Jay Kay to be honoured at BMI London Awards

Jamiroquai frontman Jay Kay will receive the BMI President’s Award at the BMI London Awards next month. Kay is being recognised for his influence on songwriting.

The ceremony takes place at London’s Dorchester Hotel on October 9. It will be hosted by BMI president/CEO Mike O’Neill and Brandon Bakshi, BMI’s executive director, creative for Europe & Asia.

“It is an honour to be awarded the BMI’s President’s Award for 2017. People who have received this award before me have been hugely influential in the music industry,” said Jay Kay “So it’s a huge compliment and I am very thankful that the BMI felt I was worthy of it. I feel immensely proud to have even been nominated and I’m looking forward to a fantastic night in October.”

Previous recipients include Kenny Chesney, Pink, Willie Nelson, Adam Levine, Gloria & Emilio Estefan, and Toni Braxton.

Bakshi added “Jay Kay’s extraordinary creativity has carved a prolific career spanning not only three decades, but also multiple genres. As a dynamic and mesmerising performer he has entertained millions across the globe whilst continuing to add to his exceptionally diverse catalogue. We are extremely proud to award Jay Kay the BMI President’s Award for his originality which has inspired generations of musicians and fans alike.”

The US collection society’s ceremony will also pay tribute to the UK and European songwriters and publishers of the past year’s most-performed songs on US radio and television from BMI’s repertoire of nearly 12 million musical works.

Last year’s recipients include Ed Sheeran, Snow Patrol, Rudimental, Hozier, Disciples, Wayne Hector and Ed Drewett.