Live music preview: DAWA benefit to feature Killer Mike of Run the Jewels at Radio/East
There is some big news for Austin music fans this weekend. This Friday, September 12, Atlanta-based MC, Killer Mike (Run the Jewels), will headline Radio/East as part of the first DAWA fest. DAWA (Diversity Awareness and Wellness in Action) is celebrating their sixth anniversary is an Austin-based non-profit dedicated to providing opportunity to historically marginalized, underserved creative communities. Riders Against the Storm bandleader and former city Music Commission Chair Jonathan “Chaka” Mahone conceived the organization to directly fund BIPOC community frontliners via direct giving and thoughtful projects like DAWA Studios which provides a place for creatives to film and record with equipment provided by the upstart NPO which was founded in 2019.
DAWA was Established in 2019. The 4DAWA event raises funds and awareness for the DAWA organization, which supports local artists. Per the non-profit, in its six-year history, DAWA has provided direct financial relief to over 1,200 individuals and invested more than $425,000 through the DAWA Fund, including $75,000 distributed in August. In addition to funding, the Black-led organization has poured over $200,000 into training, tools, and visibility for BIPOC creatives through DAWA Studios. Since opening DAWA HQ in East Austin at the end of 2023, DAWA has hosted more than 100 community-led programs and events.
When outlining the origins of the DAWA philanthropy project, Chaka explained, “Our first round of the DAWA Fund went out in 2020 – before we even became a non-profit (2022). We sent $200 Visa cards to 200 people.’ Chaka also mentioned that Mama Duke —of America’s Got Talent—was one of said initial recipients. He continued, “our goal is to deliver $150,000 minimum in 2025, and to raise this number every year. By the end of 2025, we will have distributed over $500,000 in 6 years, and our goal is to cross the $1 million threshold by the end of 2028.”
If those numbers and lofty yet reachable goals aren’t impressive enough, Killer Mike’s headlining set showcases how far the event and organization have grown since its inception. With a big national act headlining, DAWA takes the next stop towards inspiring other communities to emulate their model and draw more attention to the NPO locally.
Killer Mike erupted on the music scene with a feature on Outkast’s “The Whole World,” in 2001 from the Atlanta duo’s Greatest Hits album. Not long after, he released his debut album, 2003’s Monster. More recently, Killer MIke has become quite well-known for being onehalf of hip-hop duo, Run The Jewels. The Grammy award-winning rapper will be backed by his touring band the Mighty Midnight Revival, for this special performance. The group collaborated on the MC’s seventh studio album, “Michael and the Mighty Midnight Revival, Songs…,” in November 2025.
Mike will be joined by Austin artists Anastasia Hera, David Shabani and the Nu Leopards, and a LIVE MIXTAPE featuring the Texas Empowerment Band with leading Austin Hip Hop artists Kydd Jones, Riders Against the Storm (RAS), Blakchyl, Mike Melinoe, and more guests.
Radio/East is a music venue outpost of the original Radio Coffee in South Austin. With a plethora of big-name acts in the books, a giant backyard capable of hosting a festival-sized stage and bookings like the Pooneh Presents series by Resound Presents, the venue has already established itself as one of the premiere independent music venues to catch a show in the Live Music Capital.
Come out and support DAWA, buy some merch, and enjoy what is sure to be a great show knowing your ticket price is supporting a noble cause for the Austin music community. Tickets for the event are on sale now.
More good news, a DAWA DAY proclamation at City Hall takes place this Thursday, September 11 at 9 a.m. Additionally, Chaka is putting on a night of storytelling to celebrate his birthday on the September 26. The latter will take place at 7 p.m. at the DAWA HQ, located at 916 Springdale Road, Building 4, #109.
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