Salami, Showkey, others for honour at Black Merit Awards
By Tunrayo Ilesanmi The maiden edition of the Black Merit Awards is set to hold tomorrow, Sunday, March 29, 2026, at the Shell Zenith Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos. According

By Tunrayo Ilesanmi
The maiden edition of the Black Merit Awards is set to hold tomorrow, Sunday, March 29, 2026, at the Shell Zenith Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
According to a statement by the Creative Director and Founder of the awards, Mrs Oluwatoyin Black, the Black Merit Awards is a prestigious annual event aimed at celebrating outstanding individuals of African descent who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and impact across various fields.
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Black noted that the awardees cut across sectors, from the arts to enterprise, science to social advocacy, adding that the initiative is designed to spotlight Black excellence and amplify voices shaping the future.
She revealed that some of the honourees include the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who will receive the Black Merit Grand Medal Distinguished Leader Award; veteran actor, Alhaji Adebayo Salami, as an Iconic Legend; and Daddy Showkey as the Street Music Icon.
Other awardees include Yemi Solade, Mercy Aigbe, Ruggedman, and Obesere, among others.
“The awards are about celebrating our stories, honouring our greatness, and inspiring future generations.
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“It is also designed to showcase excellence in leadership, recognise visionaries transforming industries and communities, highlight creative innovation by artists pushing boundaries, and celebrate change makers building a more equitable world, as well as rising stars making early impact and icons whose enduring contributions continue to inspire,” she said.
Black further stated that the platform aims to bridge continents by bringing global attention to Black excellence across Africa and the diaspora.
“Whether in Lagos, London, Atlanta, or Accra, the Black Merit Awards serve as a beacon of celebration.
“Representation is not just visibility; it is validation. By recognising those who dare to lead, create, and uplift, the awards foster pride, motivation, and cultural preservation.
“Our goal is to celebrate excellence globally by honouring individuals, organisations, and initiatives that authentically represent and shape the narrative of the Black experience across the world,” she added.



