Zemill Founder of The PoJazz Experience Earns Telly Award for Powerful Social Impact Video

Award-winning artist, poet, and creative visionary Zemill is once again receiving national recognition for his work, as The Price of Freedom has earned a Bronze Telly Award in the Social Video – Social Impact category at the 47th Annual Telly Awards.

The honor marks Zemill’s second Telly Award and further solidifies his reputation as a creator who uses music, poetry, and visual storytelling to spark meaningful conversations about democracy, civic engagement, and social responsibility.

The Telly Awards, which recognize excellence in video and television across all screens, received more than 13,000 entries this year from creators, agencies, production companies, brands, and organizations worldwide. Among those submissions, The Price of Freedom stood out for its timely message and powerful call to action.

At a time when conversations surrounding voting rights, truth, and civic participation continue to dominate headlines, Zemill’s project challenges audiences to reflect on the sacrifices made throughout history to secure and protect the freedoms many enjoy today.

“It is indeed an honor to receive our second Telly Award, particularly in the category of Social Impact,” said Zemill. “With democracy on life support and the criminalization of the truth, we must meet this moment with an urgency and vigor not seen since the marches of 1965. Freedom has never been free. We the people must understand that and head to the polls to assure our voices are heard and our civil rights preserved.”

Blending thought-provoking poetry, impactful music, and compelling visuals, The Price of Freedom serves as both a tribute to those who fought for civil rights and a reminder that democracy requires active participation. The project underscores the belief that progress is never guaranteed and that every generation bears the responsibility of preserving the freedoms it inherits.

Zemill credited the success of the project to a talented team of collaborators whose contributions helped transform the vision into an award-winning production.

He extended special thanks to arranger and musical composer Joel McCray for his musical brilliance and to visual artist Kauwuane Burton for bringing the project’s message to life through striking imagery. He also recognized Daryle Good, Julius Dobos, and Marion Evans for their contributions to the production and sound design that helped elevate the project’s overall impact. In celebrating the achievement, Zemill also expressed gratitude to publicist Desirae L. Benson, his brother Byron, and the many supporters who continue to champion the Zemill PoJazzExperience.

“We did it again,” he said.

While the Bronze Telly Award represents another prestigious accomplishment, Zemill views the recognition as something larger than an industry accolade. For him, it serves as confirmation that purposeful storytelling continues to resonate with audiences and that art remains one of society’s most powerful tools for preserving history, inspiring dialogue, and encouraging action.

As The Price of Freedom continues to reach new audiences, its message remains clear: freedom comes with responsibility, democracy demands participation, and the voices of the people still matter.

About Zemill

Dallas native Zemill is a Telly Award-winning spoken word artist, performer, author, and lyricist whose work has inspired audiences across the globe. A graduate of Southern Methodist University, he has earned international recognition for his emotionally driven performances, thought-provoking storytelling, and commitment to using art as a catalyst for reflection and positive change.

Through his signature PoJazz Experience, Zemill seamlessly blends spoken word with Smooth Jazz, Neo Soul, and R&B, creating a unique artistic journey that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. His performances and creative works have been showcased throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, and Nigeria, earning acclaim for their authenticity, inspiration, and cultural impact.

Photo credit is: Kauwuane Burton