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Everything You Need to Know About Our Awards: Categories & How to Nominate

Awards are more than shiny trophies, they are a way to celebrate exceptional achievements, inspire others, and recognise the people making a real difference. Whether you are a first-time nominator or a seasoned supporter, here's your quick guide to understanding the award categories and how to submit a winning nomination.

Award Categories

We've designed our award categories to capture the different ways individuals and organisations excel. Here is a breakdown of the categories and a brief note of the type of nominee involved in each category:

1. Music & Entertainment

From artists to unforgettable performances, we honour those who keep us inspired, entertained, and moving to the beat.

• Best Female / Male Performer

Recognises exceptional talent and artistry from a woman in the performing arts. Examples of nominees could be:

• A singer, musician, an actress or actor, a dancer, a poet, or even a comedian

• King & Queen of the Decks

  • male and female DJs / selectors

    
    

• Sound Excellence Award - Honours outstanding achievement in music, audio production, or live sound performance. Examples of nominees could be:

  • A music producer, a sound engineer, a composer

• DJ Legacy Award - Honours a DJ whose career, influence, and contributions have left a lasting impact on the music and entertainment industry. Examples of nominees could be:

  • A DJ with decades of excellence in clubs, events, or radio, a music curator who shaped regional or cultural soundscapes, a pioneer mentoring and inspiring the next generation of DJs.

• Breakthrough / Rising Star DJ - Recognises an emerging DJ making waves with unique style, creativity, and growing influence. Examples of nominees could be:

  • A DJ who has rapidly built a loyal following in the past year, an innovative mixer redefining sound for events or online platforms, a selector whose sets blend genres in unexpected ways.

2. Food & Hospitality

Recognising culinary excellence, innovative dining experiences, and exceptional service that leaves a lasting taste (literally).

• Black Owned Restaurant - Honours a Black-owned restaurant that demonstrates culinary excellence, cultural influence, and outstanding service. Example of nominees could be:

  • A restaurant preserving and celebrating traditional African or Caribbean cuisines, an innovative Black-owned eatery introducing bold new flavours and concepts, or a restaurateur who blends food artistry with exceptional hospitality.

• Master Baker Award - Celebrates exceptional skill, creativity, and craftsmanship in baking. Examples of nominees:

  • A baker known for exquisite cakes and pastries, a bread artisan preserving traditional techniques with a modern twist, a dessert innovator delighting customers with imaginative creations.

3. Beauty & Style

From trendsetters to industry innovators, this category celebrates creative flair in fashion, beauty, and personal style.

• Beauty Excellence Award - Recognises those raising the standards of beauty and self-care. Examples of nominees could be:

• makeup artist, hairstylist, skincare or wellness specialist, nail artist

• Barber of the Year - Recognises a barber who demonstrates mastery, professionalism, and creativity in grooming. Examples of nominees could be:

• A barber with exceptional technical skill and artistry, a community favourite known for building strong client relationships, an innovator in hair trends and mens grooming.

4. Business & Entrepreneurship

For visionaries and go-getters building successful, sustainable, and inspiring enterprises.

• Young Visionary Award - Honours an inspiring young person who shows remarkable leadership and innovation. Examples of nominees could be:

  
  

  • A teen or young adult who launched a social enterprise solving community problems, A young inventor with a breakthrough in technology, sustainability, or education, a youth leader who created programs for mental health awareness, a creative mind reshaping art, music, or fashion with bold ideas.

    
    

• Best Emerging Business - Recognises a promising new business showing strong growth, innovation, and community value. Examples of nominees could be:

• A start-up offering a unique product or service, a young restaurant or cafe winning over the community with originality, a social enterprise making an early, measurable impact in its sector.

• Business Excellence Award - Celebrates established businesses demonstrating outstanding performance, leadership, and innovation. Examples of nominees could be:

• A company leading its field while maintaining strong ethical practices, a business expanding nationally while staying rooted in local values, a long-standing brand showing exceptional customer service and loyalty, a corporation pioneering sustainability and responsible growth.

5. Events & Creativity

Highlighting exceptional event planning, creative productions, and immersive experiences that leave audiences amazed.

• Visual Storyteller Award - Recognises excellence in telling compelling stories through visual media. Examples of nominees could be:

• A photographer capturing powerful cultural or social moments, a filmmaker whose documentary sparks awareness and change or a social media content creator with exceptional visual storytelling skills.

• Creative Visionary Award - Honours a trailblazer whose creativity is transforming their field and inspiring others. Examples of nominees could be:

  • An artist or designer redefining traditional art forms, an innovator merging technology and art in unexpected ways, a designer whose branding work elevated a business or campaign, an illustrator creating striking visual content for print or digital media, a design professional setting new trends in typography, layout, and aesthetics, or a creative mind producing impactful visual identities for community or cultural projects.

• Epic Party/Event Award - Honours an unforgettable party or event that delivered exceptional entertainment and experience. Examples of nominees could be:

• A themed party with incredible atmosphere and creativity, a large-scale event that became the talk of the community, a cultural celebration with outstanding music, decor, and energy.

• Picture Perfect award - Recognises excellence in interactive event photography and guest experience. Examples of possible nominees could be:

  • 360 video booth provider, a photo booth company known for creativity and customisation, or an innovator using unique tech or props to enhance guest experiences.

• Event Decorator Award - Celebrates exceptional skill in transforming spaces into breathtaking event settings. Examples of nominees could be:

  • An event designer turning ordinary venues into extraordinary atmospheres, a decorator blending cultural elements with modern design, a creative mind setting new trends in event decor.

6. Community Impact / Empowering Others

• Community Impact Award - Recognises individuals or organizations making a tangible difference in the community. Examples of nominees could be:

• A grassroots organiser improving access to education or healthcare, a volunteer who has dedicated decades to serving marginalised groups, a local business owner funding youth sports or community programs, an activist advocating for environmental justice or social equality.

• Empowering Champion - Celebrates those who inspire, uplift, and advocate for others. Examples of nominees could be:

  
  

  • A mentor guiding young women, an advocate for people with disabilities, pushing for equal opportunities, a coach helping at-risk youth build confidence through sports or arts, a speaker breaking down stigmas around mental health and self-worth.

• Special Recognition Award - Reserved for honouring an individual or organisation with exceptional contributions, achievements, or inspiration beyond category definitions. Examples of nominees could be:

  • A lifetime contributor to the arts, culture, or community, an unsung hero making a quiet but powerful difference or a person or group whose work embodies the spirit of your awards.

How to Nominate

The nomination process is simple, but a strong submission can make all the difference. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Choose the Right Category

Match your nominee's achievements to the category that best reflects their work.

 Step 2: Complete the Nomination Form

Fill in the online form with:

• Nominees details (name, contact info, category)

• Your details (as the nominator)

• A clear summary of why they deserve the award ( special recognition Award, Community Impact and Empowering Champion only)

Step 3: Submit Before the Deadline

Late entries aren't considered, so get yours in early!

Your nomination could be the reason someone gets the recognition they truly deserve.

Don't wait, submit yours today and help us celebrate the people who inspire change.