OUR STORY
When Music Speaks, Love Responds
A story of love, faith, family, and the music that holds it all together
HOW IT STARTED
Born From Their Story. Built for Yours.
For Gerone and Nyja Jenkins, music has never simply been something they do. It has been woven into the story of who they are — two people brought together by faith, connected through music, and committed to building a life rooted in love, family, and purpose.
From the beginning, music became a language they shared. It was present in their friendship, their love story, their faith, and eventually in the vision they would build together. Through every season — the beautiful ones and the difficult ones — they discovered something powerful: music has a way of giving voice to the things our hearts sometimes struggle to say.
That truth became the heartbeat of When Music Speaks.
As husband and wife, Gerone and Nyja have built a beautifully blended family of six children while simultaneously pursuing their individual callings. Gerone is a musician, entrepreneur, and creative whose quiet strength and passion for music have helped shape the sound and soul of WMS. Nyja is an entrepreneur, real estate broker, creative visionary, and communicator with a passion for encouraging others to pursue purpose boldly.
But When Music Speaks was never created simply to showcase their talents. It was created to tell the truth about love. The beautiful parts. The complicated parts. The moments that make us laugh. The moments that break us. The forgiveness. The healing. The choosing again.
Through live music, storytelling, and shared experiences, WMS creates space for people to recognize pieces of their own stories in the songs they already know and love. Because real love isn't perfect — and neither is real life. Yet through every chapter, Gerone and Nyja continue to believe that love can endure, faith can anchor us, music can help heal us, and something beautiful can still emerge from the places that weren't always beautiful.
More than an event, When Music Speaks is an experience — one built from their story, but created to make room for yours.
OUR PURPOSE
Music With Meaning
We believe in the transformative power of live music — its ability to heal, inspire, and unite. Every decision we make, from artist selection to venue design, is guided by our commitment to delivering an experience that honors the legacy of soul and R&B while investing in the community that sustains it.
Authenticity
We platform artists who speak truth through their music and create spaces where audiences can feel it fully.
Community
Every ticket sold, every partnership formed, and every dollar donated is an investment in the people around us.
Excellence
From production quality to artist curation, we hold ourselves to the highest standard — because our audience deserves nothing less.
Impact
We measure success not just in attendance numbers, but in the lives touched and the causes supported through our work.
THE JOURNEY
How We Got Here
2023
The Planning Begins
The vision for When Music Speaks takes shape — months of planning, artist conversations, and community groundwork laid the foundation for something special in Tampa Bay.
2023
The Planning Begins
The vision for When Music Speaks takes shape — months of planning, artist conversations, and community groundwork laid the foundation for something special in Tampa Bay.
2024
1st Annual — The Launch
WMS makes its debut as a one-night event, introducing Tampa Bay to a live R&B and soul experience rooted in local talent. The crowd's energy confirmed everything we believed was possible.
2024
1st Annual — The Launch
WMS makes its debut as a one-night event, introducing Tampa Bay to a live R&B and soul experience rooted in local talent. The crowd's energy confirmed everything we believed was possible.
2025
2 Nights — The Movement Grows
The community response drives WMS to expand to two nights. More local artists, more familiar faces in the crowd, and a growing family of supporters who keep showing up.
2025
2 Nights — The Movement Grows
The community response drives WMS to expand to two nights. More local artists, more familiar faces in the crowd, and a growing family of supporters who keep showing up.
2026
2 Nights — Deeper Roots
WMS returns for another two-night run, deepening community partnerships and continuing to platform up-and-coming local talent across Tampa Bay.
2026
2 Nights — Deeper Roots
WMS returns for another two-night run, deepening community partnerships and continuing to platform up-and-coming local talent across Tampa Bay.
2027
One Night Only — New Year's Kickoff
Ringing in the new year the right way — January 2, 2027, WMS returns for one unforgettable night at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. One stage, one night, one experience you won't want to miss.
2027
One Night Only — New Year's Kickoff
Ringing in the new year the right way — January 2, 2027, WMS returns for one unforgettable night at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. One stage, one night, one experience you won't want to miss.
THE PEOPLE
This Is For You
WMS has always been about the audience as much as the artists. The people who show up — dressed up, ready to feel something — are the reason this event exists. You are the movement.
700+
Attendees throughout the years
Growing
Community expanding every year
$3K+
Donated to charity
JOIN US
Be Part of the Story
The next chapter of When Music Speaks is being written right now. January 2, 2027 in Tampa Bay — be there.