Ghana: Sarkodie, DJ Black receive leadership awards

Sarkodie received a Global Excellence in Leadership Award for his contribution to Ghanaian music and culture as well as his capacity as a role model for the country’s young people.

Now in its seventh year, the scheme, instituted in honour of the late UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, aims to highlight the strides made by media and cultural players towards nation-building, governance and sustainable leadership.

“A great honour to receive the seventh Global Leadership Service to Humanity Award,” Sarkodie said. “RIP to a great son of the land, Mr Kofi Annan. Your legacy is still alive.”

Sarkodie was honoured alongside popular DJ and radio presenter DJ Black, who was named a Global Laureate of the Entertainment World. A music curator and tastemaker of more than 30 years, DJ Black is among Ghana’s most influential entertainers, having actively contributed to mainstream acceptance of hiplife and hip hop in the country.

Other recipients at the 2020 Global Blueprint Excellence Awards are gospel trio Daughters of Glorious Jesus, and broadcaster and MC Nathaniel Attoh, who received a Global Excellence in Leadership Award for his achievements in the sports sector.

“Thanks to the organisers and you who have made me an item in your space and kept me relevant all these years. I will keep working hard and when there’s feedback please carry it across. That strengthens me. Thank God for life, talent and you, who make up my big picture,” Attoh said after receiving the award.

Sarkodie picked up the Best Collaboration of the Year and International Collaboration of the Year awards at the recently concluded Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs). Born Michael Owusu Addo, Sarkodie is among Ghana’s biggest musical exports. He is the author of six studio albums and multiple hit singles. At the 2019 VGMAs, he was named Artist of the Decade. He has also received accolades at the BET Awards and BET Hip hop Awards. In 2012, he was presented with the National Youth Achievement Award, an initiative instituted by former Ghanaian president John Mahama.