On the crisp evening of January 29th, the heart of Los Angeles was set ablaze—not with the flames that have recently ravaged parts of the city, but with the passion and unity of the music industry at the third annual Music Makers Dinner. This event, a beacon of hope and support, was held under the banner of the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC), in partnership with the legendary production duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. It was not just a celebration of music and talent but a powerful statement on community and resilience.
The Music Makers Dinner lead BMAC’s CEO Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, has always been about uplifting the next generation of musical talent. This year’s event went a step further by turning its focus to the reconstruction efforts in Los Angeles, particularly benefiting the BMAC Fire Relief Fund. The fund aims to aid the residents of Altadena, who have been grappling with the aftermath of devastating fires. The music industry came together in a show of solidarity, proving once again its power to rally for a cause beyond the beats and rhymes that define it.
The night was graced with performances that could only be described as soul-stirring. The iconic group Public Enemy took the stage, not just to perform, but to make a statement with their anthem “Fight the Power.” Alongside them was the soulful Anthony Hamilton, who filled the room with joy as he crooned “The Best of Me.” The evening’s emotional peak came with Andra Day’s uplifting rendition of “Rise Up,” a fitting song for an event dedicated to lifting up a community in need. But the true star of the night was 10-year-old Grayson Roberts. A survivor of the Altadena fires and a passionate music lover, Grayson captivated the audience with a drum performance that brought Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” to life. His energy and spirit were a testament to the enduring power of music to heal and inspire. The night became even more special for Grayson and his family when Lou Taylor from Tri-Star Sports and Entertainment Group announced an additional $20,000 grant to support their recovery.
The Music Makers Dinner also honored the recipients of the BMAC and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Music Maker Grant. After a nationwide search, two emerging music producers were celebrated: Najahya and Sapphyre Bardot. Each was awarded $5,000 and invaluable networking opportunities, a launchpad for their burgeoning careers. This initiative underscored the event’s commitment to not just immediate relief but also the long-term nurturing of musical talent. Rolling Out, who received a shout out by Prophet for our 25 years Anniversary of commitment to our culture and community, was proud to be part of this evening, contributed $5,000 to the BMAC Fire Relief Fund.
We were joined by other generous donors, including Primary Wave with a significant $50,000 donation, and Shea Moisture, Amazon Music, and the Neil Lasher Music Fund, each demonstrating the music community’s dedication to supporting those in need. The third annual Music Makers Dinner was more than just an event; it was a powerful convergence of music, philanthropy, and community spirit. It showcased the best of what the music industry can offer—not just in terms of talent and entertainment but in its ability to come together for a cause.
As the night drew to a close, it was clear that the music played at this dinner would echo far beyond the walls of the venue, resonating with the beat of a city on the mend and the promise of new beginnings for its youngest talents.
