Waajeed Presents: UMA x NTS Radio Fundraiser Takeover
On Juneteenth – the US national holiday on June 19, which marks Freedom Day – Detroit-based Underground Music Academy will partner with NTS Radio and Carhartt WIP to raise funds for the new community music hub, which aims to nurture the future generation of independent electronic music producers and DJs.
Launched by the Producer, DJ, and label owner, Detroit native Waajeed, the Academy is situated on the same street as iconic Black-owned music institutions such as Underground Resistance, Moodymann’s Mahogani Music, and the original Motown HQ and recording studio. Waajeed aims to build on these rich histories, creating more success stories of ingenuity and craft.
Initially, the Academy will focus on the art of DJing and production, two cornerstones of electronic music, through an educational curriculum and mentorship model. As Waajeed, a lifelong Detroiter with over 20 years in the music business, says “Our goal is to provide accessible and affordable music education to residents of Detroit, and the world. We feel a great need to build a more inclusive electronic music community. Music will be the means for education, healing and building esteem.”
The twelve-hour takeover will feature exclusive mixes by the likes of DJ and producer Honey Dijon, celebrated Off-White and Louis Vuitton designer Virgil Abloh, South African DJ and Uzuri Recordings founder Lakuti, Nairobi-based DJ and cinematographer Coco EM, and the Atlanta-based NTS host Ash Lauryn. There will also be sets from legendary Detroit acts, like techno producer and stand-up comedian Kenny Larkin and Robert Hood aka Floorplan. Additionally, there will be an in-depth conversation between Waajeed and Theo Parrish on the importance of the Underground Music Academy and electronic music.
The takeover will begin on NTS Channel 2 at 2pm GMT and will close with a one hour set by Waajeed at 2am GMT.
Link to donation: ioby.org/uma
Link to NTS microsite: https://www.nts.live/shows/underground-music-academy
