Victoria Monet Gives Powerful Speech on Mentorship and Nepotism in the Music Industry at Black Music Action Coalition Grammy Event: ‘Power Structures Will Always Exist: How Do We Use Them Responsibly?’

The annual Grammy Week event hosted by the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) once again served as a stylish nexus of philanthropy and star power, drawing a mix of major artists, rising talent, and industry executives. Held at Sun Rose in Hollywood, this year's gathering honored the profound influence of legendary production duo Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis on modern music. The evening, co-hosted by the honorees alongside Grammy-winning artist Victoria Monét, also featured the inaugural presentation of the BMAC Music Maker Impact Award to Jonathan Azu, founder of the Culture Collective, in recognition of his dedication to fostering sustainable music careers. Musical director Adam Blackstone led the house band, with a standout moment provided by multi-Grammy winner Jon Batiste, who joined in for a series of dazzling jazz piano solos.

However, a defining moment of the night came from Victoria Monét, who delivered a thoughtful yet provocative address on mentorship, nepotism, and gatekeeping within the music business. The singer-songwriter, whose 2023 album "Jaguar II" earned her critical acclaim and multiple Grammy awards, shifted the conversation from mere critique to a call for responsible action. "Talent is ubiquitous," she observed. "What truly creates a trajectory is access, and more specifically, mentorship—having someone who believes in you and is willing to share their pathways."

Monét then reframed two often-criticized industry dynamics. She defined gatekeeping as controlling access to opportunities and nepotism as favoring personal connections, but argued the focus should not be on their elimination. "Realistically, power structures will always exist," she noted. "The more pertinent question is: how do we use them responsibly? They become harmful only when exercised selfishly to preserve comfort rather than to cultivate excellence." This perspective echoes a growing sentiment among industry advocates who stress that equitable access, not the absence of networks, is the ultimate goal for a more inclusive landscape.

Her speech culminated in a powerful appeal for intentional advocacy. "Be the person who makes the introduction, advocates for someone not in the room, and gives a shot based on recognized potential and hard work," Monét urged the audience. She termed this approach "ethical gatekeeping and purpose-driven nepotism," positioning it as mentorship in action and praising BMAC as an ideal conduit for such principles. "Our legacy will not be defined solely by accolades or streams, but by who we helped rise alongside us," she concluded, emphasizing that success should be circulated, not just chased.

Monét seamlessly tied her message to the evening's honorees, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. The duo, whose work with artists from Janet Jackson to Usher has shaped pop and R&B for decades, were highlighted as exemplars of lifting others while climbing. "Their commitment to excellence, integrity, and mentorship sets the standard for true leadership," she said, before welcoming Jimmy Jam to the stage. By linking her theoretical framework to the tangible legacy of the honorees, Monét provided a concrete model for the ethical influence she championed, leaving the audience with both a challenge and a clear blueprint for action.