18th Annual Detroit Black Music Awards Celebrates Detroit’s Music Legacy 2026 The Detroit Black Music Awards and Honors 2026 Award Recipients

DETROIT, MI — August 2, 2026 — The Detroit music community came together for an evening of recognition, celebration and legacy as the 18th Annual Detroit Black Music Awards honored an outstanding class of artists, musicians, entertainers and music industry contributors on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at the American Serbian Memorial Hall, 19940 Van Dyke in Detroit.

For 18 years, the Detroit Black Music Awards has provided a platform to recognize the artists and industry professionals whose creativity, dedication and perseverance continue to strengthen Detroit’s rich musical heritage. Founded by Misty Love, the annual celebration places a special spotlight on Detroit talent while also honoring individuals whose careers and contributions have carried the city’s musical influence far beyond its borders.

And the 2026 winners are…

After being selected from a field of talented nominees, Tommie Spivey was named R&B Male Artist of the Year, while Kiko received R&B Female Artist of the Year.

In jazz, Damon Terrell was named Jazz Artist of the Year, and David Whitfield and The David Whitfield Production received the honor of Gospel Artist of the Year.

Denise Edwards captured Entertainer of the Year, while musician Natasha Williams was honored as Female Musician Artist of the Year. Representing a new generation of emerging talent, Jai Simone received the Rising Star of the Year award.

The winners emerged from a 2026 nominee class that included artists such as Rodney Humphrey, LG3Singz, Eric Deon, Elicia Key of E Charnoske, Nikell Johnson, Machelle Booker, Alan Day, Dr. V. Shawn Trent, Sheila Slaughter, Sonnie Day, Darius Twyman, Akita Steen & Fire, Twon Green, Kenny Watson, Gayelynn McKinney, Laura Simone, Gwenyth Hayes, AJ Garner, Charity Alexis and Dimarco Wilson-Ashley.

Celebrating Lifetime Achievement and Musical Excellence

Beyond its competitive categories, one of the evening’s most significant moments was the recognition of the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award honorees.

The Detroit Black Music Awards presented Lifetime Achievement honors to Muruga Booker, Gwen Foxx, Alexander Zonjic, Pamela Wise Harrison, Mike Saxon, Gwen & Charles Scales, and Larry Sims—a distinguished group whose careers represent decades of artistry, leadership and contributions to music.

Trumpeter Larry Sims, a Detroit native known as “Leapin’ Larry,” was recognized for a career with roots stretching from Detroit’s musical community to international stages. Sims began his musical development under Detroit trumpeter Marcus Belgrave and was associated with Motown songwriter Barrett Strong. He became an original member of Brainstorm and later joined the Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness, carrying his Detroit musical roots with him throughout his career.

The awards celebration also recognized Gayelynn McKinney with the Music Icon Award, honoring her contributions and lasting impact on Detroit’s musical legacy.

Additional special recognition included the Image Award presented to Anthona McNiel for dedication and commitment to the music industry in Las Vegas.

The Special Tribute Award recognized Mike Bonner for his hard work and dedication in the professional field of entertainment in Detroit. A Special Tribute was also presented to the Sylvia Moy Family in recognition with Masterpiece Sound Studios, celebrating their contributions, dedication and connection to Detroit entertainment and music history.

Eighteen Years of Honoring Detroit Music

The 18th Annual Detroit Black Music Awards represented more than another awards ceremony. It reflected nearly two decades of preserving history, acknowledging working artists and making certain that those who contribute to Detroit’s musical identity receive their flowers.

From established legends and lifetime honorees to current award winners and rising artists, the 2026 celebration demonstrated the extraordinary range of talent that continues to emerge from Detroit.

The evening carried forward a fitting message for the organization’s 18th year:

“Honoring Our Past. Celebrating Our Present. Inspiring Our Future.”

As another class of musicians, entertainers and industry contributors entered Detroit Black Music Awards history, the 18th Annual celebration reinforced what generations of music lovers already know: Detroit’s musical legacy is not simply history—it is still being written.

2026 Detroit Black Music Awards Winners: R&B Male Artist of the Year — Tommie Spivey; R&B Female Artist of the Year — Kiko; Jazz Artist of the Year — Damon Terrell; Gospel Artist of the Year — David Whitfield and The David Whitfield Production; Entertainer of the Year — Denise Edwards; Female Musician Artist of the Year — Natasha Williams; Rising Star of the Year — Jai Simone.