“Happy Heavenly Birthday Novi Johnson: Remembering the Life and Legacy of a Mentor and Artist Advocate”

As I sit down to write this article, my heart is heavy with the memory of Novi Johnson on the month of her birthday, April.  Novi was born on April 18th, and it is my honor to celebrate her llfe. She was a true legend and mentor to independent artists. Novi passed away in June of 2022, but her legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of all those who knew and loved her.

I first met Novi she was just starting out in the music industry, and I was immediately struck by her passion for supporting independent artists. Novi was a true friend and supporter.  From hiring me to be a judge to sponsoring some of my projects. She founded Noveee Records, an artist management company that quickly gained a reputation for being a front-line representative for independent artists. Novi was a force to be reckoned with, and her impact on the music industry was felt far beyond the borders of Philadelphia.

I remember sitting down with Novi to talk about her latest project, a show that aimed to give indie artists global exposure. When I asked her about her overall goal for the show, she told me that it was to help independent artists get the recognition they deserved. Novi knew that there was so much talent out there that was going unnoticed, and she wanted to change that.

At the time, Novi was self-funding the project, but she was actively seeking sponsors to help make it a reality. She had assembled an incredible team to work on the show, including LaCinda Trotter, aka Philly Woman, as the executive producer. They were also working with House of Talent PA as their production team, and the show was quickly gaining traction.

Novi had a way of bringing people together, and her last project, Surviving Philly TV, was a testament to that. She created a family with her management company, Noveee Records, and with Surviving Philly TV, she birthed another family. The show brought artists from different parts of the city together, creating a sense of togetherness that was sorely needed. Novi and her partner, Philly Wonder Woman, showed the world that no matter what part of the city you come from, you can work together.

Novi touched so many lives during her time on this earth, and her impact will never be forgotten. She gave independent artists a platform to showcase their talents and believed in them when no one else did. She was a mentor, a friend, and a legend. As we remember Novi during her birthday month, let us honor her by continuing to support independent artists and carrying on her legacy of love and support. Rest in power, Novi.

Novi Johnson knew so many people and touched the lives of many; here are a few kind words from some of the Surviving Philly TV artists.  

Philly Wonder Women:  Novi and I decided to become partners to bring artists from different parts of the city to create togetherness and, at the same time, show the world no matter what part of the city you come from, you can work together; after all, we are all trying to survive in Philly.  

Bonnie Songbird:  Novi was a special person that believed in me, and she gave great advice. Her smile and her laugh would make you feel better when you were feeling down. She will forever be in my heart and missed.

Shatera: It’s a lot of things I can say about my sister Novi. But what I will say is that she was definitely a Philly icon and legend in my book. She paved the way for a lot of independent artists in Philly and outside of Philly by giving them their first chance at performing on stage to showcase their talents. And by giving them a chance when no one else believed in them. She created a family with her management company Noveee Records, and gave birth to another family with her last project Surviving Philly Tv. I love you, sis. Keep smiling down on us.

Panamania Prodikal:  Novi had an amazing heart and an amazing dream to spotlight the artist from the city.  She pulled us together.  And we will always remember her.  We loved her and always will.