With the inaugural GUBA Awards USA set to take place at The Pierre, A Taj Hotel in New York City on Thursday, September 26, Face2Face Africa (F2FA) sat down with Dentaa Amoateng MBE (DA), the Founder of GUBA Enterprise for a discussion about the event and the motive behind bringing it to the United States.
Read the details of our conversation below:
F2FA: We are aware the GUBA awards, which has long been organized in the UK, is now headed to the United States. What has changed this year for this major decision to be made?
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DA: We were ready to expand our footprint to the US. Following the continuous success in the United Kingdom for almost a decade, GUBA Enterprise were ready for the GUBA Awards to be introduced to the United States to expand its reach to the trailblazers within the Ghanaian-American society. We needed a universal celebration of diasporas Stateside too. The GUBA Awards USA will be focused on unveiling and rewarding high achievers in various industries within the Ghanaian community, whilst creating a platform for networking and fostering business relationships between Africa and the diaspora.
F2FA: What would you say is that magic touch to the GUBA Awards that has made it relevant over all these years?
DA: Our ultimate magic touch is our abilities to pull some of the most influential individuals from Africa and the diaspora around the world. We love to celebrate their achievements and the impact they continue to make. This year, we have heads of State, dignitaries and government officials around the world congregating to celebrate the achievements of Africans, African businesses and individuals based in the United States.
It will be a night of Glam and Glitz, with performances including an award-winning violinist all the way from Ghana, our South African music queen and some serious Ghanaian and African outfits, topped up with a three-course meal. There will be an amazing red carpet and VIP networking areas.
F2FA: Being the first time in the US this year, does GUBA have any exciting new plans, changes or additions to the awards scheme that should interest people even more now, than ever?
DA: We wanted our debut in the US to be as exciting, significant and provoking as possible. This meant having inspirational attendees. This year, our honoured guests will include H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana, the President of Madagascar H.E Andry Rajoelina, President of Guinea, H.E. Alpha Condé & Burkina Faso’s President H.E Jean-Claude Kassi-Brou. The president of the ECOWAS Commission will also be in attendance. Also in attendance will be celebrities like Danny Glover, British Actor Winston George Ellis, Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, the sister of Martin Luther King, Dr Naomi King, Pops Mensah-Bonsu, Angel McCoughtry, Karen Boykin-Towns (Vice Chair NAACP National Board of Directors), and a host more to be confirmed.
F2FA: There is no doubt that the GUBA Awards has become a household name today, but being the originators of the scheme and from organizing the awards all these years, is there something that the award exemplifies that many have not quite gotten a grasp of yet that you’d love to help our audience understand?
DA: GUBA is much more than an Awards organisation, it is a multisector social enterprise platform with a charitable foundation to help those in need within the communities served.
To date, GUBA Awards has evolved into GUBA Enterprise with enterprise branches: GUBA Awards UK, GUBA Awards USA, GUBA Expo, GUBA Foundation, GUBA Careers and GUBA Diaspora Card. GUBA Enterprise has been represented at FIFA during the unveiling of the Arthur Walton statue at the Headquarters in Switzerland. GUBA is also a multi-award winner and also facilitated the visit of HRH Prince Charles and the Duchess’ visit to Ghana including the most spectacular fashion show ever at a state banquet.
F2FA: Just like any other event, there’s no doubt the GUBA Awards has faced challenges. What have been some of your most haunting setbacks?
DA: As you can imagine, there are so many elements that go into making the GUBA Awards as amazing as it is and of course, there will be inevitable glitches here and there, but we have a really talented team and with any/all the setbacks we face, they are dealt with efficiently as possible.
F2FA: Is GUBA Awards USA here to stay? What are the plans for the future?
DA: We plan to continue expanding the brand across the rest of the US. We are excited to continue giving a more impactful experience with every award show and initiative we have and simply being bigger and better every step of the way.
F2FA: Is there anything of importance that our readers should know about that you’d like to share with us?
DA: GUBA Enterprise is really excited to continue expanding its footprint around the world with initiatives like the GUBA Awards. Between the 5 African Presidents and world leaders/influencers as well as prominent figures from the NAACP, we know this is going to be a phenomenal experience for everyone involved.
In another recent development, GUBA Enterprise is proud to announce the support of the Mayor of New York City Bill de Blasio at the GUBA Awards USA 2019. Mayor Blasio commends GUBA Enterprises’ efforts in its “mission to unite and empower African people and organizations, and promote economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties between countries throughout the African continent and nations across the globe.”
Mayor Blasio highlights that “this event will also showcase entrepreneurship and trade opportunities and highlight the importance of Goal 17 of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, “Partnerships for Goals,” in promoting international cooperation to help end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and prevent the harmful effects of climate change by 2030.”
There will be a presentation to GUBA Black Star Awardees: Patrick Awuah, for his exemplary work in Education; Rosa Whitaker, for her Excellence in Africa advancement and Richileu Dennis, for Editorial achievements and many more.
Following the tremendous success of GUBA UK over the past decade, GUBA Enterprise is extending internationally and taking root in the United States of America to put the spotlight on the Diaspora within this pantheon community.
The African Diaspora in the Americas continues to influence Arts and Culture, Business, sport, technology, and entertainment. GUBA recognizes and celebrates the efforts of these game-changers, as a way to encourage the promotion of growth and innovation in Africa, to the rest of the world.
GUBA Awards USA is powered by GUBA Enterprise and proudly title sponsored by Samara Company Ltd, producers of SASSO Insecticide Spray, and co-sponsored by the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, Kosmos Energy Limited, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre and Turkish Airlines.
For more information on sponsorship, advertising, exhibition and ticket purchase, visit gubausa.com. For media inquiries or interviews, contact Natasha Tania Gordon at pr@gubaawards.co.uk.
