2024 Grantees

Thank you to all of our applicants for this year’s Black Music City Grants. After much deliberation (and over 700+ applications), we’re excited to announce this year’s 30 Grantees below! Learn more about each grantee and their project by clicking below, and stay tuned for their final projects launching at our annual showcase this June 2024.

Aaron Fisher
(NO SIR E)

Wilmington, DE

  • “Black Beats Workshop: An Evening with Rucyl Frison”

    The project will be a music technology workshop featuring Philadelphia electronic musician Rucyl Frison

Aaron Love
(Anyabwile Love)

Philadelphia, PA

  • “Speakin' Trane”

    "Speakin' Trane" is a 4-5 minute narrative film short. The setting of this project is an imagined interview between Trane and a musical journalist. The narrative short takes place in 1964. At the time Coltrane has recorded, but has not yet released his album, A Love Supreme (ALS). The interview is just three years before his untimely death. The production will include the interview between Trane and some cutaways to a saxophone player performing a new composition of the direction that Trane's music was going towards.

Amari Johnson
(Amari Rebel)

Philadelphia, PA

  • “Alter-Destiny: the Soular Rock Family Reunion”

    Inspired by Sun Ra, Alter-Destiny: the Soular Rock Family Reunion is a celebration of Black families in Philadelphia through sound, art, and imagination.

Andrea Spruill
(Homer Jackson)

Bristol, PA

  • “The Flow of Jazz & more”

    This project consists of a video documentary on Homer Jackson, founder of the Philadelphia Jazz Project, which will provide a comprehensive insight into his life and enduring musical legacy. From his early experiences to the formation of the Jazz Project, viewers will gain a nuanced understanding of Jackson's contributions to the vibrant jazz scene in Philadelphia. The interview portion delves into his artistic vision, the challenges faced, and the impact of his work on the local music community, offering a valuable glimpse into the rich tapestry of his life and enduring influence.

Antoinette Kersey
(Toni Kersey)

Springfield, PA

  • “Gospel, Jazz and Rhythm and Blues”

    My intention is to create a fan to honor the gospel great Clara Ward, a fan to honor the jazz queen of the organ Shirley Scott and a small quilt to honor MFSB the rhythm backbone of the Philadelphia sound.

Caliph Gamble


Philadelphia, PA

  • “Soul Session with Bilal”

    I will undertake a captivating, 5-8 min mini-documentary project centered around Philadelphia's progressive soul singer, Bilal.

    As a visionary in the soul genre, Bilal's innovative sound and fearless experimentation have left an indelible mark on the music landscape. The film aims to unravel the enigma behind his creativity, showcasing his influence on contemporary soul while delving into personal narratives and collaborations.

Dianne Thompson
(Badd Kitti)

Philadelphia, PA

  • “Cosmic Funk Odyssey: Journey to Blacktronica”

    Original music composition in honor of electronic music pioneers Dexter Wansel, James Mtume and King Britt.

Donn Thompson Morelli
(Donn T)

Philadelphia, PA

  • “The Philadelphia Sensei: Lovett Hines”

    The project is a sizzle reel—a 3 to 5-minute video that dives into the rich musical tapestry woven by 80 years young Lovett Hines, an influential and enigmatic figure whose impact extends across Philadelphia and resonates in the stories of global music luminaries such as Questlove, Christian McBride, Orrin Evans and more.

Duwenavue Johnson
(Duwenavue)

Philadelphia, PA

  • “AL B.Blue”

    A hand embroidery and photography project to honor Al B Blue a blues man who was from from Camden and Philly. His story and navigation of his blues career which he still has at 81.

Eric Ockimey
(ocktheWizard)

Philadelphia, PA

  • “Glare of the Gods 2.0”

    Giving flowers and acknowledgment to active musicians, songwriters, music journalists, DJs, and producers in the Greater Philadelphia Area through floral headshots and photoshoots.

Erica Jones
(E.Lizé)

Wilmington, DE

  • “Dee Dee Sharp”

    36" x 48" 3D-style painting of Dee Dee Sharp.

Fawziyya Chandler
(Fawziyya Heart)

Philadelphia, PA

  • “A Day in Philly”

    The project aims to honor the legendary duo McFadden & Whitehead and their iconic anthem “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” by bringing together Philadelphia’s top musicians for a collaborative rendition. Inspired by the spirit of unity and innovation, the project will fuse live instrumentation with electronic elements, led by renowned Philly DJs such as Ben Arsenal. Through this unique blend of talents, the track will pay homage to the city’s rich Black Music History while showcasing its evolution and diversity. Additionally, the project will capture a moment in time with a visual representation titled “A Day in Philly,” immortalizing the dedication and camaraderie of the city’s music community.

Grier Spry
(MissG)

Philadelphia, PA

  • “Sounds of Philly AR Filter”

    I am creating and AR filter that can be used on IG or FB that is a collage of Philly music artist. I plan to collaborate with other Philly visual and music artist to create original music and artwork for the filter.

Jerel Kala-Kadima
(VisualsByKala)

Upper Darby, PA

  • “Love Musiq”

    This project will create original photo concepts inspired by Musiq Soulchild's songs. The photos will showcase diverse talent in creative settings that align with each song's powerful emotions. Each album will have a unique title representing my interpretation of the song. The result will be a stunning collection of photos that effortlessly capture each song's essence and evoke a range of emotions.

Jessica Innis
(Shauna Moon)

Ewing, NJ

  • “For Her Ears Only”

    "For Her Ears Only" is a wearable art activation experience that honors Black women in Philly who have impacted the music scene and continue to push boundaries with their talent and influence. In this project, we will be honoring artists like Lay Bankz, Jazmine Sullivan, and Ethel Waters along with their contributions to the Philly music scene. Each artist will have their own editorial profile that will be converted into wearable art and given to the public as a news tee. The conclusion of this project incorporates an activation experience, in which members of the community can interact with Philly Music News in a new artistic fashion.

Jos Duncan-Asé


Philadelphia, PA

  • Untitled

    My project will tell the story of Lessie Sprurlock and the Spurlock Opera Company honoring her work at the center of Black Classical Music, and her role in the forming of my family's history.

Joshua Meekins
& Amira Smith

Philadelphia, PA

  • “Disruptors in the Culture & Black Music City”

    A special 6-8 episode season of the Disruptors in the Culture podcast where we speak with and profile the Philadelphians whose musical expression and innovations disrupted and moved Black music forward in new ways.

Karen Moore


Philadelphia, PA

  • “Packin Up The Marion Williams Story”

    Packin’ Up The Marion Williams Story is a multi- media show that pays homage to the life, artistic genius, and significant cultural impact of gospel icon Marion Williams. This captivating production seamlessly combines archival film footage, with performances not only recounting Williams’s compelling journey but also illuminating the dynamic essence of Philadelphia that played a pivotal role in shaping her life and nurturing countless other African American talents.

Kenny Wooten


Philadelphia, PA

  • “Untitled Moosh Documentary”

    This short documentary will trace the history of Philadelphia’s Black Church Music Scene through the lens of contemporary Philadelphia music artist Dequincy Coleman-Mcrae, otherwise known as Moosh. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Moosh got his start in music in a small church in South Philadelphia as a drummer. The film will accompany Moosh as he revisits his childhood church, reflecting on memories from his upbringing and reestablishing connections with the community that played a significant role in his life.

Kimberly Camp


New Jersey

  • “John Coltrane Dolls”

    As part of my Black Music City series, this year I will be hand sculpting John Coltrane dolls, using stoneware, textiles, beads, wood and more.

Kyra Williams


Philadelphia, PA

  • “SIMBY Presents: The Voices of Sisterly Affection”

    Philadelphia's motto was expanded to "The City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection" by the efforts of longtime radio host and godmother of Black Music Month, Dyana Williams. To continue amplifying the female voice in discussions about our city, SIMBY Presents: The Voices of Sisterly Affection by Kyra Williams is a glance at Philly’s Black music herstory through photography and a labor of love and respect for the Black women who have been the soundtrack to our lives: Billie Holiday, Patti LaBelle, Phyllis Hyman, Left Eye, Eve, Jill Scott, DJ Diamond Kuts, Jazmine Sullivan, and Tierra Whack. This is a traveling photo exhibit accompanied by culturally relevant youth photo programming for Black teens, led by Black photographers, intended to educate our youth on artists who share their roots while motivating them to realize their potential as the next generation of Black storytellers. As the founder of Stories In My Backyard (SIMBY), Kyra Williams has partnered with The Parkway Central Free Library and The Philadelphia School District’s TV Station (PSTV) on this project.

Owen Brown, Jr.
(Owen Valentine)

Audubon, PA

  • “The Strings of Philadelphia”

    I will be honoring the string arrangements of the Sound of Philadelphia records.

Rachel Godfrey

Philadelphia, PA

  • “Beyond the Page: Philly Word Magazine's Hip-Hop Odyssey Unveiled”

    "Beyond the Page" is an experimental video essay exploring how the media can better support the growth and well-being of Black musicians. Drawing on the impact of Philly Word Magazine (1999-2005) and Ogbonna Hagins' editorial commitment to Philly's hip-hop culture, the project highlights the challenges and opportunities faced within today's music media landscape. It highlights the importance of integrity, cultural relevance, and empathy in media work, aiming to create a more supportive and spiritually fulfilling atmosphere for Black artists and media workers alike.

Dr. Sheena Howard


Philadelphia, PA

  • “Herstory the Fairy: Meet Marian Anderson”

    Through this project, I aim to honor Marian Anderson's pioneering spirit and celebrate her contributions to music and civil rights. By bringing her story to life in a format accessible to young readers, we hope to inspire children of all backgrounds to pursue their dreams, overcome obstacles, and stand up for equality and justice.

Sundiata Watson
(Sundiata)

Philadelphia, PA

  • “Pure Hell Homage”

    A music video throwing back to the streets of 1970s Philadelphia, inspired by one of the first Black punk bands, Pure Hell.

Sweet Corey-Bey


Philadelphia, PA

  • “Black Blues Culture”

    Gladys Bentley, Bessie Smith, Blues

Taylor McLendon
(Ivy Sole)

Philadelphia, PA

  • “Philly Club Mini-Doc”

    A mini-doc on the history of Philly club and its impact on present-day Philadelphia artists

Timothy Welbeck


Middletown, DE

  • “Hip-Hop is Black Culture”

    Hip-Hop is Black Culture will honor and document the hip-hop culture of Philadelphia in addition to Philadelphia’s role in pioneering and innovating hip-hop scholarship at the post-secondary level.