Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn Wayne.
Shawn, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I was born in Boston Massachusetts to a African American Mother and an immigrant Father, From Cape Verde. Growing up I was always into music and entertaining people. When I was 15 I moved to NC and pursued my music career as part of a rap local rap group. After graduating high school, I had my first child and got into some legal trouble. I ended up doing 3 years in prison and when I came home I knew I had to change my lifestyle not only for myself but for my kids. I moved to ATL 4 years ago with $200 in my Pocket to pursue a career in the media field and artists development. After being here for less than 6 months I got my own internet radio show at IBNXRADIO.COM which lasted about two years, being on radio I met 100’s of artists and people within this industry so I left radio and started curating my own events around Atlanta inviting the same people I met while on radio. I currently still run my media company which is GwayTv, where we provide artists and business owners a platform to be heard and seen thru interviews and marketing and media.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
In Atlanta there is a bad stigma against promoters but what I do i don’t consider being a promoter, I’m a curator. I take nothing and build it from the ground up all while making sure the event is a success and everyone is having a great time. I work closely with artists, djs and venues all over Atlanta bringing people together to do what they love to do. Whether it’s a comedy show, speed dating event, or comedy show I have my hands in the middle of it. My main goal is to give people a platform to be great and be seen all while doing the things they love to do.
Do current events, local or global, affect your work and what you are focused on?
Yes I do think the local landscape can have a an effect on the work I do to a certain extent, Artists these days are being finessed by promoters/curators all over Atlanta and it makes them look at all promoters the same. That’s why I try to separate myself and work in many different fields and different type of artists so I won’t be stuck to a box.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I do monthly comedy shows and Showcases, this summer I will be adding more events to my schedule that Includes game nights, speed dating, and extinction sup and paints. All my events and work can be found on my IG pages @Shawnwayne88, @GWATYV, and @Actafoolcomedy.
Contact Info:
- Address: 953 confederate court
- Website: Youtube.com/gway-tv
- Phone: 4049518574
- Email: thegwayallday@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/shawnwayne88
- Facebook: Facebook.com/beantownboi217@yahoo.com
Image Credit:
Shawn Wayne
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