This weekend was inspiring for emerging artists, actors, and creatives. Global Mixx Music and Film Forum took place at the Chicago Marriott Hotel, and their impact on the Chicago artist community was breathtaking. Actors, actresses, singers, and some of Chicago’s favorites came through to drop gems for the next wave of creatives.
November 8th through November 10th was an exciting experience for artists to learn more about their fields of artistry. Some of Chicago’s known creatives such as Korporate, Syleena Johnson, Kosine and many other creatives touched a lot of hearts and minds with their wisdom as they reflected on their journey to success. Each panel touched on different aspects of the artist world, giving great advice about many different ways to achieve success through social media, community engagement, and staying true to self.
Many panels had a lot of great artists, but that’s not all that Global Mixx had in store. Many keynote speakers spoke on their experiences as black and brown creatives in the entertainment industry. From start to finish, each keynote speaker had the audience in awe of their ability to grow in challenging situations.
One panel consisted of Chicago’s very own Kosine. Kosine is a producer and artist who has impacted significant artists in the rap game for over 10 years. He has set out on his journey to create another lane of music with other artists in different countries and how to merge communities to grow awareness for black and brown communities in and out of America. Kosine and his panel discussed how the journey to success is not linear and that the many turns in your path can lead you to better when you stay true to yourself.
Another panel that caught many people’s attention was the panel with Korporate, Tavi Ware, and others—Chicago content creators. Attendees learned the ins and outs of content creation and where it can lead. Many on the panel dropped gems on how they reached success overnight, but the most critical key is staying consistent. Korporate touched a lot on consistency and community. He also mentioned how you must know your worth before another person gets acquainted with your work. “People will know your value, but they’re hoping YOU don’t know it” (Korporate, Global Mixx, 2024).
Christine Swanson is one keynote speaker who significantly impacted the Global Mixx audience. Christine Swanson is a successful film writer who has worked on many TV shows and major movies that reflect black people’s experiences. She touched on many ways the black experience isn’t reflected in major entertainment and how she is trying to change this narrative. One lesson that shook many in the room was her teaching of Fannie Lou Hamer, who funded many families to make a difference in the black community that needed assistance.
Syleena Johnson was another keynote speaker who touched the hearts of Chicago. Many know her from her famous chorus on Kanye West’s “All Falls Down.” Syleena shared her wisdom on being a woman in a male-dominated industry and staying true to herself. She recently shared her experiences with Kanye West when she worked on DONDA and how she has grown in her artistry.
Global Mixx also featured many Chicago artists who performed at the end of the conference. Artists such as Deon Alphanzo, YK Supe, and Zion Ali entertained the audience with their high energy and meaningful music. Chicago had a time as the culture merged to create a home for artists to grow from those who inspire creatives to mirror their creativity.
Syleena ✨
📸: Bri Morris
