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What We Do

Throughout the month of June, we’ll be hosting a series of events, performances, and educational programs to showcase the diverse range of Black music and its influence on contemporary culture.

Meet The Team

We are the dedicated team behind Black Music Appreciation Month. Comprised of music enthusiasts, historians, and activists, we're committed to preserving, promoting, and celebrating the rich legacy of Black music.

Chief Black Music Officer

George O Janssen

I am an artist consulting manager (also known as a consultant or artist manager, band manager, or music manager) is an individual or company who guides the professional career of artists in the entertainment industry. The responsibility of the talent manager is to oversee the day-to-day business affairs of an artist; advise and counsel talent concerning professional matters, long-term plans, and personal decisions which may affect their career.

The roles and responsibilities of a talent manager vary slightly from industry to industry, as do the commissions to which the manager is entitled. For example, a music manager’s duties differ from those of managers who advise actors, writers, or directors.

A manager can also help artists find an agent, or help them decide when to leave their current agent and identify who to select as a new agent. Talent agents have the authority to make deals for their clients while managers usually can only informally establish connections with producers and studios but do not have the ability to negotiate contracts

Royal Board Member

Emy

Vice President of Big Boss Music B.V. and The Superstar Brokers, Head of Hitmachine and Head of A&R Service, and a cross-border multi-award winning singer and songwriter with over 200 million streams and over 30 years in the lot. Her innate musicality allows her to transcend not only boundaries but also genres.

She has written songs alongside some of the world’s most acclaimed producers and artists, including Willy William (Mi Gente), Will.I.Am (Black Eyed Peas), Enrique Iglesias, Lali Esposito, Shakira, Phill Greiss (Jason Derulo, Nicki Minaj) and many more.

Royal Board Member

Amerildo de Krijger

Amerildo de Krijger – Founder of record label BB Music Group, Ex managing director AT- Publishing, founder of Big Boss Music d/b/aThe Superstar Brokers, songwriter en rapper.

The broker/A&R/Publisher & Label manager, has brokered for 12 years for Grammy award winning producer Boaz and has 20+ international gold and platinum plaques, multiple awards including David Guetta, J balvin, Bebe Rexha, Diplo, Trippie red, Major lazer and many more.

Royal Board Member

Curtis Richardson

Grammy Nominated, Multiplatinum Songwriter/ Producer Curtis Richardson originally hails from Trenton NJ. Curtis holds a Double Bachelor of Arts degree in both Journalism and Labor Studies from Rutgers University, New Brunswick. In his career prior to music, Curtis worked with the CWA(Communication Workers Of America) Local 1034 and Boston Equiserve.

His interest in organizing and development Curtis 39 first breakthrough success in music, was the Number One, Platinum Billboard Hit Record All I Have; by Jennifer Lopez feat. LL Cool J. In the span of his 20-year career, Curtis has written and/or produced records that have sold in excess of 40 million copies worldwide.

Curtis Richardson has worked with some of today’s marquee talents such as Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, BTS, John Legend, David Guetta, Armin van Burren, Afrojack, Tiesto, Hardwell, Joss Stone, LL Cool J, Disciples, Craig David, Deborah Cox, and Jo Dee Messina.

As a member of the Grammy Association, NARAS, Curtis's work in education as an advocate for the rights of all composers has become his life's passion. His international acclaim has also garnered enormous success in the Asia and European markets working with the likes of major foreign superstars such as Taemin, SHINee, Super Junior, Key, Girls Generation, Sandy Lam,
Kumi Koda, Tohoshinki, Agnes Carlsson, Naime Amuro, Christopher, and Rainie Yang. With a global platform, Curtis continues to create and develop new and equitable systems for the creative arts at large.

Royal Board Member

Angelique Cinelu

Grammy award-winning songwriter, Angélique Cinélu, and daughter of renowned jazz percussionist Mino Cinélu, has leveraged her birthright into a lifelong career in the arts. After graduating from the University of Virginia, Angélique’s look and sound brought her to the attention of top music and television producers alike.

As an accomplished actress and SAG – AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild) Member, Angélique has appeared in many of television’s most popular programs, including Scandal, Law and Order, Castle, CSI: Miami, and NCIS: Los Angeles, as well as national and international television and print ads, including a McDonald's commercial shot by award-winning director, Antoine Fuqua.

With her multi-platinum achievements as an artist, composer, and producer. Angélique has also built an impressive career in the music industry. Her love of music was initially learned from listening to her father’s performances with artists as varied as Sting, Herbie Hancock, and the legendary Miles Davis. In addition to appearing on tracks featuring her signature sultry voice, Angélique has composed tracks for music titans like John Legend, Natasha Bedingfield, and Estelle to name a few.

Her songs have been featured in hit movies like Ride Along, About Last Night, as well as in various other films and television shows, including the theme song for WGN’s hit show Underground. Most notably, Angélique’s composition skills were featured in the Oscar-winning La La Land. Making her one of two black composers and the only female to compose for the groundbreaking musical.

Culture

Resilience: Black music endures and inspires despite adversity.

Black music has a long history of reflecting the struggles and hardships faced by the Black community, from slavery to civil rights to present-day issues. Despite these challenges, Black music has persevered and continued to inspire and unite people across generations and cultures.

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Innovation: Black music pioneers new sounds and styles.

Black music has always been at the forefront of innovation, with musicians constantly pushing the boundaries and experimenting with new sounds, rhythms, and techniques. From the creation of jazz to the birth of hip hop, Black music has been a driving force of musical evolution.

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Community: Black music brings people together in celebration and connection.

Black music has always been a communal experience, with artists and audiences coming together to celebrate and share in the joy of music. Whether it’s through dance parties, gospel choirs, or concert performances, Black music has brought people together and created a sense of belonging and connection.

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