Description
Tuesday, June 17 • 6:30 Doors, 7:00 PM Event • 58 7th Ave, Brooklyn 11217
As part of New York Music Month, join us for an inspiring evening of music, conversation, and community. This event will feature a live performance from acclaimed rapper and singer-songwriter Anik Khan, with a panel discussion and audience Q&A exploring the intersection of art, activism, and resilience in today’s shifting cultural and political landscape, moderated by culture writer and editor Shamira Ibrahim. A diverse group of thought leaders and culture-makers will share their perspectives on how musicians and artists navigate—and shape—the current moment. This event is part of NY Music Month, an initiative of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME).
Doors open at 6:30 pm, and the event starts at 7:00 pm in BKCM’s Concert Hall.
Topics include:
- Creative promotion strategies for emerging artists in the current industry
- The role of music and art in social movements
- Resilience and sustainability in a challenging economic climate
- The future of music communities and audience building
Featuring:
Shamira Ibrahim (Moderator) is a Brooklyn-based culture writer by way of Harlem, Canada, and East Africa, who explores identity, cultural production, and technology as a critic, reporter, feature/profile writer, and essayist. Her work has been featured in publications such as New York Magazine, Essence, The Atlantic, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Teen Vogue, BuzzFeed, Vox, OkayAfrica, The Root, Mic, The Baffler, and Harper’s Bazaar. She is currently a regional editor at Africa Is A Country, a digital publication that offers a critical perspective on various social, political, and cultural issues affecting Africa, pushing back on continental legacies of colonialism and exploitation. She is also on the advisory council of Critical Minded, a grantmaking and learning initiative that supports cultural critics of color in the United States
Anik Kahn’s artistic journey is characterized by his ability to fuse his South Asian heritage with the vibrant sounds of New York City. His music transcends boundaries, weaving together hip-hop, global influences, and storytelling. Anik’s career is a testament to the power of identity, immigration, and community, which he communicates through his distinctive style. Emerging from humble beginnings in Queens, he has gained international recognition while advocating for inclusivity and cultural pride, giving a voice to underrepresented communities.
Jack Fuller/GypJaq (jaqmultiverse.com) (she/he) is an artist born and raised in Harlem, NYC’s Sugar Hill. Based in NYC, Jack disciplines as a composer, an artist, playwright, director, choreographer, dramaturg, an educator, and consultant. They have two full albums, a techno EP and single, and are currently creating a three-part album. Jack is also working on six ongoing theatrical projects, ranging from a two-person play to a planetarium opera. Jack works in close collaboration with artists including Nia Witherspoon, Taylor Mac, and Lilleth, among others. Jack studied at Harlem School of the Arts and Laguardia High School as a vocalist, instrumentalist, actor, arranger, & songwriter. As a queer child in harlem, adversity was no stranger. Always misunderstood, always different, they reach for communication through their work- to understand their art is to understand them.
Maria Ho-Burge is a seasoned communications and industry strategy leader with more than 20 years of experience helping top music companies grow their brands, shape public perception, and drive real results. She blends big-picture thinking with hands-on execution, guiding organizations through change, growth, and evolving media landscapes. As Vice President, Global Head of Communications at TuneCore and Head of Corporate Communications, Believe Americas, Maria oversees global communications—internal, external, and industry-facing. Since joining the company in 2020, she has helped define and strengthen the company’s identity as a leader in independent music. One of her most impactful initiatives has been co-launching BE THE CHANGE: Gender Equity in Music, an annual study aimed at highlighting and addressing gender inequality in music. Earlier in her career, Maria spent over a decade as SVP of Global Corporate Communications at Universal Music Group, where she shaped global messaging and helped lead the company through major industry shifts. Before that, she led communications at Jive Records and Zomba.
Originally from Valencia, Venezuela, Fabio Rojas is a dynamic drummer, film composer, and educator whose musical journey has taken him from local stages to international festivals. A passionate performer and mentor, Fabio joined the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music faculty in 2019, where he brings his expertise in drums, percussion, and music technology to students across New York City through the Music Partners program. As a performer, Fabio has shared the stage with acclaimed artists including Geri Allen, Greg Osby, Grace VanderWaal, Bill Pierce, Sean Jones, and Pepe de Lucía. His career has brought him to renowned venues and festivals such as Lincoln Center, Smoke Jazz Club, SXSW, MusikFest, and the Daegu Jazz Festival. Fabio earned a dual degree in Performance and Professional Music from Berklee College of Music, where he studied under legends like Terri Lyne Carrington and Kim Plainfield. He recently completed his master’s in Jazz Studies (Magna Cum Laude) at CUNY Queens College.