The Gospel Agency Announces Black Music Appreciation Month Europe

CEO of The Gospel Agency, George O. Janssen has announced the establishment and recognition of Black Music Appreciation Month in Europe.

Following years of underground work, consultations, and discussion, June 2023 will mark Europe’s first Black Music Appreciation month, an initiative inspired by its contemporary in the USA, where it’s celebrated every year.

Speaking to POZYTV in an exclusive interview, George, who is also the Chief Black Music Officer shared more on his background and the events that have culminated in the establishment of the initiative, which aims to direct more attention to the music of black origin in Europe, help black artists get more recognition for their Music and talent, as well as educate the public on the origin and history of gospel/black music and its impact on modern-day genres.

George’s love for music culture, more specifically black music culture, started when he was 13, after which at 14, he joined an indie rap group band called Moon Runners. The group gained recognition in the Netherlands as they toured the country in a minivan

From that experience, his passion for music grew then he started dancing and making more music. Along the way, he met and started working with Tony Scott, who at the time had a number-one hit song in the USA. Working with Tony gave George insight into the business of music, the music machinery behind the scenes, and the inner workings of the industry, which led him to conclude that,” We black people like being on stage, not behind the stage”.

He discovered that the industry was owned by a certain group of people which unfortunately did not include the blacks. The blacks were the performers, but not the actual owners of the music. This knowledge stirred the desire in him to learn more about everything behind the music business. He went on to study more about music and bagged a Master’s degree in International Music and Artist Management. He continues to have a strong passion to know more about the worldwide music industry.

In America, Black Music Appreciation Month was first established in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter to celebrate the rich history and diversity of African American music.

Black Music Appreciation Month is an opportunity to recognize the role that black musicians have played in shaping American culture. From the African rhythms and melodies that were brought over by slaves to the blues and jazz that emerged in the early 20th century.

As George continues to educate young black people and artists on how to get the best out of the industry he has called on Africans and blacks around the world to be part of Black Music appreciation month and hopes that the establishment of Black Music Month in Europe will lead to the same in Africa and other parts of the world.