Since Endustry Power Players debuted on campus, they have held a variety of events, allowing students to have an intimate connection with various aspects of the entertainment industry.
EPP is an organization with the purpose to create outlets for students who want to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, ultimately molding talented students with creative ideas into future tastemakers and industry moguls.
“EPP is here to bring out the best in our members and encourage them to use their potential to be the future of the entertainment industry,” said EPP President, Amir Windom, a junior public relations student from Atlanta.
EPP has held meet-and-greet sessions with Def Jam recording artist Young Jeezy, hosted G-Unit weekend, the Kevin Lyles “Make it Happen” tour, “Survival of the Fittest” City vs. City talent showcase, and most recently a semi-concert and autograph session with Sony/BMG/Colombia recording artist Lyfe Jennings.
Filling the grand ballroom, the Lyfe Jennings event was well-attended by the student body. Students were excited to see an artist of his caliber visit Florida A&M University.
“I enjoy his music. He is an awesome up-and-coming artist and his potential to have longevity is large,” said Khare Hawkins, a junior business administration student from Orlando.
Student Campus Activities Director George Olokun, was impressed by the efficiency of the event.
“I think it was a great turnout, especially for a spur of the moment event,” said Olokun. “The performance was short, sweet and to the point. I know EPP will continue to do great things.”
EPP not only brings artists to FAMU, but gives student artists the opportunity to display their talent.
Through EPP, Ay-Wun has had the opportunity to perform at various functions, including the Homecoming Concert, the “Survival of the Fittest” City vs. City talent showcase and G-Unit weekend.
“I joined EPP not because of what we do, but because of the opportunities,” said Ay-Wun, also known as Brandon Rossi, a junior business administration student from Atlanta.
Last spring, EPP, in conjunction with Connections Business Network, hosted a “Survival of the Fittest” City vs. City talent showcase, which displayed the talents of students from various cities.
“I joined EPP because it’s a good networking organization for people who desire to be in the music industry,” said Vice President Maurice Slade, a junior business administration student from Houston. “It opens up doors for people at FAMU because we don’t have any other entertainment based organizations or majors.”
EPP serves students desiring to be in all fields of the entertainment industry.
Former president of the Howard University chapter of EPP and the founder of the organization, Ravi Windom, wanted EPP to expand to other college campuses to give students a head start at the cutthroat industry.
“Usually college reps are pimping college students, to where they are doing work but aren’t being paid or properly recognized,” Windom said. “I wanted labels to have to come through the students.”
With EPP presenting upcoming events like the second annual “Survival of the Fittest City” vs. City talent showcase, they are executing a plan to become a major force on FAMU’s campus. President, Amir Windom, wants EPP to grow into a nationwide organization. Currently, plans for expansion to Savannah State and Clark Atlanta University are in the works.
Contactm LaToya Russell at Lsrussell@hotmail.com