Common, Patti LaBelle, Public Enemy and More to Be Honored at Black Music Action Coalition Gala

The Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) has revealed the distinguished honorees for its upcoming 2026 Gala, an annual event presented by Live Nation. Scheduled for September 24, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, the evening will pay tribute to a diverse array of musical talent, including the legendary rapper Common, the iconic vocalist Patti LaBelle, and the pioneering hip-hop group Public Enemy. Each will be recognized for their unique contributions, with Common receiving the BMAC Harry Belafonte Change Agent Award, Patti LaBelle set to accept the BMAC Icon Award, and Public Enemy being honored with the BMAC Social Impact Award.

Beyond the musical acts, the gala will also shine a spotlight on several influential executives and teams shaping the industry behind the scenes. Among those being celebrated is Nicole Wyskoarko of Interscope, who will be the inaugural recipient of the newly established Sylvia Rhone Visionary Award. Empire’s Tina Davis is slated to receive the BMAC Clarence Avant Trailblazer Award, while a collective from The Team—including Lee Anderson, Marty Diamond, Lenore Kinder, Kevin Shivers, and Mallory Smith—will be presented with the BMAC Founders Award. Additionally, Universal Music Group’s Global Impact Team will be honored with the BMAC 365 Award. Returning as the evening's host is radio personality Kenny Burns, who will guide the proceedings for what marks the sixth edition of this impactful gathering.

The introduction of the Sylvia Rhone Visionary Award adds a significant new dimension to the ceremony. According to the official announcement, this honor is designed to "recognize exceptional leaders for their innovation, mentorship, influence, and commitment to creating opportunities for artists and their indelible contributions to the music industry." The award is named for Sylvia Rhone, a trailblazing executive whose storied career includes leadership roles at Epic, Motown, and Elektra Records. Rhone, who retired last year and was subsequently honored at the 2026 BET Awards, embodies a legacy of breaking barriers in a field where she was often the only woman of color in the room. Willie "Prophet" Stiggers, Co-Founder, President, and CEO of BMAC, emphasized the significance of the new accolade. "Sylvia Rhone’s impact on the music industry extends far beyond the incredible artists and careers she has helped shape," Stiggers stated. "She has opened doors, mentored generations of leaders, and shown what it means to lead with vision, excellence, and integrity. At BMAC, we believe the greatest legacies are measured by the opportunities we create for others, which is why we’re proud to introduce the inaugural Sylvia Rhone Visionary Award. It’s a fitting tribute to a true pioneer whose influence will continue to inspire the next generation of leaders."

In a heartfelt statement, Rhone herself reflected on the choice of Wyskoarko as the first honoree, drawing a parallel between her own journey and the next generation of leadership. "Success isn’t measured solely by sales, but by the lives we touch, the doors we open, and the legacies we build," Rhone remarked. "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. I’ve had the joy of watching Nicole rise through our business with grace, grit, and an unshakable sense of purpose. At every step of the climb, she has lifted others alongside her. As Nicole continues to shape the sound, the business, and the future of Black music, I can’t imagine a more deserving first recipient of the BMAC Sylvia Rhone Visionary Award — or anyone better suited to define what this honor will come to represent. Nicole sets the standard for every visionary who will follow." The gala's proceeds will also support BMAC's community initiatives, including the Gunna x BMAC 30349 and Guaranteed Income Program, as well as the BMAC Restore & Rebuild LA Program, which provides direct monthly financial assistance to Altadena residents affected by the devastating Eaton Fires—a cause that underscores the organization's commitment to tangible, on-the-ground change.