Get to Know the 2024 Fall Denver Fashion Week Entertainer Challenge Winners – 303 Magazine

Denver Fashion Week hosted its annual Entertainer Challenge Competition where a panel of judges voted on the top six per night and then you, our readers, voted for the winners.

The fall season’s winners didn’t just perform; they brought energy, innovation, and personality to the stage. The following performers were this season’s Entertainer Challenge winners — PMane Gelato, DNA Picasso, Grace DeVine and CYOTI.

303 Magazine took a closer look at this season’s winners.

PMane Gelato — Sustainable

303 Magazine: What got you into music?

PMane Gelato: My father. Since I was born, my pops have been a musician. Coming up in Memphis, TN, I was surrounded by the good and the bad. Mostly bad due to how my city is. But the music was everywhere! My city created Blues. Me Creating music was bound to happen. Even now, I can remember all the times my pops used to sit near his set up engineering for himself and others. After that, I transitioned into putting “pen to pad” work on my own. I’m also kinfolk to one of the members of the famous rap group, Three Six Mafia, Crunchy Black. Ever heard of “Stay Fly” by them? The song with 76 million views? Yeah, that runs in my blood. 

303: How long have you been in the industry? 

PMane Gelato: I’ve been in the industry for A good solid 5+ years now. But I have been developing my craft since 2014.

303: What made you decide to enter the Entertainer Challenge competition?

PMane Gelato: I entered the competition because why not?! No, but a while back, I actually tried entering back in May or even maybe before then! I perform everywhere in the city. Herman’s Hideaway, The Roxy, The River Bar, Monkey Barrel, The Gypsy House etc. I needed something new. Something bigger and better. I realistically know where I’m at in this industry. And at most times I’m consistently humbled. But I strongly believe in aiming high, shooting for the stars.

READ: Denver Fashion Week Opens With Breathtaking Sustainable Collections

303: How are you hoping guests will leave following your performance?

PMane Gelato: I hope guests leave feeling inspired, thoughtful and moved by the performance. I want them to feel uplifted, with a sense of joy and wonder that stays with them after the show. To leave with new perspectives, maybe even questioning or thinking differently about something they hadn’t considered before. Me being a storyteller & all.

303: What are you looking most forward to when performing at DFW?

PMane Gelato: What I was looking forward to with performing at DFW was to simply gain the experience & connect with others. Connections have far more worth than dollar bills. I did not want to only add to my rap sheet. But to give the experience as well. These days I lean more toward the side of letting things flow. And staying in the moment.

303: Anything else that you think our readers should know?

PMane Gelato: One thing I would like for the readers to know is to always remember that the beginning of the mountain is at the end of the next. Continue being you and shaping yourself however you like/need.

DNA Picasso — Streetwear

303 Magazine: What got you into music?

DNA Picasso: I’ve always been into music as a consumer. I would freestyle in high school with friends during lunch. Little did I know, that was the beginning of me finding a passion for creating my own music. Since I can remember, I loved to write but making my own music was about me having a voice, being heard and finding community. 

303: How long have you been in the industry? 

DNA Picasso: I’ve been in the music industry, releasing my own work since late 2017/early 2018.

303: What made you decide to enter the competition?

DNA Picasso: I was actually nudged by someone I know. I felt like the timing was right, and things have been aligning for me this year, so why not?

READ: Denver Fashion Week Features Show-Stopping Streetwear and Sneakers Brands

303: How are you hoping guests will leave following your performance?

DNA Picasso: I hope guests leave knowing that we have great artists in our city. I’m doing some of my more hype records and bringing out my people with me. The point is to do my thing and have fun. I can’t control how they feel about what I do; I can only control how I deliver, and the rest will be what it is.

303: What are you looking most forward to when performing at DFW?

DNA Picasso: I’m looking forward to being a part of a major cultural moment in the city. DFW has been a staple in the fashion community and I’m just excited to represent hip-hop at this show. 

303: Anything else that you think our readers should know?

DNA Picasso: My new collaboration album with Dominique Christina, titled “LAWLESS: A Love Story,” is out now. We will be performing one song from the project. This is my best body of work to date, a great representation of the caliber of music coming out of Denver right now. If you’re a fan of R&B/Soul, Hip-Hop, Soul or Poetry, this album is for you.

Grace DeVine — Maximalism

303 Magazine: What got you into music?

Grace DeVine: I started singing in local musical productions around Miami when I was about 8 years old. I started writing songs at 13, the rest is history! 

303: How long have you been in the industry? 

Grace DeVine: I have been in the industry as Grace DeVine since 2020.

303: What made you decide to enter the competition?

Grace DeVine: I love fashion and maximalism!

READ: Maximalism Reminds Us To Stay Playful At Denver Fashion Week

303: How are you hoping guests will leave following your performance?

Grace DeVine: I hope people leave my performance feeling absolutely fabulous.

303: What are you looking most forward to when performing at DFW?

Grace DeVine: I am most looking forward to seeing all the looks! 

303: Anything else that you think our readers should know?

Grace DeVine: I put out an EP in August called “Blabble” and will be performing songs from it!

CYOTI — Couture

303 Magazine: What got you into music?

CYOTI: I wanted to create a space for myself & others in between the genres I love. Creating music for me is about sharing emotion and telling stories, and it should inspire communication, whether that’s just with yourself, other people, or both! 

303: How long have you been in the industry? 

CYOTI: I’ve been making music for almost 7 years. 

303: What made you decide to enter the Entertainer Challenge competition?

CYOTI: An opportunity to share my music is always a yes for me, but I attended last year’s DFW and left feeling inspired by the community and energy there. When I saw the submissions open up, I knew I had to at least give it a shot! 

READ: A Night of Elegance: Denver Fashion Week’s Couture Stuns the Audience

303: How are you hoping guests will leave following your performance?

CYOTI: I hope they will leave feeling moved in some way, & like they want to create something too! 

303: What are you looking most forward to when performing at DFW?

CYOTI: Everything! This is a childhood dream of mine! 

303: Anything else that you think our readers should know?

CYOTI: I am working on an album that will be released this summer and I am doing everything down to the production, writing, and editing. Last year, I didn’t know the difference between a C and a G. To be honest, I still don’t know if I do, but I have created songs I’ve never been more proud of during this time. Don’t let your mind fool you into thinking you aren’t capable of doing something. Stay tuned for the album! 

Congrats to all our Entertainer Challenge winners!