The Music Publishers Association (MPA) has presented Nile Rodgers with its Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting & Production.
The 65th MPA Christmas Lunch was held at the InterContinental London, The O2.
A Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductee and Songwriters Hall Of Fame inductee and chairman, Rodgers is one of the most influential songwriters, producers and guitarists of all time.
As co-founder of Chic, he was behind classics including Le Freak and Good Times, the foundation of the first major hip-hop hit Rapper’s Delight.
His work spans We Are Family for Sister Sledge, I’m Coming Out for Diana Ross and landmark productions for David Bowie, Madonna, Duran Duran, Daft Punk, Beyoncé and many others. Collectively, his work has sold more than 600 million albums and 200 million singles worldwide.
This year’s event embraced a full disco theme and featured opening performances from Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge and a special tribute performance and presentation from Beverley Knight. Omid Djalili provided the comedy set for an audience from the music publishing and wider music industry community.
Rodgers received the award from MPA CEO Paul Clements, following a celebration of his creative legacy and contribution to global music culture.
Nile Rodgers said: “It means the world to be recognised by the Music Publishers Association – an organisation that represents the people who help protect, support and elevate the work of songwriters. My entire life has been shaped by the power of songs and by the belief that music can bring people together in ways nothing else can. I’m grateful to everyone I’ve collaborated with over the years, and I’m honoured to receive this award from the publishing community here in the UK, a place that has inspired me time and time again.”
My entire life has been shaped by the power of songs and by the belief that music can bring people together in ways nothing else can
Nile Rodgers
Paul Clements, CEO, MPA Group, said: “Nile Rodgers is one of the most enduring creative forces in modern music. His work has shaped genres, bridged generations and inspired artists across five decades. To celebrate Nile at this year’s Christmas Lunch – surrounded by a room full of people who recognise the craft and dedication behind songwriting – is a privilege. His contribution to music is extraordinary, and this award reflects the immense respect our industry holds for him.”
Having performed a special tribute to the musical icon, Beverley Knight MBE added: “Nile Rodgers is a true architect of modern music. His songs and productions have defined eras and created moments that live forever, and it is a joy to be part of celebrating him today. Performing in his honour is an absolute privilege – Nile’s work has influenced so many of us, and his impact on worldwide music culture cannot be overstated.”
Sister Sledge’s Kathy Sledge, said: “Nile Rodgers is one of the most prolific and influential producers, musicians and artists ever. His music is timeless. I’m honoured to have worked with him.”
Additional award recipients
This year’s MPA Gold Badge Awards were presented to production music pioneer and current creative director of production music label The Scoring House Peter Cox, whose award was presented by British composer and arranger Keith Mansfield (known for prominent TV theme tunes including Grandstand); independent publishing stalwart and Eaton Music director Mandy Oates, presented by BAFTA and Golden Globe-winning film and television composer George Fenton CBE; and Sony Music Publishing’s president of global digital Antony Bebawi, presented by Sony Music Publishing co-MDs David Ventura and Tim Major.
The two recipients of the 2025 Richard Toeman Award, which celebrates emerging talent in music publishing, were Nathaniel Hayes and Serign Sanneh.
Alison Hook, SVP, sampling and copyright infringement, UK and international at Sony Music Publishing, was the recipient of this year’s Tony Pool Award for outstanding contribution to the administrative areas of music publishing.
Hook has spent 29 years at Sony Music Publishing and has been instrumental in the modernisation of its sampling processes. The award was sponsored by revenue and royalty management software company, Vistex.
The charity partner for this year’s event was The Listening Place, which provides ongoing support to people experiencing suicidal thoughts.
PHOTO: Patrick Gunning
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