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BLACK MAGIC AWARDS: Trevor Nelson was among those celebrated on the night (Image: Garry Carbon - Instagram and Twitter: @becauseimgarry)

MONDAY (10 JUNE) night saw the return of The Black Magic Awards which took place at The Criterion Theatre in London’s West End.

Hosted by Britain’s Got Talent finalist Kojo Anim, the ceremony honoured 16 inspirational black men and celebrated their remarkable contributions to entertainment, business, sport, fashion, community, music and more.

A star-studded evening that saw a host of famous faces turn out to enjoy a night of #blackexcellence! Guests enjoyed performances by the likes of rapper Donae’o, singers Jahmene Douglas (X-factor) and LA Gray as well as stand-up comedy from viral/UniLad entertainer Axel Blake.

Kicking off the night of honourees, actor and director Femi Oyenirian awarded soul singer Omar with the Music Honour (sponsored by Triple7Events). Actor, writer and director Noel Clarke was presented the film honour by boxer Anthony Yarde and comedian Mr Cee. In an empowering acceptance speech, Clarke acknowledged the power of collaboration and encouraged the audience to ignore naysayers stating: “When they say you can't, you can. When they say you shouldn't, you should.”

Former Love Islander Marcel Somerville, and influencer Breeny Lee presented So Solid Crew’s Megaman with the legend honour which recognised his accomplishments as a businessman and the brains behind the UK collective that brought grime and underground garage to the masses.

HONOUR: So Solid Crew's Megaman was presented with the legend award (Image: Garry Carbon - Instagram and Twitter: @becauseimgarry)

E4’s The Sex Clinic presenter Sarah Mulindwa and Black Magic Awards co-founder Annika Allen presented rapper, poet, writer and commentator Akala with his influence award. He said: “What a fantastic night, I am feeling the love in the room and it means so much to be honoured and respected by your community.”

The comedy honour sponsored by Prostate Cancer UK was presented to comedian/actor Richard Blackwood by fellow EastEnders actress Ellen Thomas. Jolynne De Souza, Men at Risk programme manager at Prostate Cancer UK said: “In the UK, one in four black men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime – double the one in eight risk faced by all men. Diagnosing it early can make all the difference.

The Black Magic Awards is a fantastic celebration of black culture and achievement and we are excited to be a part of this important event to help raise awareness of the significant risk of prostate cancer that black men are faced with”.

SUCCESS: The co-creators of the awards, Annika Allen and Kojo Anim (Image: Garry Carbon - Instagram and Twitter: @becauseimgarry)

Radio presenter and DJ Trevor Nelson, actor Aml Ameen, TV presenter Ortis Deley and fashion label owners of Trapstar London were also all in attendance to accept their awards.

Others in attendance and gracing the black carpet on the night included; MP Dawn Butler, rapper Big Tobz, viral comedian Judi Love, rapper Lioness, comedians Travis Jay and Eddie Kadi, The One Show presenter Kevin Duala, professional boxer Anthony Yarde, Holby City actor Jimmy Akinbola, Supergirl actor David Ajala, model Annaliese Dayes, A Place in The Sun presenter Scarlette Douglas plus many more.

The Black Magic Awards, which was founded in 2017 by comedian, actor and producer Amin and editor and entrepreneur Allen, is dedicated to recognising the epitome of black excellence!

“We are at a time where so many people continue to push negative stories about young black boys and men, but not many are sharing the stories about the magic that has come and continues to come from them," said Kojo Anim, co-founder of The Black Magic Network. "This is what we’re doing, reminding everyone of how boys from underprivileged communities grew into men who refused to lose with the cards they were dealt.”

Allen, co-founder of The Black Magic Network, said: “This is our third year of the Black Magic Awards and to introduce the men’s honourees feels really special. We recognised some phenomenal men who have broken the mould within their careers and are a shining example within their respective industries. We were excited and humbled to host an evening with so much black excellence under one roof!”

The Black Magic Awards show is organised by The Black Magic Network and provides honours to black men and women from across numerous industries, that have paved the way and celebrates their illustrious talents yearly. October will see the third women’s event take place.

AWARD WINNERS:

1. Acting Honour – Aml Ameen (Actor)
2. Radio Honour – Trevor Nelson MBE (Radio 2 and BBC 1Xtra DJ)
3. Television Honour - Ortis Deley (Presenter)
4. Sports Honour - Paul Ince (Football manager and former pro footballer)
5. Film Honour – Noel Clarke (Actor, Writer, Producer & Director)
6. Music Honour – Omar Lye-Fook (Soul singer)
7. Inspiration Honour - Stormzy (Musician & Rapper)
8. Comedy Honour – Richard Blackwood (Comedian & Actor)
9. Brand Honour – Trapstar London
10. Influence Honour - Akala (Hip Hop Artist, Writer and Social Commentator)
11. Legend Honour – Megaman (Founder of So Solid Crew, Rapper & Producer)
12. Impact Honour – Colin Batsa (Co-founder of EGA Music Group & Music A&R)
13. Community Champion - Action Jackson (Motivational Speaker), Michael Pusey MBE a.k.a CK Flash)
14. Community Champion - (DJ, Youth Worker & Founder of Peckham BMX Club)
15. Community Champion - Brixton Soup Kitchen (Brixton based service for homeless people)
16. Community Champion - Amani Simpson (Anti-knife Crime Activist & Youth Leader)

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