Black Music Action Coalition, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Present Third Annual Music Maker Grants in Conjunction With ‘ReStore & ReBuild L.A.’ Fundraiser

The Black Music Action Coalition, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are announcing their third annual BMAC x Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis Music Maker Grants. Presented in association with ASCAP and Wasserman Foundation, the grants will be awarded at a ReStore and ReBuild L.A. fundraiser on Jan. 29. Proceeds from the Los Angeles-held event will benefit the BMAC LA Fire Relief Fund to assist residents and local small businesses affected by the area’s ongoing fires.

With additional support from Amazon Music Rotation, HarbourView Equity Partners and Independent Artist Group, Grammy Award winners Jam and Lewis will honor emerging music creatives selected from a nationwide search. The BMAC x Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis Music Maker Grants were established in 2023 in honor of the duo’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The grants provide financial support, mentorship, studio time and networking opportunities to Black music producers and songwriters.

In a release announcing the awards presentation and relief fundraiser, BMAC co-founder and president/CEO Willie “Prophet” Stiggers commented, “Black Music Action Coalition is proud to continue our partnership with the incomparable Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis to celebrate the future of the music industry and to create a night of healing to raise funds for L.A. fire relief efforts. Our annual gathering, kicking off Grammy Week, is where we will announce this year’s BMAC x Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Music Maker Grant recipients as well as raise funds to benefit the BMAC L.A. Fire Relief Fund, an urgent and immediate relief fund with a focus on Black residents and small businesses of the L.A. area affected by the ongoing and devastating fires. We hope to address the immediate needs of L.A residents, support local businesses and musicians in need of revenue and continue our ongoing work to create access and opportunities for the next generation of songwriters, producers and artists — emphasizing the importance of not only restoring businesses and rebuilding homes, but restoring hope and rebuilding the spirit.”

In a joint statement, Jam and Lewis said, “Music is a divine art that has always played a vital role in healing during times of adversity. From ‘That’s What Friends Are For’ to ‘We Are the World,’ ‘Wake Up Everybody’ and our own ‘Optimistic,’ songs have the power to uplift and raise our spirits while also providing critical financial support for rebuilding. We encourage these young music makers to create the soundtrack for recovery and healing.”

Emerging songwriter and artist Mondaii was the first recipient of the pair’s Music Maker initiative in 2023. Its 2024 honorees were ZXIRE and Mikaili Ector. During last year’s event, the platform’s scope was expanded with the announced addition of the BMAC x Victoria Monet Music Maker Grant.