Powered by RTÉ, the Black and Irish Gala Awards 2023 were a massive success. Taking place in the Osprey Hotel in Naas on 2 December, the Black and Irish community came together to celebrate one another and major milestones over the year.
Across the night, 15 awards, including an award of recognition, were given out on the night to incredible people, organisations and businesses from across the country.
The winners on the night were as follows:
Personality of the Year - Victor Alfred
Community Star of the Year (Sponsored by Intel) - Blezzing Dada
Community Organisation of the Year (Sponsored by Deloitte) - Open Circle
Actor of the Year - Tishe Emmanuella Fatunbi
Educator of the Year (Sponsored by ISA) - Nursing with Winnie
Outstanding Contribution to Music (Sponsored by Guinness) - Tunde Esho
Podcast of the Year - Charge It To The Game
Activist of the Year - Abdulai Mansaray
Content Creator of the Year - Victor Alfred
Entrepreneur of the Year - Jasmine Feehan (Sponsored by Goodbody)
Female Sportsperson of the Year - Rhasidat Adeleke
Male Sportsperson of the Year - Israel Olatunde
Business of the Year - We Are Human Collective
Female Artist of the Year (Sponsored by ISA) - Aby Coulibaly
Male Artist of the Year (Sponsored by ISA) - Fortune Igiebor
The night was kicked off by the incredible MCs Katka Miaa and Vanessa Ogbonna, who invited Black and Irish co-founders Leon Diop and Femi Bankole to the stage to share a few words on the organisation, the partnership with RTÉ and the importance of the awards.
The Jude Hughes Awards which was introduced last year was given to community legend Mama Shee. It was awarded by Jude Hughes on the night who has been a pillar of strength for the Black and Irish community for many years.
The ceremony enjoyed some phenomenal live entertainment, with Neubri having the dance floor packed before dessert had been served. The night also saw Salamay perform at the interval as well as DJ Tee providing the entertainment after the awards.
The highly competitive Best Dressed competition, hosted by Zeda and Lawson Mpame, saw three stylish winners:
- Best Dressed woman - Toshin
- Best Dressed man - Biodun
- Overall Best Dressed - TessyEhiguese
