Blige handed 'Black Women in Music' prize

Mary J. Blige has been handed the inaugural 'Black Women in Music' award by Essence magazine.

The 'Family Affair' singer was honoured for her career and humanitarian work at the ceremony in Los Angeles.

Def Jam chairman L.A. Reid presented Blige with the gong to recognise her musical achievements and work with the Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now, which she co-founded.

Poet Maya Angelou paid tribute to Blige in a video clip and she later received a standing ovation from the audience, which included Taraji P. Henson, Gabrielle Union and rapper Ludacris.

"Thank you so much for supporting me from the day I stepped foot into the music industry," she said. "It really means something to me to have Maya Angelou speak on my behalf. It also means a lot to have Oprah on my speed dial!"

Ludacris later paid tribute to the star, saying: "I was privileged enough to do a song with Mary J. Blige, and I'm just happy to do that, but anytime we celebrate her legacy and everything she's done, she deserves it 100%. I love her music and I love her as a person."

Blige has released nine studio albums since 1992, including US bestsellers Share My World, Love & Life, The Breakthrough and Growing Pains.