Chaka Khan declared music “really does heal” as she picked up her Global Impact Award at this year’s O2 Silver Clef Awards.
The ‘Queen of Funk’, 71, was among a raft of stars – including Mark Knopfler, AC/DC, Jessie Ware and Loyle Carner – honoured at the annual ceremony on Friday (05.07.24) at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane, London.
Chaka said after picking up her trophy – awarded “in recognition of her 50 years of international influence”: “Music has always been my solace, my strength, my voice, a gift.
“I’m grateful for this beautiful honour to be part of the Nordoff and Robbins creative community, where the power of music is used to transform, inspire, and bring love to the world. Music really does heal.”
Also honoured at the ceremony were Blur, Texas, The 1975, Ezra Collective, Jacob Collier, Cat Burns and Young Fathers.
Along with paying tribute to some of today’s biggest artists, the awards has so far raised £760,000 and counting for Nordoff and Robbins, the UK’s largest music therapy charity.
Bosses of the ceremony said: “The star-studded event is the biggest of the year for the charity, raising essential funds for music therapy services in an increasingly challenging social climate where costs are rising, children face a mental health crisis and nearly one million people will be living with dementia by 2030.
“Money raised today will support Nordoff and Robbins’ trained music therapists in reaching those living with autism, dementia, learning difficulties, brain injuries, life-limiting illnesses, mental health challenges, grief and trauma; helping them to connect and communicate through music.”
Now in its 48th year, the awards saw AC/DC win the Legend Award, while Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler, 74, landed the Music Icon Award.
Pop singer Jessie Ware, 39, scooped Best Female, lauded UK hip hop artist Loyle Carner, 29, took home the Best Male Award, The 1975 won Best Group and Scottish act Texas received the Outstanding Achievement Award.
Ground-breaking composer Jacob Collier, 29, picked up the Innovation in Music Award, London singer Cat Burns, 24, received the Best New Music Award and the genre busting Ezra Collective won the Contemporary Music Award.
Scottish group Young Fathers received Best Live Act.
Since 1976 the awards have raised more than £13.5 million for Nordoff and Robbins’ transformative music therapy services and honoured some of the greatest names in music.
Hosted with O2 for the last 23 years, the annual lunch is Nordoff and Robbins’ biggest fundraising event of the year thanks to table sales, sponsorship and live auctions on the day, featuring special items from the winning artists alongside money can’t buy experiences donated by the music industry.
Alex James, 55, from Blur said: “Making music with my brothers in blur has been one of the great gifts of my life. We are absolutely chuffed to receive the O2 Silver Clef Award and help raise awareness for Nordoff and Robbins, a brilliant organisation.”
Brian Johnson, 46, from AC/DC said: “We’re over the moon to receive the Amazon Music Legend Award.
“As a band, we’ve been dishing out our own brand of music therapy for the past five decades, so to hear all about how Nordoff and Robbins helps the young and the old with the power of music is something that we understand and salute. Thank you for this honour.”
Mark Knopfler added: “It’s a privilege to support an event that is directly part of such important music therapy work. One of the best parts of being an artist is meeting people who have been touched by your music.
“I think we have all appreciated the power of music in our own lives from time to time. Nordoff and Robbins believes in sharing the value of music with everyone who needs it – that’s why I’m a longtime supporter and will continue to help raise funds so Nordoff and Robbins’ music therapists can continue their vital work.”
Full List Of 2024 O2 Silver Clef Award Winners
O2 Silver Clef Award – Blur
Amazon Legend Award – AC/DC
Raymond Weil Global Impact – Chaka Khan
American Express Music Icon – Mark Knopfler
Tysers Live Outstanding Achievement – Texas
Live Nation Best Female – Jessie Ware
AEG Presents Best Male – Loyle Carner
ASM Global Best Group – The 1975
Oak View Group Innovation in Music – Jacob Collier
PizzaExpress Live Best Live Act – Young Fathers
PPL Contemporary Music Award – Ezra Collective
Ticketmaster Best New Music – Cat Burns