Nollywood actor Charles Inojie and rapper Mr Raw were among five entertainers inducted at the 18th D'CEM Awards on October 17.
Five entertainers were inducted into the D'CEM Hall of Fame at the 18th D'CEM Awards of Global Excellence, held on Saturday, October 17, at the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The inductees were veteran Nollywood actor Charles Inojie, rapper Mr Raw, born Ukeje Okechukwu, American actor Tray Chaney, hip-hop pioneer Doc Curry, professionally known as The D.O.C., and film professional Bobby T. Thompson.
The Lifetime Legacy Achievement Award from the Hall of Fame went to Inojie in recognition of his enduring work for Nigeria's movie business. Mr Raw was given the Legacy Achievement Award from the Hall of Fame for excellence in hip-hop, music and cultural influence. Doc Curry was honoured for excellence in hip-hop and global music culture, Thompson received the Lifetime Legacy Award for Excellence in Film and Cinematic Arts, and Chaney was recognised for his impact on screen entertainment.
Other honours went to people working behind the camera and on it. Russell Wyche was honoured for his work in independent film production and cinematic leadership, while Shaun M. Mathis took home a prize for screenwriting and storytelling for the screen. May Owen, an actress, received the International Nollywood Icon Award. Acting excellence earned Brian "Maverick" Clouston the Empowerment Merit Award, and he also picked up the year's Best Supporting Actor prize. Known to fans as EdoCharles, Charles Edobor won the Legacy Icon Award, cited for comedy excellence, diaspora entertainment work and creative influence.
In the production categories, The Clean Up was crowned the year's best movie, while Reflection took the award for best short film. Tiffany Graham was named Best Film Director of the Year, and Derrick Muhammad was recognised as Best Writer of the Year.
Music featured strongly. JMEEL received the Best Artist - Soul and Vocal Performance award, Gudda King won Best Breakthrough Song of the Year for Hustling, and DJ Goodnoiz was named Best Afro-International DJ of the Year. Those who took the stage included EME, also called May Owen, alongside Waga G, Hasani Vibez, Mr Raw, JMEEL, Mr Him Him and Erica Hill. Legacy Music Group provided live-band entertainment, and DJ Dutchy performed.
The late actor Hakeem Sharif, nominated for a 2026 D'CEM Award and who passed away just before the event, was honoured with a special tribute. A video segment spotlighted his artistic path, his performances on screen and his input to the entertainment sector.
Prince Eke and Daniel K. Daniel hosted the ceremony. It was organised and executive-produced by Dr. Debby Goodnews Silas, popularly known as Debby Classique. Delivering her welcome address, she stressed how vital it is to acknowledge creative talent and create chances for workers in the field to grow their profile and push their careers ahead.
The main ceremony was preceded on October 16 by The Glamours Awards - Pre-D'CEM Cultural Gala Night, held in Norcross, Georgia. According to the organisers, plans were underway to extend coverage of the event through interviews, photographs, performance videos, newspaper reports and magazine features. They also indicated that the 2027 edition would seek to expand international participation and strengthen creative partnerships.
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