On November 18, 2023, the Abrons Art Center was ablaze with talent as The Wavy Awards, an annual celebration dedicated to historically excluded and marginalized voices in the music industry, took center stage. Since its establishment in 2021, The Wavys has garnered widespread acclaim for shaping industry conversations around inclusivity and accessibility.
In a groundbreaking affirmation of their mission, The Wavy Awards proudly announced the reception of The Clinton Global Initiative's 2023 Commitment to Action Award. This accolade solidifies their unwavering dedication to diversifying mainstream talent. The Wavys, born out of a desire to address the stark underrepresentation of women, non-binary individuals, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and artists with disabilities, has evolved into a trailblazer, gaining annual support from the NYC Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment and achieving 501(c)3 nonprofit status in 2023.
The presence of Chelsea Clinton and The American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) underscores The Wavy Awards' status as "The Most Inclusive Awards Show in NYC," highlighting its global impact. The Keychange US Talent Program, represented by rising stars Medusa and Piper Page, symbolizes the future of inclusive music initiatives. Reflecting on its roots, The Wavy Awards draws inspiration from industry pioneers like Beyonce's musical director/bassist and Wavy’s host Divinity Roxx. Notable figures such as Sophia Chang (Unlock Her Potential), iHeart’s Pride Radio team, Cecilie Nielsen (Marauder, Todd Young (The ConneXtion), Shamira Brown (Girls Behind the Rock Show), Alexi Rabadam (Finnessed media) and the Music Inclusion Coalition (MIC) have played pivotal roles in shaping the trajectory of the awards.
The Wavys Team: Rebecca Autumn Sansom, M Vang (M the Myth), Alexi Rabadam (Finessed Media), Clare Jaymes (Clarity Events), and Jenny Ward.
List of Nominees and Winners:
New Artist
Song for a Cause
- L'Queer “Fuck Ron DeSantis”
- K and K “Grow Old Together”
- KiTTN “It's Alright”
- Isaac Indigo “Not Your Enemy” - WINNER
- Kisos “Bite Your Tongue”
- Contraforma “Rise"
Live Performance
- Jo Lee “Juneteenth Performance”
- Pinky Mbali Phiri
- Senaida “Chromestheia”
- Scorpio SZN “Sugar Sugar”
- Brandi and the Alexanders “Fire - Live at the Creamery”
- Miss Cherry Delight - WINNER
Music Video of the Year
Songwriter
- DJ Pastor Rock “Dying from the Day We're Born”
- Lyia Meta and Denise Dimin “Always You”
- PiPEllA “Life as a Movie” - WINNER
- Rivita “Riverside”
- Elana Low “Goldest Hour”
- Sumitra “Seven Years”
Service Provider
Production of the Year
- PiPEllA “Life as a movie”
- David Diaz “When Nothing Changes” - WINNER
- A Girl Named Jaen and Brian Ireland “Ready Set Let's Go”
- Michael Rider “Libra Season Boy (Acoustic)”
- Scorpio SZN “Low Key”
- Sofasound “Heal My Soul”
Song of the Year
- Lisa Danaë “i'm not sure what to do”
- Bennett “Waiting”
- PiPEllA “Castles”
- Brandi and the Alexanders “Watch you dance”
- Ariadne Mila “Light It” - WINNER
- Pinky Mbali Phiri “Ngyakukhumbula”
Album of the Year
- Lily Mao and the Resonaters Human Being Animal - WINNER
- April Rose Gabrielli I Woke up Alive
- Lyia Meta Always You
- Margo Price Strays
- Erick Jhon Therap-e
- Anaka Angel Music Remix
- AN VEDI ConTempoRary Violin
Actor of the Year
For more information about The Wavy Awards, visit https://www.thewavys.org/.