of geographical location, profession or background.

According to the organisation, its vision is built around the belief that individuals who demonstrate outstanding achievement, leadership and commitment to society deserve to be recognised and encouraged.

The awards, therefore, seek not only to celebrate established names but also to inspire emerging talents and professionals to pursue excellence and contribute positively to their communities and the wider society.

The organisers also described the D’CEM Awards as a bridge between cultures, noting that its activities have helped strengthen relationships and promote greater interaction between African communities, the United States and other parts of the world.

As the organisation prepares for its 2026 ceremony, expectations are building around the personalities and organisations that will emerge as honourees and award winners at the Atlanta event.

The October 17 ceremony is expected to bring together personalities from the entertainment industry, government, business, sports, technology, education, humanitarian service and other sectors to celebrate outstanding accomplishments and contributions to society.

With more than 1,200 personalities already recognised since its inception, the D’CEM Awards is positioning the 2026 ceremony as another significant chapter in its history.

As it approaches nearly two decades of celebrating global excellence, the organisation said it remains committed to its core mission of honouring outstanding achievement, preserving legacies, empowering talent and promoting meaningful connections across cultures.

The 2026 D’CEM Awards ceremony in Atlanta is therefore expected to serve not only as an occasion for celebration but also as a platform for highlighting individuals whose dedication, creativity, leadership and service continue to make a difference in their communities and around the world.

The organisers expressed confidence that the 2026 edition would further strengthen the international profile of the D’CEM Awards while creating new opportunities to recognise and celebrate the next generation of global icons and changemakers.