Nigeria: Genie KG wins Akinyemilaw Song Challenge

The feat arrives three months after he won Adekunle Gold’s #My5StarStory open verse challenge, which earned him a prize package including home studio gear and a top 20 trending placement on Audiomack. 

Genie KG was picked by famed songwriter and record producer, who served as the judge for this edition of the contest. Genie KG takes home a cash prize of $1 000 and wins career consultation sessions with a major label A&R. Mr Juggernaut and Noël MIO came in second and third respectively. 

Born Nurudeen Oladimeji Akinde, Genie KG describes his sound as Afro-fusion, citing fújì, reggae and hip hop as core to his experimentations. He is behind offerings like ‘Cashout’, Une’ and ‘Black Sheep’. 

Now in its fourth edition, the contest is the brainchild of entertainment lawyer Akinyemi Ayinoluwa, with support from Amelia Songs. It looks to equip participants with sound knowledge and resources to enable them to become established songwriters, as well as help, grow the songwriting culture in Nigeria.

Aside from the cash prize, the initiative offers an opportunity to have their songs heard in a professional, international environment by leading decision-makers in the music industry, including A&Rs from major Nigerian outfits like The Plug and Mavin Records.

Previous winners of the competition include Mike Frost and King Marky Moore.