MKO Wins Global Ambassador Recognition Award at Global Entrepreneurship Festival

At the recently concluded Global Entrepreneurship Festival in Akure, MKO, the Nigerian-born creative entrepreneur, was honored with the Global Ambassador Recognition Award for his significant contributions to the creative arts and entrepreneurship. MKO’s outstanding efforts in promoting African culture and fostering collaboration between emerging and established artists worldwide were recognized by the Global Entrepreneurship Festival.

This award for MKO marks a milestone in his career. Receiving the award on his first visit to Ondo State, he described his visit as “outstanding”. “I am deeply honored to receive the Global Ambassador Recognition Award. This event has been an eye-opener, and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it,” MKO shared in an interview with HipTV. “Akure is beautiful, and the hospitality has been incredible. It’s been an unforgettable experience.”

MKO, a multiple award-winning personality, is best known for his role as a leading Afrobeat and Afropop artist in the UAE. He is listed as one of UAE’s #AhlanHot100 2025 Most Influential personalities by TimeOut Middle East.
He is also one of the first recipients of the Black Excellence Awards in the Middle East and has been recognised by the Cannes Festival for his contribution to the Middle East creative space.

He is also the founder of Art Fusion Night (AFN) and Artopia Festival, platforms that have redefined the creative scene in the Middle East by connecting artists across various art forms. Through these initiatives, he has championed diversity and collaboration, impacting the global art community and establishing himself as one of the most influential African creatives in the UAE.

In his career, MKO has collaborated with global brands such as PUMA, RwandAir, Yamaha, Chivas Regal, and Dubai Tourism, while also receiving recognition from prestigious institutions like the Royal Office of His Highness Sheikh Abdulhakim Obaid Suhail Buti Al Maktoum. Notably, MKO pioneered the world’s first AfroBeats Immersive Concert at Dubai’s Theatre of Digital Art, showcasing his innovative approach to performance art.

During the award ceremony, MKO was accompanied by his family, including his 75-year-old father and two brothers. “This award is not just for me. It’s for my family, my team, and everyone who has supported me along this journey,” he said, reflecting on the role his loved ones play in his success.

As a proud advocate for African culture, MKO continues to make strides in promoting creative collaborations through his platforms, ensuring that African artistry receives global recognition. Securing this award has assured his fans that the artist has more plans for them and his influence in the creative industry, both in the Middle East and globally, will continue to grow.

“I believe in the power of collaboration and diversity in art,” he said. “This recognition inspires me to keep pushing boundaries and creating spaces for more artists to shine.”

To learn more about MKO and to follow his work, you may connect with him on Instagram @mko_world or Art Fusion Night @artfusionnight. You may also connect with Artopia Festival @artopiafestival.