GUBA Awards 2023: Diaspora’s Finest Recognised

At the elegant Grosvenor House Hotel on London’s iconic Park Lane (W1K 7TN), an extraordinary event unfolded on Sunday, November 5th, 2023.

The GUBA AWARDS 2023, a tribute to Africa’s profound global influence and the exceptional contributions of its diaspora, enchanted the audience with sophistication and grandeur.

Dentaa: The Multi-faceted Jewel of the Ghanaian Diaspora

The event, founded by the esteemed Lady Dentaa Amoateng MBE, made a triumphant return to the United Kingdom after a four-year hiatus. Renowned as the UK’s leading platform for recognizing the accomplishments and influence of the African diaspora, the 2023 edition exceeded all expectations.

Under the theme “Honouring Beacons of Excellence and Inspiration,” this year’s GUBA Awards truly lived up to its promise. The ceremony paid homage to individuals who have left an indelible mark in various fields:

• The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
• June Sarpong OBE, the celebrated TV presenter, executive, and author, known for her significant role in promoting Creative Diversity at the BBC.
• Lanny Smith, a former NBA player and the founder of Actively Black, a sportswear company.
• Abrantee Boateng, the Afrobeats pioneer and Capital Xtra DJ, who has played a pivotal role in shaping the music landscape.

The 2023 GUBA Awards marked its impressive 14th year. Charming TV presenter Paul Brunson, renowned for his role as a relationship expert on Channel 4’s “Celebs Go Dating” and “Married at First Sight,” was the charismatic host.

He was joined by Anita Erskine, a prominent Ghanaian media personality, entrepreneur, and advocate, in setting the stage for an evening filled with elegance and warmth.

The night was nothing short of spectacular, and the highlights left everyone in awe! Grammy-Award winner Anjelique Kido’s speech and opening were nothing short of incredible, filled with empowerment and a powerful reminder to stay true to our roots, even in the face of adversity. Her journey and determination to control her own narrative left a lasting impact.

GUBA Awards 2023: Diaspora’s Finest Recognised

The hosts, set the tone for an unforgettable evening. Their speeches were not just words; they were a source of inspiration. And the best part? We’ve got it all on video, so get ready to be inspired too!

But the magic didn’t stop there. The composers took the stage and worked their musical wonders, getting the entire room moving and grooving.

The GUBA Awards, established by Lady Dentaa Amoateng MBE, President, and CEO of GUBA Enterprises, made their inaugural appearance in London in October 2009.

GUBA Awards 2023: Diaspora’s Finest Recognised

Initially created to recognise the outstanding contributions of British Ghanaians, the event has since grown, with past recipients including esteemed figures such as the award-winning recording artist Stormzy and respected politician Lord Paul Boateng. These early recognitions played a pivotal role in bringing global attention to Afrobeats and its rising stars.

GUBA Awards 2023: Diaspora’s Finest Recognised

Over the past thirteen years, the GUBA Awards have expanded tremendously, reaching three continents. The event ventured into international territories, with successful editions hosted in the United States in 2019, Ghana in 2021, and Rwanda in 2022.

This expansion highlights GUBA’s commitment to promoting and celebrating the excellence and innovation of African individuals and organisations throughout the diaspora. The organisation is dedicated to advancing, empowering, and propelling the African community forward in various spheres, from culture to business.