Inside Sony Music
- Growing Together: How SMG Celebrated Black History Month
- Feb 29, 2024
Black culture is everywhere. From the arts to tech innovation and so much more, Black heritage and traditions influence our daily activities, such as the music we write and listen to. And as music continues to evolve globally, we’re shaping the next generation of artists and music industry experts while celebrating the growth of music genres created by Black creators, artists, songwriters, and communities across the globe.
At Sony Music Group, we celebrate Black History Month during the month of February in Germany, Canada, and the U.S., and we’ll continue to support programs and initiatives throughout the year for Black communities worldwide. Take a look at some of our highlights below.
Empowering the Next Generation of Black Leaders and Creators in Berlin
To celebrate Black History Month, Sony Music’s Talent Advisory Group, HUE (Helping Unite Everyone), hosted a workshop, Record Label 101, for Black youth to gain insight into the music industry and discuss career opportunities within a record label.
This event was organized by Deschoolonize e.V. in partnership with Black Futures Week and Vitamin Black. In unity, the event was formed to inspire and empower the Black community in Berlin.
“We were honored to support Deschoolonize and Black Future Week because their work is critical to empowering the next generation of BIPOC leaders and creatives,” said Will Mckinny-Raphelt, Senior Product Manager, and member of HUE, “We are pleased to have been able to provide our knowledge and resources to further this important mission.”
Participants also had the opportunity to meet with Sony Music’s People eXperience team for resume critiques and networking.
Chatting with Groundbreaking Director Cazhhmere
In Canada, Sony Music hosted a conversation with Canadian director and filmmaker Cazhhmere for Black History Month. As an 11th generation Black Canadian, Cazhhmere discussed her path from transitioning from music videos to filmmaking, and adapting to changes in technology, while continuing to commit to telling meaningful stories. “The stories I wanted to tell got bigger,” Cazhhmere shared of her journey into the film industry. “That was a driving force for me—to create richer and more nuanced narratives for my audience.”
Cazhhmere is a beacon of creativity in the Canadian arts and culture space and a storyteller who continues to soar over hurdles and challenge limitations.
Her acclaimed short documentary “Deeply Rooted” explores the concept of Canadian identity from the perspective of her own family, who have been in Canada since the 1600s. The film challenges the idea that Black Canadians are necessarily “from somewhere else,” and has become part of the school curriculum throughout Ontario.
Throughout the conversation, Cazhhmere discussed the pivotal role of community support and collaboration in fostering success in the creative industries in Canada. The session served as a testament to the resilience and creativity of Black Canadian professionals, driving positive change and inspiring future generations.
Celebrating the Rise of Amapiano
Music is always evolving—and in New York—The Orchard held a lively event in honor of Black History Month to celebrate the impact and contributions of Black artists from around the world. Hosted by HUE, attendees gathered as a community to recognize the expansion of music genres created by African artists, producers, songwriters, including Amapiano.
Reimagining Black History With Doug Melville
In a fireside chat with Doug Melville, author of “Invisible Generals,” Doug shared family stories of his ancestors’ accomplishments, including his ancestors Benjamin O. Davis Jr, and Benjamin Davis Sr., America’s first two Black Generals.
To check out the organizations we support click here.
