2023 TSU Music Business Accelerator Program Concludes

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Photo: Courtesy of 353 Media Group

The 2023 TSU Music Business Accelerator Program wrapped another successful event with a closing retreat and educational panel of music luminaries from Atlanta, L.A. and New York.

Black Music Action Coalition in partnership with Amazon Music, Nashville Music Equality, Recording Industry Association of America,and Wasserman Music presented the Maymester initiative at HBCU Tennessee State University, furthering a shared commitment to empower the next generation of Black music artists and professionals.

The finale panel at the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville featured SiriusXM Host Swaggy Sie, actress/artist Bre-Z, actress/artist Serayah, artist/activist YelloPain, producer Rodney Jerkins and Tennessee native artist/songwriter Daisha “The Rap Girl” McBride. Each shared stories of the struggles and triumphs from their own perspectives working in the entertainment industry. BMAC Co-Founder/Chair Willie “Prophet” Stiggers and Senior Vice-President Repertoire and Marketing Tim Reid dropped industry wisdom to students from both the 2023 and 2022 programs.

The Music Business Accelerator Program offers Black college students in Tennessee career resources to help them break into the music industry. With an emphasis on mentorship, the program provides access to executives and artists as guest lectures. Announced at BMAC’s second Music In Action Awards Gala, this year’s program was sponsored by Primary Wave’s BMAC-James Brown Education Fund to cover the costs for 30 students to take this elective class for free.

Program highlights included Tri Star reception hosted by Lou Taylor, Heather Kinder and Tyler Hubbard on May 8; the Def Jam Record Label 101 on May 11 with EVP A&R Naim McNair, VP Marketing Charlene Thomas alongside moderator Prophet, plus actress and Def Jam recording artist Coco Jones; and the Rolling Loud takeover with Co-Founder / Co-CEO Tariq Cherif, Goldenvoice’s Marcus Johnson, Live Nation’s Gade Raferty and WME’s Kevin Shivers on May 15.

The TSU Artist Session featured Waka Flocka Flame, who gave TSU student Mille Manny an unforgettable experience opening his show at the Brooklyn Bowl on May 18. Amazon Music hosted Music 101 with representatives Gary Bushrod and Frankie Yaptinchay on May 22 ahead of the Closing Retreat on May 25 with a discussion focused on how to use your platform to impact change.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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