Some of the music industry’s most influential artists and executives will gather in Beverly Hills later this month for the sixth annual Black Music Action Coalition Gala.

Common, Patti LaBelle, Public Enemy, Nicole Wyskoarko and Tina Davis are among the 2026 honorees, alongside The Team and Universal Music Group’s Global Impact Team. Presented by Live Nation, the gala will take place September 24 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel, with Kenny Burns returning as host.

LaBelle will receive the BMAC Icon Award, adding another honor to a career spanning over six decades. From her years with Labelle to a solo catalog featuring songs such as “If Only You Knew” and “New Attitude,” the Philadelphia native remains one of R&B’s most revered singers.

Common will receive the Harry Belafonte Change Agent Award. The Chicago rapper and actor has paired his work in entertainment with advocacy throughout his career, including efforts through his Common Ground Foundation.

Public Enemy will be recognized with the Social Impact Award. Chuck D and Flavor Flav helped establish politically conscious hip-hop as a major force during the late 1980s, recording albums including It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back and Fear of a Black Planet. Their music has frequently addressed racism and inequality in America.

This year also brings the introduction of the Sylvia Rhone Visionary Award. Nicole Wyskoarko will become its first recipient. Named for the veteran executive whose leadership has included top positions at Elektra Records, Motown Records and Epic Records, the award recognizes executives who have helped create opportunities for artists while contributing to the business behind the music.

“Success isn’t measured solely by sales, but by the lives we touch, the doors we open, and the legacies we build. Nicole Wyskoarko embodies that truth every day — a legal mastermind with an artist’s heart, who champions creators, protects creativity, and sees potential in people and ideas that might otherwise go unrecognized. I’ve had the joy of watching Nicole rise through our business with grace, grit, and an unshakable sense of purpose,” said Sylvia Rhone. “At every step of the climb, she has lifted others alongside her. As Nicole continues to shape the sound, the business, and the future of Black music, I can’t imagine a more deserving first recipient of the BMAC Sylvia Rhone Visionary Award — or anyone better suited to define what this honor will come to represent. Nicole sets the standard for every visionary who will follow.”

Tina Davis will receive the Clarence Avant Trailblazer Award. The veteran executive has spent decades working with artists and developing talent, including her years at Def Jam Recordings and later work as the founder of Phase Too Management. Her career has included an extensive association with Chris Brown, whom she has managed since the beginning of his recording career.

BMAC will also recognize five executives collectively known as The Team. Lee Anderson, Marty Diamond, Lenore Kinder, Kevin Shivers and Mallory Smith will receive the Founders Award. The group represents a powerful collection of executives within the live music business whose work has helped guide the touring careers of major artists.

Universal Music Group’s Global Impact Team will receive the BMAC 365 Award. Formed in 2024, the division oversees efforts involving social responsibility and sustainability within UMG, while also working with outside organizations on programs designed to increase access to opportunities within the music industry.

LaBelle will have another presence at the gala beyond receiving her award. A special menu inspired by Patti’s Good Life will bring recipes associated with the singer to the dinner, concluding with her popular sweet potato pie.

Money raised during the evening will benefit BMAC’s work throughout the year. Current programs include its Music Maker Grants for emerging talent and music business programs at Tennessee State University and Clark Atlanta University. Proceeds will also support the Gunna x BMAC 30349 Guaranteed Income Program, as well as Restore & Rebuild LA, which provides monthly assistance to Altadena residents affected by the Eaton fires.

Since its launch in 2020, BMAC has advocated for greater equity and opportunity for Black artists and professionals within the music business. The annual gala has become a major fundraising event for those efforts while recognizing people whose work reflects the organization’s mission.

“The BMAC Gala is more than a celebration, it’s a call to action. BMAC brings together some of the most powerful people in music to recognize those leading with purpose and to remind our industry of the responsibility that comes with influence. Six years in, BMAC is focused on turning that influence into real opportunity, real investment and lasting change,” said Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, Co-Founder, President and CEO of the Black Music Action Coalition.  “This year, the 6th Annual BMAC Gala is especially meaningful as we introduce the inaugural Sylvia Rhone Visionary Award, honoring a woman whose career has shattered ceilings and expanded what Black leadership can look like at the highest levels of music. The award joins a distinguished roster of BMAC honors celebrating some of the most influential figures and organizations in music and culture. BMAC is proud to once again salute those shaping the future of the music industry.”

Rikki Hughes and the Magic Lemonade team will produce this year’s gala alongside Donna Grecco of Primary Wave and members of BMAC’s board. Rance and Dammo of 1500 or Nothin’ will serve as musical directors.

Author: Okla Jones

Read the original article on Essence.