ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, has today announced that rising singer-songwriters Kenya Grace and Cian Ducrot will receive two of the community’s most prestigious honours, the ASCAP Global Impact Award and the ASCAP Vanguard Award, respectively.
South Africa-born British singer-songwriter and producer Kenya Grace will receive the ASCAP Global Impact Award in recognition of her viral skyrocket to the top of the dance music world. Best known for her chart-topping 2023 hit “Strangers,” Kenya Grace is a self-taught producer who merges R&B melodies, soulful stylings and electronic influences. Her distinctive fusion of sleek, club-ready pop and dynamic drum and bass has won her a legion of fans across the globe, as well as a BRIT Award nomination, a UK #1 single and #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic chart.
Meanwhile, compelling Irish indie-pop singer-songwriter Cian Ducrot will receive the ASCAP Vanguard Award, which recognises artists whose innovative work is helping to shape the future of music. Having kickstarted his career with viral TikTok hit “All for You” in 2022, Cian Ducrot released his debut album Victory last year, reaching the #1 spot on both the UK and Irish charts. Blending emotive, rich vocals with vulnerable lyrics and hypnotic indie-pop melodies, Cian recently co-wrote SZA’s massive hit “Saturn,” and completed a four-date UK tour supporting Ed Sheeran.
Kenya Grace and Cian Ducrot join a string of previous British ASCAP award recipients including Charli XCX, Dua Lipa, MNEK, Lewis Capaldi, Dev Hynes, Becky Hill and more.
Paul Williams, ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President, said:
“Kenya Grace is at the forefront of a new wave of dance-driven pop music. As the sole writer and producer of her self-recorded songs, Kenya possesses a DIY style that is staggeringly innovative and has made her a favorite with the dance music community. We are thrilled to present this trailblazing music creator with the ASCAP Global Impact Award.”
“A multi-faceted songwriter, Cian Ducrot is quickly becoming one of the industry’s most promising talents with his brilliant voice and heartfelt lyrics. He’s now making waves with some of the world’s biggest artists alongside his own work. We are so pleased to recognise him with the ASCAP Vanguard Award.”
The awards will be presented at ASCAP London Celebrates, an invitation-only VIP celebration of top UK-affiliated songwriters and composers taking place in London on 18 June. The event will bring together ASCAP’s community of UK-based hitmakers, composers and music executives, shining a light on their incredible songwriting and composing talent.
Songwriting is at the heart of the music industry and ASCAP works hard all year round to protect its community of songwriters and their copyrights. ASCAP London Celebrates helps to drive forward the growing recognition of songwriters, composers and their craft.
Follow #ASCAPAwards on Instagram, @ASCAP on Facebook and X and @ASCAPLondon on Instagram to see surprise videos and photos from ASCAP London Celebrates 2024.
