We had the good fortune of connecting with Janiro Hawkins II and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Janiro, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I believe when it comes to the success and longevity of the Southern Entertainment Awards consistency would be one of the most important factors behind our brand. Over the past twenty years, we’ve been able to provide a high quality event that acknowledges and celebrates many independents making noise in the South.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a Music Supervisor for Onyx Theory Arts, I’ve had the privilege of placing music in (7) films as of April 2025 and am currently working on music for a tv series titled “Girls Need Love” my love for film and music along with my passion to help others seemed liked a perfect mesh of what I currently do with what I love to do. As Co-Founder of the Southern Entertainment Awards, I’ve learned so much about the Entertainment Industry, the importance of networking and building relationships. It was far from easy as when we started the SEAs, there was no blueprint, nothing to go off of aside from a vision and we’re still learning so much and each year gets just a little better than the prior. I believe having a team has been one of the most important benefits to overcome some of the challenges we’ve faced over the decades. Something I want people to know is that, I tried and will always do the best I can.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Considering I like to travel to many places, I always rely on Google Reviews, Yelp and local radio for the hot spots. A few places I really enjoy are: Ponce Market (food, shopping & so much more) aside from that a few local spots that I enjoy to eat at are BOSK, Thumbs Up Diner, Pancake Social, JR Crickets, KR SteakBar to name a few. I would definitely look to see if there are any shows at Aisle 5, The Masquerade, City Winery or the Tabernacle as well as a sporting event basketball, baseball, soccer & football are all available in Atlanta.

Now if we’re in Nashville, there’s a few places that I would say are ‘mandatory’ to visit in some capacity. For cocktails and food, my list is any combination of the following Patterson House, SupperClub on Belcourt (and the other three businesses attached to it), Slim & Husky’s, Germantown Pub, Harriet’s Rooftop, Dream, Lowbar, Cal’s, PlaneJane and of course Chicago Home of Chicken & Waffles. Live Jazz at Rudy’s Jazz Room which features some of the premier jazz musicians in Music City and abroad! I always make time to catch a film at the Belcourt Theater (supporting indie film and nonprofit matter!) You can always catch a vibe at a collection of these places in addition to insight on the next spot to visit..

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to thank and dedicate this Shoutout to my family, loved ones, Jesse (Business Partner & Founder), Dwight, Solo, Scorpio, Mike, Tony, Antonio, Patrice, Brian, Tyra, Patrice, Britnee, Antonio (Rough Feathers Clothing) & Nina Stakz (Onyx Theory Arts) for all of their love, support and belief in the vision. YOU ARE APPRECIATED!

Website: https://southernentawards.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/sea_awards

Other: https://instagram.com/rio_de_janiro

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