We spoke with Sonia Blount, widely known as Sunny, the powerhouse behind Kabila Events. On Revive Radio Live on WJYN 98.5 FM, Sunny opened up about her journey as a curator, her mission, and the culture shifting work she’s doing in Philadelphia and beyond.
Sunny is the CEO of Kabila Events, an event planning and marketing company dedicated to creating experiences that showcase diverse audiences and support small businesses. One of her proudest projects is the Philadelphia Black Wine & Spirits Fest, now in its third year. What started as inspiration after visiting wineries in Barcelona has evolved into a citywide celebration, providing Black-owned wine and spirit makers with a platform to shine.
But Sunny’s vision is bigger than just a festival. She spoke about the challenges of curating in a city like Philadelphia, navigating outdated liquor laws, breaking through systemic barriers, and facing microaggressions when bringing Black led events into traditionally white spaces. Yet, she remains firm: “You cannot cancel Blackness.”
Sunny shared how she has built her brand independently, relying less on corporate sponsorship and more on community. Kabila, which means “tribe,” reflects her approach to building a loyal team, keeping the same DJs, hosts, and creatives around her, and making sure events are accessible to everyone.
She also dropped gems about growth in Philly’s nightlife and events scene, where class and influence often dictate access. For Sunny, collaboration and variety are key, from open community festivals to intimate invite only gatherings. “We need all of it,” she said, stressing that balance and accessibility keep culture alive.
Her message is clear through joy, resilience, and unapologetic visions. Sunny is building more than events, she’s building a legacy.
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