By Paul Silas
ATLANTA, GEORGIA — The D’CEM Awards (Distinguished Creative Empowerment Merit Awards) has officially announced its 2026 awards ceremony, marking another milestone for a recognition platform that has spent nearly two decades celebrating excellence across entertainment, government, business, humanitarian service, sports, and community leadership.
Since its establishment, the D’CEM Awards has honored and recognized more than 1,200 distinguished personalities from around the world, earning a reputation as an international platform that celebrates achievement, leadership, creativity, and lasting societal impact.
Over the years, the awards have recognized some of the biggest names in Nollywood, including Charles Inojie, AY Makun (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, among numerous other accomplished actors, filmmakers, producers, and television personalities.
Beyond the film industry, the D’CEM Awards has recognized influential government officials and public servants, including 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.
International diplomacy, humanitarian leadership, and public service have also been celebrated through honors presented to Benjamin Crump, one of America’s leading civil rights attorneys; 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, among other respected leaders.
The awards have equally celebrated excellence in music, honoring internationally recognized performers and industry executives, including 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, Brandi Little, and many others whose contributions have shaped the music industry.
Comedy and live entertainment have remained an integral part of the awards’ legacy, with notable honorees including AY Makun, Klint Da Drunk, Helen Paul, Elenu, Mr. Patrick, Rod Minger, MC PC, Larry Foreman (Olanrewaju John Nwabueze), Kiana Dancie, Erica Duchess, Oguefi Agotuku, and Raheem Holt.
Hollywood performers and international media personalities have also been among those recognized, including 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.
The D’CEM Awards has further celebrated outstanding achievements in sports, entrepreneurship, technology, education, and business, honoring former Nigerian international football star Emmanuel Emenike, executives from HYT Phones, and numerous innovators, philanthropists, educators, and community leaders whose work has created meaningful impact both locally and globally.
According to the organizers, the D’CEM Awards was founded to recognize individuals whose excellence transcends borders while promoting cultural exchange, leadership, and collaboration between Africa, the United States, and the international community.
The 2026 D’CEM Awards is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia, where another distinguished class of honorees and competitive award winners will be celebrated.
As the organization approaches two decades of recognizing excellence, the D’CEM Awards continues to expand its international footprint while remaining committed to its mission of honoring outstanding achievement, preserving legacy, empowering talent, and strengthening connections across cultures through global recognition.
