Minisode: Celebrating Amani’s Submission to SXSW

The SXSW Backstory

What began as a music festival in Austin in the late 1980s has transformed into a multi-disciplinary mega-event. Mandi kicks off with a short history lesson, revealing that the festival now draws close to 50,000 attendees. With live-streaming and free events, its reach can hit nearly 300,000 people.

South by Southwest is not just for musicians. It has become a playground for podcasters, marketers, thought leaders, and anyone pushing the boundaries of creativity and culture. With hundreds of speakers and panels selected each year, the submission process is fierce and highly competitive.

Amani’s Accepted Topic: “The Extinction of R&B Groups”

Amani breaks down his provocative panel topic, which dives into what led to the decline of iconic R&B groups and what modern artists and business professionals can learn from them. He explores:

• Why some groups like The Isley Brothers survive while others fizzle out


• The role of reinvention, ownership, and marketing in staying relevant


• How artists and business owners can avoid financial ruin through better business education

Spoiler: It is not just for music fans. Anyone building a brand or leading a team will walk away with real business takeaways.

Strategy, Collaboration, and the Power of the Pitch

Getting selected is only the beginning. Amani shares how his book launch team encouraged him to reapply after a previous attempt, how he made a compelling pitch video, and how he is teaming up with other accepted panelists to get more votes. Mandi reminds us this is more than just a fun win. It is a major career milestone that deserves celebration.

And yes, voting matters. Mandi has already voted and walks listeners through how they can too. Create a quick SXSW account, hit the heart icon, and share it out.

Lessons for Listeners

Whether you are submitting to SXSW, launching a book, or pitching yourself for a panel or podcast, this minisode offers golden advice on:

• Owning your narrative and showing up with intention


• Celebrating milestones along the way


• Building a network of support to amplify your message


• Being consistent across email, socials, and live events to spread the word

If you are planning to pitch SXSW next year, now is the time to start prepping.

Resources and How to Vote

Vote for Amani’s SXSW Topic
- Search: “Extinction of R&B Groups” in the SXSW Panel Picker and hit the heart icon (NOTE: voting has closed, but you can still take a look at Amani’s entry)