Victoria Monét Calls Out Gatekeeping and Nepotism at Star-Studded Grammy Week Event
Victoria Monét
The Black Music Action Coalition’s Grammy Week celebration once again blended style, star power, and advocacy, drawing top artists, industry executives, and rising talent to Hollywood on Wednesday night.
Held at Sun Rose, the event honored legendary hitmakers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis for their lasting influence on contemporary music. The evening was hosted by the duo in partnership with Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Victoria Monét and also marked the presentation of the inaugural BMAC Music Maker Impact Award to Culture Collective founder Jonathan Azu, recognizing his leadership and commitment to building sustainable, long-term music careers.
Music set the tone throughout the night, with a house band led by Adam Blackstone delivering a polished soundtrack. One standout moment came when multiple Grammy winner Jon Batiste joined the band, delivering an impromptu jazz-infused piano performance that drew enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
While the performances and honors were major highlights, the most talked-about moment of the evening came during a thoughtful and pointed speech by Monét, who addressed mentorship, gatekeeping, and nepotism within the music industry.
Monét emphasized that talent alone is rarely enough to succeed, arguing that access and mentorship often make the difference. She acknowledged that gatekeeping and nepotism are deeply embedded in the industry, but challenged those in positions of power to use their influence responsibly rather than selfishly.
She described gatekeeping as control over opportunities and resources, and nepotism as favoring close connections, noting that neither is inherently harmful when applied ethically. According to Monét, these practices become damaging only when they are used to protect comfort instead of cultivating excellence.
Monét urged industry leaders to view their influence as a bridge for others, encouraging them to advocate for emerging talent, make introductions, and open doors for those who are hardworking and deserving. She described this approach as “ethical gatekeeping” and “purpose-driven nepotism,” framing it as mentorship in action.
She also reminded the audience that no one succeeds alone, stressing that the true legacy of industry leaders will be defined not just by accolades or chart success, but by who they helped rise along the way.
Monét concluded by praising Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis as living examples of those values, citing their long-standing commitment to excellence, integrity, and lifting others as they build their own legacy.
The event underscored BMAC’s mission to promote equity and opportunity across the music industry, while reinforcing the idea that access, when shared responsibly, can shape the future of music as powerfully as talent itself.
