Conversations with Crystal Wamalwa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Wamalwa

Hi Crystal, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In June 2023, I made the audacious (crazy) decision to quit my job and launch AudaCITY Tours LLC. AudaCITY was born out of the belief that local black artists across America are incredibly talented but do not get the recognition they deserve. I felt compelled to create a platform for Black artists to showcase their talents in a way that celebrates the depth and diversity of Black art. My friends Bryanna, Nigel, and Moses my husband, shared the vision and agreed to co-found AudaCITY with me and create immersive experiences that uplift Black voices across various mediums—music, film, dance, fashion, and more.

Our first official meeting happened in July 2023, and by October, we were hosting our inaugural event at Nubian Hueman. That set the stage for our 2024 Family Reunion Tour, which traveled to four cities: Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Charlotte, and Richmond. The tour exceeded our expectations—we sold out our very first show in Pittsburgh and were embraced by the communities we visited. By the end, AudaCITY built a collective of talented artists and a growing support network, affirming our mission to create opportunities for Black creatives. This ambitious four-city tour showcased artists from a plethora of mediums; spanning film, dance, acting, singing, double-dutch, and more.

Looking ahead, we are already gearing up for the 2025 The Breakout Tour. The company remains committed to bringing black variety art showcases to new audiences, offering local artists a platform to extend their reach beyond their hometowns and continuing to showcase the diversity and depth of black art.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Running Audacity Tours LLC has been a challenging journey, but the support and gratitude from the artists we work with keep us motivated. Our mission to extend opportunities has already allowed several artists to perform and showcase their talents beyond their local communities, with gigs in other cities for DJing, comedy, hosting pop-ups, and more.

This year has been a period of growth and learning for me. When I organized my first variety show, I funded it entirely out of pocket and relied on family and friends for support. Now, managing Audacity as a business, I’ve had to dive into the complexities of taxes, HR management, payroll, and contracts. Although I faced setbacks and losses, each challenge has been a learning opportunity.

I initially struggled with securing funding and navigating the world of grants and corporate sponsorships. Over the first eight months, I familiarized myself with grant calendars and discovered that reaching out in the fall and winter is key for securing funding for events in the following year. I’ve learned where to find grants and how to apply for them effectively.

As I acquire new skills, I’m not only applying them to AudaCITY but also using them to help other entrepreneurs. I don’t see myself as a business expert, but I’m always willing to share what I’ve learned with others. One of the things I learned was that sometimes it is okay to take a step back to keep moving forward. I picked up a part-time job to make sure I am still contributing to the family as I build out the business.

Through it all, AudaCITY remains committed to expanding opportunities for Black artists, and I’m proud to be part of something that’s making a tangible difference.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Creativity and entrepreneurship have driven me from a young age. My experience spans nonprofit, for-profit, HR, retail, higher education, and the food retail sectors, all of which have helped me launch and grow AudaCITY Tours LLC. Today, AudaCITY is my full-time focus and greatest passion.

I’m incredibly proud of the mission and vision behind AudaCITY. Growing up, I didn’t have access to spaces that encouraged my creative pursuits as a dancer, singer, and poet. These interests often took a backseat to academic and professional responsibilities. With AudaCITY, I’ve been able to create a space where artists like me can thrive and fully express their talents.

In the past, I was mainly known as a gospel singer, often asked to sing at graduations or perform the national anthem at events. Now, I want to be known for building a collaborative platform where artists can support and uplift one another. My goal is to shift the narrative and prove that we can work together to cultivate a thriving community.

Black art is so much more than just singing or poetry—it’s diverse, vibrant, and expansive. AudaCITY aims to be a hub where different forms of artistic expression can flourish. Every city we visit has its own unique art scene, and I believe there’s space for all of us to grow, share our talents, and inspire one another. Together, we represent the next generation of artists, and by supporting each other, we can accomplish incredible things.

What’s next?
Looking ahead, I’m focused on growing AudaCITY. As we wrap up the 2024 Family Reunion Tour, we’re already preparing for The Breakout Tour in 2025. This new tour will showcase seven talented artists across film, fashion, singing, rap, poetry, and acting.

The Breakout Tour represents a big leap forward for us, as it aligns with our mission to elevate and support Black artistry on a larger scale. I’m excited about the opportunities it will create and the continued celebration of diverse artistic talents.

If you’re passionate about supporting Black art and want to see more diverse talent get the spotlight it deserves, join us on this journey! Follow AudaCITY on social media, grab a ticket for the tour, or reach out to find out how you can get involved. We are always looking for volunteers and community members who want to play a role in building a better black ecosystem. Together, we can continue building spaces where Black artists thrive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.audacitytours.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audacity_tours/