The GAB Awards was founded in 1999 by The Trumpet newspaper (Britain’s largest distributed Black newspaper) against the backdrop of huge negative publicity being flaunted by the UK mainstream media, among many others.

Our firm belief is that African countries like other nations of the world have their bad eggs – but these bad eggs constitute a very insignificant percentage in relation to the numerous Africans who are changing and impacting lives positively around the world. It is totally out of order to portray the vast number of Africans as fraudulent, lazy and benefit cheats – when we are excelling in areas including but not limited to: The Arts, Media, Sport, Entertainment, Politics, International Relations, Health, Business, but to mention a few.

The GAB Awards is therefore a forum where the best of Africa and friends of Africa come together to network and showcase the very best that Africa has to offer. The event also rewards excellence within the community through the awards event.

Africans are making a mark and contributing to nation building in all areas of human endeavour but have not attracted the positive recognition deserved. It is therefore imperative for us to celebrate this fast growing community in the UK and its achievements and set goals for greater heights in the future.

The importance and high profile of the GAB Awards has been acknowledged by the Mayor of London. Last year, the GAB Awards was celebrated as one of the programmes of the Mayor’s Black History Month Season.

Past events have attracted the support and presence of numerous African missions and their Heads; Royalties; Celebrities from numerous areas of human endeavour; UK and African government officials and politicians; because of the lofty ideals the event represents. Past guests have included the Heads of Mission of Uganda, Nigeria, Namibia, Egypt, Sierra Leone, HRH Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III – the Alaafin of Oyo, Prince Bola Ajibola, Chief & Chief (Mrs) J.K. Randle, Chief & Chief (Mrs) Oluwole Adeosun, John Fashanu, Rt.Hon. Simon Hughes, Rt. Hon. Dianne Abbott (both of the British Parliament), William Hague (then leader of the Conservative Party), Erelu Lola Ayonrinde – two-time Mayor of the London Borough of Wandsworth; John Bowis (MEP), but to mention a few.  

Previous recipients of the GAB awards include Nelson Mandela, Professor George Kirya, Henry Annan, Anthonia Okonma of Bad Girls, Cyril Nri of The Bill, Paralympics medallist Ade Adepitan, Dele Momodu, Ishola Akay (MBE), Most Rev. Father Olu Abiola (OBE), Ogun State Governor - Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Patti Boulaye, and the late Professor Thomas Adeoye Lambo.

Special Awards
A number of distinguished sons and daughters of Africa who have contributed to the positive image of the Africa and Africans’ will be receiving awards at the event.

Side Attractions & Entertainment
The event has a number of side attractions and entertainment incorporating comedy, dance, drama and songs.

Celebrity Guests & VIPs
A number of Very Important Personalities (VIPs) and celebrities have already confirmed their support for the event.

Dinner