By Valerie Milano
Photos THT
Century City, CA (The Hollywood Times) 4/21/25 – On the evening of April 16, 2025, the CAA building lit up with energy, talent, and a whole lot of soul as the 2024 EMEI Final Showcase took center stage. This year’s event was nothing short of electrifying — a heartfelt celebration of artistry, authenticity, and advocacy, all channeled through the voices of ten phenomenal Black LGBTQ+ independent music artists. With the future of culture and entertainment on full display, the evening was a resounding declaration: the next wave of music isn’t coming — it’s already here.
From the moment the showcase began, the atmosphere was charged with purpose. Each artist brought their own flavor, flair, and fire to the red carpet and the night, showing us not only who they are but what they stand for. The lineup, which included 2AM Ricky, Asiahn, Albanus Thierry, DAMEZ, Mylah Muse, Neverending Nina, SHAH, Siaira Shawn, Suni MF, and Victor Jackson, spanned genres and styles — but what united them was a commitment to unapologetic self-expression and fearless storytelling during the Q and A portion.
Between the red carpet, documentary film and the after party, the evening was interwoven with moments of reflection and celebration — reminding everyone in the room that these artists have a lot of talent and that it is a movement. Stories we were told of resilience, community, and creative defiance took the spotlight, making clear that this cohort isn’t simply creating music — they’re shaping the narrative for what the future of entertainment should look like.
Hosted with elegance and intentionality, the event at CAA served as more than a finale. It was a launching pad. These artists aren’t waiting for permission to be heard — they’re taking the mic and rewriting the rules.
GLAAD’s Communities of Color and Media Department and incredible partners at Gilead Sciences
In a world that too often tries to place limits on identity, voice, and vision, the 2024 EMEI Final Showcase reminded us of all of the power of showing up as your whole self — loud, proud, and unshakably brilliant.
