Hidden Gems: Meet Janiro Hawkins, II of Southern Entertainment Awards

Today we’d like to introduce you to Janiro Hawkins, II.

Hi Janiro, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Jesse “Dj Infamous” Johnson, Jr. and I started our journey of the Southern Entertainment Awards on Historic Jefferson St. at Platinum Bound Records.

Between the record store, djing, and promoting at local venues we had a very good finger on the pulse of the city and through our experiences and relationships decided to create what is known now as the SEAs.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
To be at twenty years, we can say that it definitely flew by and while there have definitely been some struggles along the way, they were necessary as we created something that never existed prior to the Southern Entertainment Awards.

A lot of what we went through was also trial and error.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Southern Entertainment Awards?
The Southern Entertainment Awards (abbreviated as SEAs) have been a staple in southern culture, music, and entertainment.

Entering its 20th year, the SEAs strive to be a well-known and respected venue and channel that gives independent artists all around the globe a platform to be heard on evolving from its original desire to be an outlet used to acknowledge the accomplishments and influence of the DJs in the South.

Based in Nashville, Tennessee, the annual awards show has grown substantially from its remarkable beginnings at Gibson’s Showcase in 2004.

Since its conception, the three-day event has been held in Nashville, Tunica, and Memphis; despite its location, there has been a consistent increase in attendance numbers, expansions of categories and nominations, and local, national, and international media coverage.

As well as recognition of reputable and successful independent and mainstream professionals including, but not limited to, Yo Gotti, Nicki Minaj, B.o.B., Conya Doss, Algebra Blessett, Rudy Currence, and Big K.R.I.T.

With accompanying panels, performances, and a fashion show, the SEAs, once viewed as a ‘regional event, are now esteemed as a recognizable brand throughout the world.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
We really like to defer to “favor” over “luck.” We’ve been beyond blessed with the ability to walk into many doors most would not have been able to and that is definitely FAVOR in one of the highest degrees possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: SouthernEntAwards.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sea_awards/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southernentawards
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/southernentawards