Last yr, as a part of our dedication to combat in opposition to racial inequity and develop alternatives for Black creators, we shared that Spotify was partnering with UNCF (United Negro College Fund) to supply scholarships and profession alternatives for younger Black creatives at numerous phases of their creative journeys. In specific, there are two scholarship applications we’ve developed by our work with UNCF.
The Spotify-UNCF Scholars Program gives renewable three-year, need-based scholarships to Black college students attending HBCUs (traditionally Black faculties and universities) who’re pursuing careers within the music and media industries. The program helps two cohorts of 20 college students per yr.
The Spotify Frequency Scholarship Program gives renewable two-year, need-based scholarships to Black college students attending any accredited school or college who’re thinking about pursuing a profession in music. The program helps two cohorts of eight college students per yr.
For the Record is taking a second to focus on a few of the scholarship recipients who’re already making their mark. Get to know 4 of those gifted college students beneath.
Ceni Banks (she/her)
Texas Southern University
Major: Entertainment Recording Industry Management
What’s your profession plan?
I intend to turn into a well known artist who creates music that’s necessary to the world. I wish to make music that doesn’t divide us, however makes us entire. My dream is to journey around the globe and sing music that creates a protected setting for everybody to really feel like themselves. Music has at all times been so therapeutic to me, so the dream I’ve is to have the ability to do the identical for others.
Which BIPOC creator conjures up you most?
One of the largest inspirations for my profession has been H.E.R. She has actually created a sound for herself. Her voice stands out in a crowd, and her music has soul and keenness. Since I’m somebody who needs to do the identical factor, it conjures up me to put in writing music concerning the issues that matter to me, and to create one thing that I’m enthusiastic about for different individuals who simply haven’t had the chance but.
How do you rejoice Black tradition?
My favourite solution to rejoice Black tradition is to be round household. There’s no higher solution to expertise Black tradition than by being round individuals who make up their very own guidelines to Uno or by celebrating the music our tradition is thought for.
Rodney Earl McClendon, Jr. (he/him)
Tougaloo College
Major: Music Performance / Minor: Psychology
What is your plan in your profession?
My dream job is to be a world-renowned music artist. After finishing my Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance, I plan on having a long-lasting music profession. I wish to journey the world and carry out for all types of individuals. My objective is to make individuals’s souls really feel good with my artistry. I wish to make individuals smile and really feel impressed.
Which BIPOC creator conjures up you most?
One of my BIPOC inspirations is Mariah Carey. She’s one of many best-selling feminine artists of all time. Mariah conjures up by her iconic vocal means. Her voice is one in 1,000,000, and her vocal placement is great. She additionally conjures up me by her philanthropic work. Mariah additionally persistently makes use of her voice for social points, particularly voting rights.
How do you rejoice Black tradition?
My favourite solution to rejoice Black tradition is by internet hosting informational occasions centered on Black tradition. Black tradition is so various and filled with historical past, simply ready to be found. The extra we discuss concerning the tradition, the extra we find out about our tradition, and the extra we are able to perceive our tradition.
Sean Williams (he/him)
Morehouse College
Major: Psychology
What’s your profession plan?
My historical past in music and media has happily been fulfilling. I’ve been taking part in the trumpet— in marching and live performance band—and moving into different kinds of music for 9 years. Music is a large a part of my life. I don’t go a day with out listening to music. I additionally specialise in arranging, listening to, and deciphering particular sorts of music reminiscent of HBCU band music, instrumental R&B, slowed reverb, home, techno, dubstep, and digital.
As far as media goes, I’ve gone viral on TikTookay twice, and even had the chance to carry out in a Disney+ film doing a marching band section. I’m nonetheless figuring issues out, but when I needed to choose, I’d say my dream job could be music remedy, film soundtrack composing, or performing.
Which BIPOC creator conjures up you most?
BIPOC creators who encourage me are Quincy Jones and Brian Tyree Henry. Quincy is a world-renowned musical composer identified for quite a few hits like “The Secret Garden,” “Liberian Girl,” and the theme for TV sitcom Sanford & Son. Brian Tyree Henry (my Morehouse brother) is an actor who landed roles in well-known films like The Eternals, Bullet Train, and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
How do you rejoice Black tradition?
My favourite solution to rejoice Black tradition is by doing Black issues round Black individuals. I really like doing my hair or getting it executed whereas watching a Black sitcom or film; consuming soul meals whereas listening to Black music and having fellowship with my Black household and associates; thriving academically, musically, and socially at my HBCU with my SpelHouse household.
Aayasah Jenerson (she/her)
Benedict College
Major: Mass Communications
What’s your profession plan?
My meant profession is a PR agent/supervisor/officer of trend manufacturers like Jaded London, Dolls Kill, or UNIF. My dream job is to be a enterprise proprietor, inventive director, and designer of my very own clothes model.
Which BIPOC creator conjures up you most?
Ron Norsworthy is certainly one of my favourite inventive administrators. He was the manufacturing designer for Missy Elliot’s “The Rain” music video. I really like the side of afro-futurism in his work. Y2K futurism was such a cool idea. He added a “touch of Blackness” to his initiatives, and it made them 100 instances extra aesthetically pleasing.
How do you rejoice Black tradition?
My favourite solution to rejoice Black tradition is thru music and trend. My favourite subgenres of music are clean R&B, quiet storm, and neo-soul. I additionally love trend, particularly streetwear and futuristic Y2K appears. Music influences trend a lot. My greatest trend inspirations are Missy Elliot, Da Brat, André 3000, Aaliyah, Blaque, Janet Jackson, and TLC. I particularly cherished hairstyles from that period, and I’m very impressed by these individuals to step out of the norm and put on eccentric hairstyles on a constant foundation.