Influential Black British Muslims were celebrated at a special awards ceremony held in London last month.Now in its seventh year, the UK Black (African/Afro-Caribbean) Muslim Awards recognises the exceptional contributions of Muslims of African and Caribbean heritage across various fields nationwide.
The sold-out ceremony, held on November 17, was a joint initiative by multiple African and Caribbean Muslim organisations. It highlighted the achievements of a diverse range of professionals, including artists, tech experts, entrepreneurs, athletes, philanthropists, community activists, innovators, and academics.
Speaking to The Muslim News, a spokesperson for the awards stated that the initiative was launched “to change the narrative from anti-blackness to celebration of Black Muslim Excellence. We aim to promote the beauty, the innovation, the creativity, the intelligence and the success stories.”
He continued, “We have been able to promote unity among African/Afro-Caribbean Muslims from the UK who are from various schools of thought and denominations. This includes scholars, Imams, influencers, business entrepreneurs, and more. We have been asked to organise these awards in North America and the Caribbean in the near future.”
Held at the Chelsea Theatre in central London, the event celebrated winners who are making significant impacts in their respective fields. Attendees expressed hope that the awards would continue in future years, providing much-needed representation for the community.
Actor and poet, Ashley ‘Muslim Belal’ Chin, who won the award for Best Actor and Poet, praised the initiative, saying: “It’s a beautiful initiative, and I pray it grows!”
Premiership Rugby player Zainab Alema also expressed her gratitude, stating: “A fantastic turnout. Thank you to the organisers, and may they be blessed for their efforts.”
The event was curated by Amina Adwoa Fetuga from Sunlight Life Coaching, Ismael Lea South of The Salam Project, and Jamal Sealey. Ismael Lea South described the event as “a celebration of being Black, British, and Muslim in the UK.”
Amina Adwoa Fetuga, the production director, highlighted the overwhelming community support that contributed to the event’s success, saying: “Such lovely support from our communities—it was a good event overall.”
Attendees Yasmin Kaaba and Saadat Yusuf commented: “These award events bring together people from various communities, schools of thought, and denominations for a positive purpose.”
Hassan Judi of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) also attended and praised the event, describing it as “really good” with “excellent vibes and energy.”
The ceremony, which honoured Black Muslim trailblazers, was hosted by award-winning poet and author Muneera Pilgrim, alongside Ali Kamara, a host at Islam TV. The evening featured motivational talks, comedy, and spoken word poetry, which were well-received by the audience.
Philanthropist of the Year – Lizzamah Akinlade
STEM Champion – Barakah Hassan (Sisters In Tech)
Sports Person of the Year – Zainab Alema (Rugby Player)
Academic of the Year – Sahra-Isha Muhammad-Jones (ASRA Club)
Performing Artist of the Year – Muslim Belal
Business Entrepreneur of the Year – Spencer Fearon
Media Professional of the Year – Khaleel Muhammad
Author of the Year – Sekina Yakoub
Charity of the Year – Ziyada 4 All
Caterer of the Year – Love’s Kitchen
Community Activist of the Year – Iman Abdullah
Women’s Champion of the Year – Anisah Abdullah (Inherent Birth)
Photo: Sekina Yakoub (Author of the Year) and Zainab Alema (Sports Person of the Year, Rugby Player) are among the 12 winners celebrated at the 7th UK Black (African/Afro-Caribbean) Muslim Awards. (Credit: Ali Kamara)
