Mega: A Black LGBTQ+ Independent Artist Spreading Love and Empathy Through TikTok

Mega (@megagonefree) is a Black LGBTQ+ independent artist based in NY who uses TikTok to share her positive and powerful voice through soulful melodies. As a Black woman in a genre with limited mainstream Black representation, Mega aims to spread a message of love, open-mindedness, and empathy to her millions of followers. She believes that being part of the Black community means being part of a shared experience that is bigger and older than herself. While each person's Black experience may be unique, there are commonalities that bring the community together and make it stronger. Mega feels a responsibility to represent and advocate for her people, especially as someone with a platform of influence. She is grateful for the opportunity to use her platform to amplify the reach of the Black community.

TikTok has had a transformative impact on Mega's life. The platform and its community have been a source of support during her lowest moments. The positive feedback she receives from her followers, who consider her a comfort account and find solace in her voice, inspires her to create every day. Mega is also inspired by the ability to encourage others to pursue their dreams of singing, particularly within her own generation. She appreciates the creative environment fostered by the TikTok community, as it contrasts with the lack of support for creativity and art in her hometown. This motivates her to challenge this narrative and inspire others to embrace their creativity.

Music is Mega's greatest passion, and she aspires to be a musician above all else. She recently relocated from her hometown to NYC in search of better music opportunities. In addition to her music career, Mega has developed a passion for marketing as she recognizes its importance in achieving mainstream success. She spends her free time strategizing and experimenting with social media to further her growth as a creator.

Apart from her involvement in the music and TikTok communities, Mega identifies as a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and is a strong advocate for mental health awareness. As someone who is pansexual and uses she/they pronouns, Mega aims to address the discrimination faced by both the LGBTQ+ and mental health communities within the Black community. She believes that mental health is a topic that is not discussed enough among Black youth.

Mega's dream opportunity is to collaborate on a track with her favorite musical artists, Melanie Martinez and Marina and the Diamonds. Their disregard for societal expectations has inspired Mega to have confidence in herself and her own artistic expression. She would love to learn from their creative processes and reach a point in her career where she is able to collaborate with them. Another dream opportunity for Mega is to host a meet and greet or live show for her supporters. While online support is valuable, experiencing the support in real life would be an incredible feeling for her.

In terms of her career trajectory, Mega envisions a bright future as an entertainer, musician, and influencer. TikTok has provided her with numerous opportunities to make connections and learn about the entertainment industry. In 2022, she plans to expand her original music discography, tour nationwide, perform live, collaborate with other TikTok creators, and grow her audience. Mega recently released a new song called "Thermostat," which she considers the beginning of her transition from a content creator to a music industry professional. Beyond music, Mega also has ambitions in acting and directing. Her ultimate goal as a musician is to spread a message of open-mindedness and empathy, using vulnerability and the safe space she creates in her music, as well as the reach she has gained through TikTok.