The Black Music City class of 2025 is here. 30 Black Philly-area artists across mediums will be awarded grants of $1,100 to $5,000 to fund projects aimed at honoring Philadelphia’s Black music heritage. The winning projects, which include live performances, audio tributes, interactive workshops, and multimedia art, will be showcased in June during African American Music Appreciation Month.
Out of 320 applicants, the 30 grantees were chosen by the Selection Committee of Samantha Rise (singer-songwriter, activist Pew fellow), J. Michael Harrison (radio host, musician), Seraiah Nicole (vocalist, spoken word artist), Richard Watson (exhibits manager, African American Museum of Philadelphia), Chill Moody (performer, entrepreneur), and XPN’s own radio host and music journalist, John Morrison. “During our grant application review process, it was evident that local artists are energized about this unique opportunity for discovery and reflection of their cultural experience and heritage in Philadelphia through the city’s musical history,” said committee member Seraiah Nicole. “We are excited to see the new artistic projects in the showcase this summer and help further build a strong sense of community through this work.”
Black Music City is a collaboration among REC Philly, WRTI, and WXPN, and received funding from the William Penn Foundation. Read more about the project at their website. Check out this year’s winners and their intended projects below.
Summer Adams (Rae.Dianz), Sharon Hill, PA. The Illadel Project, a five-week intergenerational music camp to produce a five-track EP celebrating the city’s rich musical history across various artists.
David Adams (Dj lil’dave), Philadelphia, PA. Audio and physical project honoring The O’Jays’ “I love Music,” in a modern style.
Marck Best (Maestro Flaco), Philadelphia, PA. Mobile workshop honoring Mr. Otis Givens including lecture, dance lesson, and community gathering.
Benita Brown, Philadelphia PA. Digital exhibit honoring percussionist Baba Robert Crowder as part of The Black Dance Anthology.
Kayla Childs (Black Buttafly), Philadelphia, PA. Audio project honoring Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff’s catalogue through a five-song EP.
The Mz.Icar Collective, Philadelphia, PA. Digital art project honoring Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Santigold, and Tierra Whack through an immersive augmented reality (AR) experience.
Alanna Dixon, Angelique Scott (Neptune XXI, Angelique Scott), Philadelphia, PA. Sounds of Liberation: Black Music Legacy, a live performance honoring the generations of Black music including jazz, hip-hop, and soul.
Dwight Dunston (Sterling Duns), Philadelphia, PA. Workshop honoring the song “Wake Up Everybody!”, focusing on how it still resonates 50 years later and leading participants in creating work inspired by this discussion.
Saeed Ferguson (All Caps Studio), Philadelphia, PA. The House That Philly Built, a short film focusing on house music’s heartbeat, its legacy, and King Britt’s role in connecting Philly to the greater world.
Laurin Talese Frierson (Laurin Talese), Philadelphia, PA. Audio project that invokes the magic of a night at the Philadelphia’s historic Showboat Theater.
Clarence Fruster, Philadelphia, PA. Moving project featuring an interview with Immanuel Wilkins and curating a syllabus, e-book & companion for educational purposes.
Carla Gamble, Philadelphia, PA. Short film and audio project based on the cultural impact of King Britt on EDM house music and his legacy in Philadelphia.
Robert Graves, Philadelphia, PA. The Underground Voices of Philadelphia, a mini-documentary diving into the music and personal lives of Philadelphia LGBTQ+ artists Kevin JZ Prodigy, Jahad Basquiat, and Precious Ebony.
Richard Hill Jr, Wilmington, DE. Multifaceted live performance project exploring Jymie Merritt’s impact on Philadelphia’s jazz scene including a studio album, workshops, and live performance series.
Shontel Horne (MAE The Third Production Company), Philadelphia, PA. Why I Love You, an energetic short documentary, exploring the lives and impact of The Ultimates.
Duwenavue Johnson (Sante), Philadelphia, PA. Visual narrative honoring Francis “Frank” Johnson’s legacy through hand embroidery and a music video compilation.
Karen Moore, Philadelphia, PA. Blues Born of Fire, a short film inspired by Nina Simone’s Four Women, blending music, spoken word, and visuals to honor her legacy and Philadelphia’s Black music heritage.
DuiJi Mshinda (DuiJi 13), Yeadon, PA. Moving project with in-person interviews including the impact of Vinyl Tap 215 on local DJs, and a community playlist based on contributions.
Steven Page (SoundofPage), Philadelphia, PA. Live performance project that includes a workshop on the history of Philadelphia gospel choirs and a final concert that celebrates gospel music.
Khalil Phillips (Dj Lil), Philadelphia, PA. Mixing Heritage, a DJ workshop series that teaches aspiring DJs to incorporate Philly’s Black music history into their new sounds and mixes.
Debra Powell-Wright, Aldan, PA. The Roots of Black Love, a hand-sewn fiber art portraiture of Black Thought and Questlove.
Sandy Rashied (SOOK Vinyl & Vintage), Philadelphia, PA. Audio project focusing on the development of a lounge space honoring Philadelphia International Records with showcases, community discussion, and live listening.
Anthony Rivera (Ant Manuel Rivera), Philadelphia, PA. Short film project delving into how Lucas Rivera’s identity as an Afro-Puerto Rican informs his artistry and activism, illuminating the importance of unity in the fight against anti-Blackness and the erasure of Afro-Latino histories.
Melissa Simpson, Philadelphia, PA. Harmony Keepers, a digital and public art project that highlights Philadelphia’s unsung Black music educators.
Karen “Magic Fingaz” Smith, Philadelphia, PA. Daughters of the Full Moon of Sonia, a recorded listening party honoring Sonia Sanchez and her influence on a wide range of musical artists.
Andrea Spruill (Snookie Blaze), Bristol, PA. Moving video project honoring Homer Jackson & NuGruv Network by showcasing their impactful work within the community.
Makiah Stephens (TNK), Philadelphia, PA. Harmonies Love, Peace, Hope, and Soul: The Legacy of James Marshall and The Informers, a short documentary exploring the group’s influence on Philadelphia’s Black music scene.
Dianne Thompson (Badd Kitti), Philadelphia, PA. Audio project honoring ambient musician Laraaji with two New Age/ambient songs.
Dyymond Whipper Young, Philadelphia, PA. A large-scale mural celebrating the Uptown Theatre’s legacy and The Sound of Philadelphia, blending bold visuals with interactive elements.
Syreeta Williams (Syreeta), Philadelphia, PA. Project Noir, an immersive photography exhibit, highlighting the legacy and influence of five Black women musicians.