The 2023 D’CEM awards have been scheduled for July 22 in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.

The organiser, Dr. Debby Goodnews Silas, publisher and founder of Debby Classique Entertainment Magazine, made the announcement in a statement.

For 14 years now, the award has served as a platform of recognition for individuals who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.

Distinguished African, American and Caribbean celebrities, some of whom are icons of the entertainment industry, captains of industries, philanthropists and humanitarians, are frequently in attendance and recipients of the D’CEM Awards.

A gala night would take place on July 21 before the main award on July 22. This 15th edition of the prestigious award will start with a red carpet, followed by the event proper, which kickstarts with the opening speech.

The awards, usually the highlight of the events, will be presented to humanitarians, exceptional leaders, notable as well as up-and-coming entertainers. Lifetime achievement awards, legendary awards, influencers awards, artist awards, as well as authors and media personality awards will feature in the programme of the day.

Among those who would be honoured in the 2023 awards are the likes of Sebastian Barron (Humanitarian Excellence Award), Solomon Peter (International Artist Manager Recognition Award), Carl Chinenye Okafor aka Dj Kalifonia (International Best Afrobeat Dj Of The Year) and Jennifer Jbeautyfull Alegieuno (Best Female Influencer In Entertainment), among 20 others.

Andre Dickens (Mayor of the City of Atlanta) will be honoured with Special Leadership Recognition Award.

Past recipients of D’CEM awards include the likes of Daniel K Daniel, Daniel Lloyd and Robert Peters; highlife maestro Flavor; comedians AY Ayo Makun, Helen Paul and Elenu; former Actors Guild of Nigeria president Ejike Asiegbu, actors Charles Inojie, Joseph Benjamin, Regina Askia, Ngozi Ezeonu, Norbert Young and Gloria Young.

TV presenter Denrele Edun, Super Eagles striker Emmanuel Emenike, and singer Olu Maintain are also among past honorees.

The DCEM alumni also include Ugochukwu Nwokoro, former Deputy Mayor, City of Newark, NJ; Mayor of Montgomery, Alabama, Steve L. Reed; media entrepreneur and politician Otunba Dayo Adeneye (D1); civil rights lawyer Ben Crump; Garfield Bright, and former Abia State governor, Okezie Ekpeazu.

The 2023 award will be attended with the usual glitz and glamour of high-calibre event hosts, dynamic masters of ceremonies and awardees and guests that are the cream of society.

Expectedly, the event will be attended by captains of industries, great entertainers and government representatives among others.

The red carpet, which will feature 10-best dressed individuals and couples, is expected to be a fashion show of celebrities and dignitaries resplendent in attires that conform to the dress code of white and gold.

According to the organisers, the event will be broadcast live on conventional TV and streaming platforms.

Commenting on the awards, Goodnews said she has been using it to bridge the gap between Africans and African Americans in the United States.

The alumnus of the University of Lagos and Heart International University, U.S. added: “My objective remains unchanged, which is to use my various media platforms and epic awards ceremonies to recognise and honour both communities, foster better relationships and change the narrative of hate.” she said.

Goodnews also hosts the Royal Honour Awards, an event that celebrates African heritage and honours African Americans with authentic African names.

A consummate TV host, actor and filmmaker, she is the publisher of several fashion magazines including Dee Legend, Dews Debby Classique and CityMag, the first complete men’s fashion magazine in Africa.