On Sunday, music’s biggest night will take center stage right in our homes with the presentation of the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards. The show, which normally airs in February, was pushed back due to the pandemic. This week things kicked off with an extremely insightful and inspiring event, “Women in The Mix” Virtual Celebration. I attended from the comfort of my couch, and heard from iconic names like MC Lyte, Cyndi Lauper, Shelia E, and a special chat with the Icey Queen herself, newcomer Saweetie.
The event featured women making waves across the board within the music industry and celebrated the accomplishments and contributions they’ve made. Hosted by Rocsi Diaz on International Woman’s Day, there was a musical performance by Chloe Flower to kick things off and then the panels started. Legendary rapper MC Lyte and iconic musician Shelia E spoke about their careers and what they’ve contributed to the industry. The event introduced me to some of the women who are behind the scenes, holding positions as engineers and even up and coming artists. One highlight for me though, was being able to tap in with the Bay Area’s own Saweetie! She chopped it up with journalist, editor and NY Times best-selling author, Elaine Welteroth and the two discussed Saweetie’s journey, along with what’s next for her! Let’s just say she’s looking to have her hands in several different pots, like film, fashion, and production!
We also heard from Tina Tchen who serves as president and CEO of TIME’S UP Now and the TIME’S UP Foundation. She was also the former chair on the Recording Academy’s Task Force on Diversity and Inclusion. She provided a message of uplifting women and allowing them to have a seat at the table they’ve often been excluded from.
What was so poignant about this event was how the Record Academy is seemingly working to right the wrongs of their past and integrate inclusivity and diversity. For so long, the music industry has been deemed a “man’s playground”, but in the last year alone we’ve watched women rock the charts! From Cardi B to Meg thee Stallion, Saweetie and the City Girls, and so many more have made their mark and proven that women can have just as strong of an impact and dominate the charts as men. Aside from that were the stories told by women whose careers have been impacted by more veteran songwriters and musicians within the industry. Another key point throughout the evening that seemed to shine through, mentorship. That sentiment was echoed, as women applauded other women for paving the way and helping them believe in the dream that often times seems so unobtainable. We’re always seeing women be pit against each other, but the night highlighted what it looks like when women band together and help boost one another.
What I loved the most was the empowerment of women! I loved hearing stories of how so many of these women got their start or found their passion within the melodies, rhythms and rhymes of music. Understanding how different genres are being impacted by such talented women was a beautiful thing to see and gave me so much hope for not only my future, but for generations to come.
The week will for sure be different, but a busy one nonetheless, as the Recording Academy has quite a few virtual events taking place this week leading up to the Grammy’s! Be sure to check back in, as we’ll be doing a complete Grammy’s wrap-up and review following the awards airing Sunday, March 14th at 8pm.
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