London, UK, September 2, 2024.

Firstly, we want to apologise unreservedly to all those supporters turned away at the door, and all who got in but were unable to find seating for this year’s Honours for Outstanding Contributions. We take full responsibility for an estimation that was incorrectly made.

Clearly, our twin reactions to the clamour for a new venue, and no less-important, the responsibility to reevaluate our model’s sustainability, fell short. We are sorry.

That cleared, we are pleased to announce that other aspects of the event were a success. We thank each and every one of you not just for coming, but looking graceful and stylish. You make the show what it is - unrestricted cool.

Nothing we do is possible without the community in mind. And it helps, hugely, that there are incredibly generous figures within.

We are grateful for the kindness shown us by community stalwarts like Mr Abu Mansaray, Mr & Mrs Sahid Kamara, Alice Caulker, Mrs Sarian Kamara, and too many others to name.

We are appreciative of Miss Rosetta Cole for her finger-licking catering skills, the incredibly humble, Mrs Khadija Tarawalie, Auntie Namina Kanu, and Aminata Fonti Jalloh.

We are thankful to Miss Sheila Barber of She Bar Concepts for sourcing our outfits - two years running.

We are grateful to Mr Edriss Munah Conteh for helping with the design.

Thank you Abdul King for playing the tunes, your tracks selection was up a notch.

We extend our appreciation to Mrs Ise Wurie Stevens for her unmatched nuance in publicity.

We want to thank Miss Sanna Bee for being a true friend and tremendous help.

We are deep in debt to an Afro Arts loyalist and dear friend, Petrina Kamara.

We want to extend our gratitude to the honourees and performers. We do not take the privilege of convening them lightly. Their accepting our invitation gives us tremendous satisfaction.

Without a doubt, year on year, the event grows. Mainly because we are always open to our supporters’ suggestions and feedback. Ultimately, the event has to be tailored to their expectations.

Honours for Outstanding Contributions 2025 is on Saturday 27th September. A venue will be revealed in due course. An important postscript to that, be rest assured of our commitment to better the production next year.

Once again, thank you for your support not just for this year, but always! Despite a not so satisfactory event, our faith in your understanding remains strong. We will deliver for you.
NB
Please look out for updates on how proceeds for this year’s event are spent at Ola During Children’s hospital in Freetown.