Britain’s most prominent Black celebrities, leaders in various industries, and entrepreneurs are coming together tonight to honor the achievements of Black Britons at the prestigious Powerlist 2025 awards ceremony.
The Powerlist, an annual ranking recognizing the most influential Black figures in the UK, has previously honored notable personalities such as seven-time Formula One World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton and former Children’s Laureate Malorie Blackman for their positive contributions to society.
Established in 2005, the Powerlist aims to showcase Black role models and honor pioneers across diverse sectors like arts, technology, and entertainment. Esteemed guests expected at the event include Eastenders star Rudolph Walker, Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Oti Mabuse, former Olympic athlete Dame Denise Lewis, and comedian Sir Lenny Henry.
The Powerlist Celebration of Black Excellence Awards will be hosted tonight by businessman and TV personality Tim Campbell, MBE at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London. This year, tech company Forterro’s CEO and philanthropist Dean Forbes has been recognized as the most influential Black individual in Britain.
Dean Forbes, 46, expressed his gratitude for being named the top honoree, emphasizing his journey from humble beginnings in southeast London to leading global businesses. He hopes to inspire young Black individuals to believe in their potential, work hard, and seize opportunities for success.
Additionally, newcomers added to this year’s Powerlist include Andrew ‘Rapman’ Onwubolu, creator of Netflix’s hit show Supacell, and Damson Idris, star of the popular crime drama Snowfall.
Among the distinguished individuals featured in the top ten list are Michael Eboda, CEO of Powerful Media, who commended Dean Forbes for his community contributions through the Forbes Family Group Foundation. The event, sponsored by JP Morgan and hosted by Tim Campbell, aims to celebrate Black excellence and highlight outstanding talents in the UK.
Cecil Peters, EMEA Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at JPMorganChase, emphasized the importance of recognizing and supporting diverse talent, affirming the commitment to breaking barriers and elevating Black excellence across industries.
The Powerlist continues to serve as a premier platform for honoring Black achievement in the UK, showcasing exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to society.
