Can you believe that it was 10 years ago when rappers, singers, producers, event promoters, DJs and fans of all things independent & entertainment (southern, entertainment that is) all filed into the Gibson’s Showcase for the very first Southern Entertainment Awards? There was curiosity, there was excitement, but most of all, there was unified agreement that it was definitely time for this kind of
platform to be provided in a major, major way. Over the course of the past decade, whether the three-day event took place in Music City, Tunica or Memphis, there have been consistently impressive turnouts; expansions of categories; local, national and international media coverage and nominations as well as awards given to some of the best in independent and mainstream music. Some of the national honorees include Yo Gotti, Nicki Minaj, B.o.B., Conya Doss, Algebra Blessett, Rudy Currence and Big K.R.I.T., just to name a few. With panels and performances, fashion shows and at one point, even a magazine, perhaps this is why what was once seen as a “regional event” is now esteemed as a recognizable brand throughout the world, from the UK to Japan, Chicago to California. In honor of “getting back to its roots”, the SEAs will be returning to Nashville this coming spring to celebrate all that it has accomplished thus far.
“One thing that has held true as an important asset in the industry is the need to network and build relationships,” says Janiro Hawkins, co-founder of the SEAs. “The SEAs creates a ‘family environment’ for networking and education for those attending…we're one of the few platforms that allows both the ‘talent’ and ‘consumer’ the opportunity to have a say-so in who's nominated and ultimately who wins. It was in Nashville that the idea was created, it feels only right to do it in Nashville aka ‘Music City’’”
