Sadc dangles K3 million in song competition
Local musicians and songwriters stand a chance of winning about K3 million ($3000) in the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) public outreach song competition.
The Sadc secretariat has called for submissions from music creators from its member States for the competition whose song is supposed to carry content that promotes awareness and visibility of the Sadc objectives and common agenda.
In a statement, the secretariat said the competition offers a chance for exposure as the song will be played by mainstream radio and television stations across the globe and on multiple online platforms.
“The competition will only accept one submission per songwriter/musician or artist, and is open to all artists ranging from the age of 10 years and above,” reads some of the competitions’ rules and guidelines.
It further states that the song must reflect the Sadc region and relate to the people and culture of inhabitants of the region.
According to the statement, the song genre should fall within reggae, rock, blues, Christian, comedy/novelty, country, dance, folk, comedy, jazz, pop, R ‘n’ B and hip-hop.
“No genre of music will be held in higher regard than another,” says the secretariat.
The judging criteria include the uniqueness of the song, creativity, lyrics, appeal, composition and the length with three to five minutes being the preferred length.
Musicians Union of Malawi (MUM) president Reverend Chimwemwe Mhango said this is an opportunity for Malawian musicians to expose themselves internationally and show the world that they have what it takes to brush shoulders with the best.
One of the country’s top composers Lawi said this is a great platform for artists from within the region to contribute towards the strengthening of the efforts that Sadc is pushing for.
Lawi said: “As local artists we have everything to excel. I am looking at the content required and I am weighing my options. If time permits, I will definitely go for it.”
Another local musician, Fredokiss concurred with Lawi, saying with a good strategy the prize can come to Malawi.
“We have so much talent here. Even with a good collaboration, I am convinced we can get this one,” he said.
The Sadc secretariat says it will use the winning song when required, and the artist reserves the right to perform the song outside the Sadc secretariat sphere without consequences.
