London, June 6, 2024 - 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.

About ASCAP

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is a membership association of more than 1.1 million songwriters, composers and music publishers, and represents some of the world’s most talented music creators. In 2023, ASCAP reported record-high financial results of $1.737 billion in revenues and $1.592 billion available in royalty distribution monies to its members. Over the last eight years, ASCAP has delivered a 7% compound annual growth rate for total revenues, and an 8% compound annual growth rate for total royalty distributions to members. Founded and governed by songwriters, composers and publishers, it is the only performing rights organization in the U.S. that operates on a not-for-profit basis. ASCAP licenses a repertory of over 20 million musical works to hundreds of thousands of businesses that use music, including streaming services, cable television, radio and satellite radio and brick and mortar businesses such as retail stores, hotels, clubs, restaurants and bars. ASCAP collects the licensing fees; identifies, matches and processes trillions of performances every year; and returns nearly 90 cents of every dollar back to its members as royalties. The ASCAP blanket license offers an efficient solution for businesses to legally perform ASCAP music while respecting the right of songwriters and composers to be paid fairly. ASCAP puts music creators first, advocating for their rights and the value of music on Capitol Hill, driving innovation that moves the industry forward, building community and providing the resources and support that creators need to succeed in their careers. Learn more and stay in touch at www.ascap.com, on X and Instagram @ASCAP and on Facebook.

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For more information, please contact:

Doug Wright, LD Communications, doug.wright@ldcommspr.uk

Henry Oliver, LD Communications, henry.oliver@ldcommspr.uk

Lais Martins Waring, LD Communications, lais@ldcommspr.uk

Charlotte Marston, LD Communications, charlotte.marston@ldcommspr.uk