The award was given to the manager and Metallic Inc founder in recognition of her services to music.
The new year has started on a strong note for Skepta’s manager, Grace Ladoja after she was awarded an MBE by none other than the Queen of England.
The fast-rising media executive of Nigerian origin was awarded a Member of the British Empire for her services to music. She is one of 452 recipients of the prestigious awards as part of the Queen’s new year’s honours list.
The award comes just over a year after Skepta was awarded the Mercury Prize, for his 2015 album, “Konnichiwa”.
Pushing her artiste and the Grime culture
Grace Ladoja has been working with the UK Grime icon, Skepta since 2014. In that time, she has overseen his transition from the popular face of grime to an iconic, heavily-personified figure with a strong following outside the UK.
Grace has built a reputation as one of the main catalysts in the emergence of the UK grime scene on the international stage.
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In addition, she is also seen as one of the UK's most promising media executives, thanks to her work with artistes like FKA Twigs and popular brands like Supreme.
Like Skepta, who is currently at home in Nigeria for the holidays, Grace is not afraid to explore her ties with the country of her origin.
Recently, she spoke on the "Exposing New Narratives" panel in Lagos where she admonished millennial creatives alongside Maleek Berry and Ugo Mozie.
The MBE honours are 90 years old
The MBE honours were created in 1917 by King George V during the First World War. They were intended to reward civilians and servicemen in supporting positions for their contribution to England’s part in the war.
Nowadays, they are used to recognise an achievement or service to the community in any area, such as the arts, charity or education.
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According to the UK Cabinet Office, an MBE is given for an “outstanding achievement or service to the community.
This will have had a long-term, significant impact and stand out as an example to others”.
Miss Ladoja acknowledged the award on Instagram, saying, “Thank you, I’m thankful. Feeling very overwhelmed by the love I’ve received for this.
I’ve always loved the culture that comes from UK music so to be part of this journey has been so special to me, I think we are the best in the world.
As a scene we have all worked hard to try to leave an impression on this Earth and create new blueprints so that the next generation can flourish, I think that’s my calling in life.
I’m so happy to be here right now. There is so much to do, I can’t wait for next year.”
For a woman of colour in the creative space, this award is a great recognition of Grace Ladoja’s capacity and obvious promise.