Deadline looms for 2021 International Songwriting Competition

This edition marks the competitions 20th anniversary. Both aspiring and established songwriters stand an opportunity to have their songs heard in a professional, international arena.

The ISC has helped propel the careers of songwriters and former winners from around the globe including Omar Sosa, Moana & The Tribe, BélO, Ricky Kej. Previous countries that have participated include Botswana, Cabo Verde, Cote D’Ivoire, Egypt, The Gambia, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago and Zimbabwe.

This year, the Founder’s Choice Award was launched and will be awarded to an artist selected by the competition’s founder Candace Avery and the ISC listening committee. The recipient will receive $10 000 in cash prizes and will represent ISC’s favourite song in the competition.

“ISC’s mission is to help songwriters from anywhere in the world get more recognition for their music,” ISC director of marketing Shane Whalen told Music In Africa. "We’ve recognised a number of talented African songwriters throughout the years, and considering the developing African music scene, we are excited and hopeful that more artists from that region will take advantage of this unique opportunity to be heard.”

Among this year's jury members is Grammy Award-winning Malian musician Oumou Sangaré. 

Who can apply?

The organisers are accepting applications from participants of any age and nationality. Entries can be submitted in the following categories:

• Adult Album Alternative (AAA)
• Adult Contemporary (AC)
• Americana
• Blues
• Children's Music
• Christian
• Comedy / Novelty
• Country
• Electronic Dance Music (EDM)
• Folk / Singer-Songwriter
• Instrumental
• Jazz
• Latin Music
• Lyrics Only
• Music Video
• Performance
• Pop / Top 40
• R&B / Hip-Hop
• Rock
• Teen
• Unpublished
• Unsigned Only
• World Music

Note:

• Entrants may submit as many songs as they wish - either in the same category or in multiple categories.
• There is no physical event to attend and anyone can enter from the safety and comfort of their own home.

Selection process

The jury will award winners based on:

• Creativity
• Originality
• Lyrics (excludes songs that do not have lyrics)
• Melody
• Arrangement
• Overall likeability
• Production/recording quality
• Vocal ability

How to apply 

To fill out the online application form, entrants must:

• Read and understand the guidelines.
• Pay $35 for every song submitted.

Entries should be submitted here.