Victoria Monét has partnered with the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) to launch the BMAC x Victoria Monét Music Maker Grant.
The grant, which will be officially announced at BMAC’s Grammy Week Music Maker Dinner on January 31, will reward Black emerging artists with $5,000 to boost economic empowerment. In addition to the monetary grant, recipients will be able to access mentorship opportunities and liaise directly with Monét for career advice.
The official announcement at the BMAC event comes during a pivotal week for Monét, who is up for seven Grammy awards on Feb. 4 including best new artist and record of the year. After years of writing and producing for other artists including Ariana Grande and Fifth Harmony, Monét released her debut album “Jaguar II” to critical acclaim in August and secured a hit with “On My Mama.”
BMAC was initially formed in 2020 to address systemic racism in the music business. Since its founding, the organization has established various grants including The Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Music Maker Grant, BMAC Ernie Panicciolo Music Photojournalism Grant & Celebration Event and more.
“We are honored to partner with Victoria Monét to uplift a young and deserving Black artist and help further their dreams within the music industry,” says Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, BMAC co-founder, president and CEO. “Her story is one of resilience and perseverance and it is in that spirit we will continue to pay it forward. BMAC’s mission is to create a more equal playing field by breaking down barriers to entry for our community. Our BMAC Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Music Maker Dinner is a perfect room to celebrate this initiative.”
“Supporting the next generation of women is crucial as we work towards furthering equality across the board in the music industry,” added Caron Veazey, co-founder of BMAC. “Partnering with an iconic artist and role model like Victoria Monét through the Music Maker Grant will help us to impact a future star by setting them up on a path to success. We are looking forward to receiving the submissions and uncovering a deserving artist!”
Shawn Holiday, who also serves as a co-founder of BMAC, said, “I met Victoria years ago as a songwriter and to see where her gifts have brought her to today has been an incredible journey to watch. As a co-founder of BMAC, I am proud to honor her work with establishing the BMAC-Victoria Monét Music Maker Grant and have the opportunity to work together to uplift the next generation of our industry.”
