The
ASCAP Foundation and The Heineken Music Initiative proudly
announce the selection of Jamilah Windham as one of
the beneficiaries of a special R&B grant program.
Launched earlier this year, The Heineken Music Initiative/The
ASCAP Foundation R&B Grant program is designed to
assist emerging R&B songwriters in furthering their
careers and will benefit up-and-coming songwriters in
five key music markets across the country (New York,
Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago and Miami). The winning
songwriters from each of the markets will be awarded
a $3,500 grant.
The grant was presented to Jamilah Windham at The Subterranean
in Chicago during ASCAP's Rhythm & Soul SWAPmeet.
On hand to make the presentation were George Daniels
of George’s Music Room and ASCAP Executive Vice
President/Membership Todd Brabec.
"We congratulate Jamilah, one of the beneficiaries
of this newly-created R&B grant program, said Todd
Brabec. "We are grateful to The Heineken Music
Initiative for making this possible and would like to
thank the panel of judges that helped in the selection
process. This new program is the latest example of The
ASCAP Foundation’s commitment to developing and
nurturing the musical talent of the future."
Jamilah’s musical influences include Faith Evans,
Mary J. Blige, Sade, Anita Baker and gospel singer Karen
Clark-Sheard. Her father, a former singer in a gospel
group, inspired her to become involved in music. She
began singing in talent shows at the age of 16, winning
numerous contests, including Female Vocalist of the
Year, for two consecutive years, at the Indiana Black
Expo. At 19, she began writing and arranging songs for
local Indiana artists, and collaborating with professional
recording artists including Blaque and Devine.
"I heard about the grant program from ASCAP Inside
Music," said Jamilah. "I’m very excited
about winning the grant. I think programs like this
one are really helpful for someone who is just starting
out in the music business, and it’s another step
toward achieving my ultimate goal of becoming a professional
singer/songwriter." ASCAP Inside Music is an e-newsletter
exclusively for members who have registered their e-mail
addresses with ASCAP.
The ASCAP Rhythm & Soul SWAPmeet, where Jamilah
was presented with the grant, is a national event held
at various times and locations throughout the year and
is designed to give writers, producers, lyricists and
artists an opportunity to network, develop collaborations,
meet industry music professionals and discover as yet
unheard talent. Participants in the SWAPmeet series
have included She'kspere, Cody ChesnuTT, Warryn Campbell,
DJ Quik, Jean Norris - formerly of Zhane, Big Jon Platt
of EMI Music, Max Gouse of Epic Records, LaRonda Sutton
of Universal and Big Chuck at Aftermath Records.
In November 2002, the Heineken Music Initiative will
release a new CD, Red Star Sounds Vol. 2. Funds raised
from the sale of that record will go to support urban
music related causes - including providing additional
resources for Heineken Music Initiative/ASCAP Foundation
grants for emerging R&B songwriters.
The Heineken Music Initiative was founded as a non-profit
organization by Heineken USA Inc. Its board includes
representatives from Heineken USA and the music industry.
Since 1975 The
ASCAP Foundation has been dedicated to supporting
American music creators and encouraging the development
of American music through educational and talent development
programs. Included in these are songwriting workshops,
grants, scholarships, music education programs, and
public service projects for senior composers and lyricists.
The programs of The ASCAP Foundation are supported by
contributions from ASCAP members and from music lovers
throughout the United States.
