Meet the Guards
Chaka Khan
Vanguard Award
Chaka Khan has recorded across more than ten genres including, R&B, soul, pop, jazz, gospel, rock, country, dance, classical, and world music not as a crossover exercise, but because no single genre could define her artistry. She has performed on six continents, built a devoted international audience across generations, and influenced virtually every significant female vocalist in history.
It began with Rufus, the Chicago band she joined as a teenager in the early 1970s.
Kelly Rowland
Velvet Guard Award
Kelly Rowland is our Velvet Guard Award honoree. This award celebrates a woman whose artistry and presence have become woven into the fabric of culture, graceful in expression, powerful in impact, and enduring in influence.
Rowland is a singer, songwriter, actress, television personality, and entrepreneur who rose to international fame as a founding member of the legendary girl group Destiny's Child. From a young age, Rowland displayed exceptional talent in singing and performing.
Natina Nimene
New Guard Award
Natina Nimene is a senior music executive and cultural strategist currently serving as Executive Vice President, Audience and Artist Relations at REPUBLIC Collective. I work at the intersection of artistry, audience, and influence, building meaningful relationships that translate creative vision into lasting impact. I care about how careers are built and how culture is handled. I’m focused on building legacy, mentoring, and exploring entrepreneurship.
Spotlighting the Guardians
Celebrates individuals who embody the spirit of a messenger, protector, and guide within the music industry.
Fatima Robinson
Guardian of Vision Award
Fatima Robinson is one of the most sought-after producers, creative directors, and choreographers in the world. She has been named as one of Entertainment Weekly’s “100 Most Creative People in Entertainment”, and is a three-time Emmy nominee for producing and choreographing. Fatima was recently Director of Choreography for Beyonce’s Renaissance World Tour & the Super Bowl for Dr. Dre feat. Mary J Blige, Kendrick