The Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) has announced the honourees for its sixth annual gala, with some of the biggest names in music set to be recognised for their contributions to the industry and society. The 2026 BMAC Gala will take place on September 24 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. Presented by Live Nation, the event will once again be hosted by Kenny Burns.
Among this year’s honourees are music legends Patti LaBelle and Public Enemy, rapper and actor Common, music executive Nicole Wyskoarko, Tina Davis, The Team and Universal Music Group’s Global Impact Team.
Why Is Patti LaBelle Receiving The BMAC Icon Award?
Patti LaBelle will receive the BMAC Icon Award, recognising a career that has spanned more than six decades. The Philadelphia-born singer first rose to prominence as part of the group Labelle before establishing herself as a successful solo artist. Her catalogue includes beloved songs such as “If Only You Knew” and “New Attitude”, cementing her reputation as one of R&B and soul music’s most influential voices.
What Award Will Common Receive?
Common will be honoured with the Harry Belafonte Change Agent Award. The Chicago-born rapper, actor and filmmaker has built a career that extends well beyond music, combining his work in entertainment with advocacy and community initiatives.
Through his Common Ground Foundation, he has supported programmes focused on empowering young people and helping them reach their potential. His work in social advocacy makes the Harry Belafonte Change Agent Award particularly fitting.
Why Is Public Enemy Being Honoured?
Hip-hop pioneers Public Enemy will receive the Social Impact Award. Led by Chuck D and Flavour Flav, the group became one of the most influential forces in politically conscious hip-hop during the late 1980s and beyond.
Albums such as It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back and Fear of a Black Planet addressed racism, inequality and political issues in America, with their music becoming closely associated with social commentary and activism.
What Is The Sylvia Rhone Visionary Award?
This year’s BMAC Gala will also introduce a new honour, the Sylvia Rhone Visionary Award. Nicole Wyskoarko has been named the award’s inaugural recipient. The honour is named after veteran music executive Sylvia Rhone and will recognise executives who create opportunities for artists while helping shape the business side of the music industry.
Rhone praised Wyskoarko for combining business expertise with a strong commitment to artists and creators. “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,” Rhone said.
She added that she had watched Wyskoarko rise through the music business with “grace, grit, and an unshakable sense of purpose.”
When Is The BMAC 2026 Gala?
The sixth annual BMAC Gala will be held on September 24, 2026, at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. Live Nation is presenting this year’s event, with Kenny Burns returning as host. The ceremony will bring together artists, executives and other figures from across the music industry to celebrate contributions to Black music, culture and social impact.
