Web Extra! Slideshow
Hello, my name is Nicole Acree. I am 18 years old and the CEO of my independent production company, M.W.M. (Music With Meaning) Productions. On Friday, Sept. 17, I celebrated my 18th birthday by hosting my very own talent showcase. This event took place at Sankofa Cultural Arts & Business Center, which is a black owned business in the North Austin community.
When my parents asked me how I wanted to celebrate my 18th birthday, a talent showcase was the first thing that came to mind. As a young entrepreneur and artist in the field of music, I know how hard it is to find places to perform and how hard it is to get noticed, which is why I chose to put on this show. I also wanted to have a safe haven for people to go to on a Friday night and still enjoy themselves.
That’s just what happened because on that night between 9 p.m. and midnight approximately 135 teens and adults gathered at Sankofa for a night of clean fun, entertainment, food and fellowship. Before the show ended, I closed with reiterating my main focus of my company. I reminded the crowd that we are anti-violence, anti-sex and anti-drugs. The crowd cheered in agreement after that statement. This was a wonderful night. It gave people the opportunity to showcase their talents and it cleared some of our streets and corners.
This is something I would love to host at least once a month; teenagers just want to have something to occupy their time and want to be entertained or entertain others. I am grateful to all of my acts that came to perform, including up and coming artists like Shayna Love, NuNu and Elijah Jamal, in addition to one of my artists, Johni-D who performed her single “Just For A Moment,” written and produced by myself.
I am also grateful that Chicago Radio, V103’s very own DJ “Ice” Culpepper made a special appearance. I am grateful to all of my guests that came to celebrate with me and support my movement and most of all, I am grateful to God for my numerous talents, blessings and the many great things he has in store for me and my company.
Nicole Acree
