In the heart of Accra’s bustling nightlife, under the chandeliers of the elegant AH Hotel, a constellation of Africa’s brightest stars gathered on February 21, 2026, for an evening that felt less like an awards ceremony and more like a heartfelt reunion of visionaries.
The 2025 African Living Legends Awards, a prestigious event dedicated to honoring those who have quietly or boldly shaped the continent’s future, drew a select crowd of trailblazers from across Africa. From entrepreneurs revolutionizing tech to activists championing social justice, these “living legends” were celebrated not just for their achievements, but for their enduring commitment to a better Africa.
Powered by Elation Magazine, Royal International Magazine, and Elation Communications, the event was a testament to the power of recognition in a continent often overshadowed by global narratives of struggle. “This isn’t just about handing out plaques,” said Darlinghtyn Momoh Umoru, the convener and director of honors, in his opening address. “It’s about acknowledging the enormous contributions these individuals have made to Africa’s development. We urge them to do even better, as this honor comes with the responsibility to elevate our continent further in their respective fields.”
Umoru, a passionate advocate for African excellence, emphasized the awards’ exclusivity. “The African Living Legends Honors are meant for Africans alone—or those who have naturalized in any of our continent’s countries,” he explained. “It’s an event designed to recognize only a few, those who have either quietly or openly contributed to the great continent of Africa.” The selection process, he noted, was rigorous and unforgiving. Nominations poured in from across the diaspora and the homeland, but only a handful scaled the screening by the award selection committee. “It wasn’t easy,” Umoru admitted with a smile. “But those here tonight are the cream of the crop the ones who’ve truly earned the title of ‘living legend.'”
The evening unfolded like a tapestry of African resilience and innovation. Attendees included a diverse array of honorees: a Nigerian fintech pioneer whose mobile banking app has empowered millions in rural communities; a South African environmentalist leading reforestation efforts against climate change; and a Kenyan educator whose literacy programs have transformed underserved schools. One standout recipient, a Ghanaian philanthropist who has built hospitals in remote villages, shared a poignant moment on stage. “This award isn’t mine alone,” she said, her voice steady with emotion. “It’s for every African who dreams of a brighter tomorrow and works tirelessly to make it real.”
What sets the African Living Legends Awards apart from glitzy international galas is its intimate, purpose-driven ethos. No red carpets or paparazzi frenzy here just meaningful conversations over canapés and traditional Ghanaian dishes like jollof rice and kelewele. Guests mingled in the hotel’s grand ballroom, swapping stories of triumphs and challenges, from navigating bureaucratic hurdles in business to fostering pan-African collaborations amid economic uncertainties. The event’s sponsors, Elation Magazine and its partners, have long championed such narratives through their publications, focusing on uplifting stories that counter stereotypes and highlight Africa’s potential.
Umoru’s vision for the awards stems from a deep-seated belief in the continent’s untapped power. “Africa is home to legends in every field—science, arts, governance, you name it,” he told reporters during a post-event briefing. “But too often, their stories go untold. This platform ensures they’re seen, heard, and inspired to do more.” He hinted at expansions for future editions, including virtual components to reach honorees in conflict-affected regions and partnerships with African governments to amplify the awards’ impact.
As the night drew to a close with performances by local Afrobeat artists and a group rendition of a pan-African anthem, the message was clear: Africa’s legends aren’t relics of the past they’re alive, active, and pivotal to the continent’s renaissance. In a world quick to focus on Africa’s woes, events like this remind us of its wealth of talent and tenacity. For the honorees, the award is more than a trophy; it’s a call to action, a spark to ignite even greater change.
The 2026 African Living Legends Awards may have wrapped up, but their ripple effects are just beginning. As Umoru put it, “This is only the start. Let’s make Africa legendary together.”
