The Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) continues to champion Black musicians and creatives across the industry through strategic lobbying, impactful partnerships and its highly anticipated annual Black Music Action Coalition Week. This year’s festivities culminated in a star-studded BMAC Gala, featuring a tribute backed by Usher and honoring notable figures like LL COOL J, BET Media Group, Live Nation and BeyGOOD’s Ivy McGregor for their contributions to the community.
BMAC Week also highlighted collaborations with industry giants such as Revels Group and BMI. It led to BMAC’s latest initiative with Save The Music Foundation: “Remixing The Industry.” This curated event offered career insights and explored pathways for aspiring professionals alongside top music industry executives.
Get an exclusive look below at the highlights of BMAC Week and a full recap of “Remixing The Industry.”
Black Music Action Coalition Week:
Revels Group’s BLACK: Future. Now. Brunch
The Revels Group, alongside the BMAC, Amazon Music, and Live Nation, produced the third annual BLACK: Future. Now. Brunch 2024 in Los Angeles. The event served as a key kickoff for BMAC Gala Week, bringing together top music executives and artists for a celebratory gathering. Honorees included Jhené Aiko, Cash Cobain, and Rachelle Jean-Louis, all recognized for their significant contributions to the music industry and culture. Revels Group CEO Jamil Davis helmed the event.
SESAC Awards
BMAC co-founder and CEO Willie “Prophet” Stiggers was honored with SESAC’s prestigious Visionary Award in Hollywood, noting BMAC’s advocacy and direct support initiatives. Prophet received the award from SESAC’s VP of Creative Services, Mario Prins, in a ceremony that brought together a who’s who of music executives, artists, songwriters, and publishers. The event buzzed with energy as industry heavyweights like Bryan Michael Cox, Alex Isley, Knox, and Kenyon Dixon joined in on the celebration of songwriters and music creators.
BMAC x BMI AI Panel
BMAC co-founder and CEO Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, alongside BMI president and CEO Mike O’Neill, led a dynamic panel discussing the potential and challenges of AI in the music industry. The conversation featured industry heavyweights like Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., BMI VP of Government Relations Michael Collins, and entertainment lawyer Dina LaPolt, a staunch advocate for artists’ rights. Prophet zeroed in on the NO FAKES Act, a crucial piece of legislation designed to safeguard individuals’ voices and likenesses from unauthorized AI-generated recreations, underscoring its importance in protecting artists in the evolving digital landscape. A surprise appearance was made by hip-hop icon Flavor Flav.
4th Annual 2024 BMAC Gala
The cornerstone of the week was the 4th annual BMAC Gala, where industry titans and rising stars converged to celebrate Black excellence in music. LL COOL J was honored with the Clarence Avant Trailblazer Award, Usher received the Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award, and BET Media Group’s Scott Mills, Louis Carr, Constance Orlando, and Kimberly Paige were recognized with the BMAC Social Impact Award. Ivy McGregor, CEO of BeyGOOD, took home the BMAC Change Agent Award, while Live Nation earned the BMAC 365 Award. The evening opened with BJ The Chicago Kid’s stirring acapella of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and tributes to late icons Tito Jackson, Fatman Scoop and Frankie Beverly resonated throughout the night. R&B star Anthony Hamilton delivered a powerful performance of “Before I Let Go” in Beverly’s honor. Usher closed the event by accepting his Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award, capping off an unforgettable celebration of artistry and activism.
Post-Gala Breakfast with Neil Lasher Fund
After the star-studded gala, music executives and advocacy leaders joined BMAC for a breakfast to highlight its partnership with the late Neil Lasher’s Neil Lasher Music Fund, celebrating sobriety and offering support for addicts and their family members. The fund offers sobriety resources for musicians and others in the music industry and their families, including musicians, singer/songwriters, engineers, stagehands, managers, producers, promoters, tour personnel, A&R, agents, publishers and others attached to the industry.
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“Remixing The Industry”
Save The Music Foundation, in partnership with the BMAC and Music Education Group (MEG), hosted “Remixing The Industry” in Atlanta on September 24-25, 2024. The event brought together 160 students from Atlanta Public Schools to explore music industry careers at Live Nation’s Buckhead Theatre and United Talent Agency (UTA).
Day one featured panels led by BMAC’s Willie “Prophet” Stiggers and Ric Ross of MEG, with insights from industry pros like Young Dro, Cortez Bryant, and Cory Sparks. A standout moment was Therrell High School student Boston’s live performance of his original track, receiving praise from the panelists.
On day two at UTA, discussions centered on creating career pathways for students of color. Industry leaders, including UTA’s Rob Gibbs and LVRN’s Justice Baiden, shared insights with students.
Sponsored by Live Nation and UTA, the event highlighted meaningful connections between students and industry professionals.
