Common, Patti LaBelle and Public Enemy honoured at sixth BMAC Gala in Beverly Hills
Common, Patti LaBelle and Public Enemy were honoured in Beverly Hills on 24 September at the Black Music Action Coalition's sixth annual gala.
The event, presented by Live Nation, took place inside the ballroom at The Beverly Hilton and was hosted by Kenny Burns, according to Billboard. The coalition, known as BMAC, hands out the awards each year to artists and executives for work on and off stage.
LaBelle received the BMAC Icon Award. It was presented by director Lee Daniels.
Common received the BMAC Harry Belafonte Change Agent Award. His mother, Dr. Mahlia Hines, presented the prize.
Public Enemy received the BMAC Social Impact Award. The presentation came from rapper Big Daddy Kane, and group members Chuck D and Flavor Flav accepted on stage.
Two music executives were also recognised. Nicole Wyskoarko, president and head of urban A&R at Interscope Geffen A&M, received the BMAC Sylvia Rhone Visionary Award from Sylvia Rhone herself. A&R, or artists and repertoire, is the department that signs and guides new talent.
Tina Davis, president of the independent label and distributor EMPIRE, received the BMAC Clarence Avant Trailblazer Award. Singer Montell Jordan presented her award.
What makes this stand out is the mix on one bill. Veteran performers shared the night with label leaders. The awards linked chart careers with boardroom roles, and each presenter had a direct connection to the person being honoured.
