Africa shines at International Songwriting Competition 2021

Launched in 2002, the ISC is considered the most prestigious songwriting competition in the world, receiving more than 21 000 entries from over 150 countries. Grammy-winning Malian musician Oumou Sangaré served on the panel of judges for the 2021 edition.

Keita and Sosa received top honours in the World Music category for their song ‘Allah Léno’, followed by Canadian artist Kelly Bado and American act AO Music, who secured the second and third prizes for ‘Mama Hé’ and ‘Nashu’, respectively.

Keita has won multiple honours, including the prestigious BBC Radio 2 Folk Musician of the Year Award, while Sosa is behind more than 30 albums that have received several Grammy nominations. The two musicians first met in 2012 and in 2017 released their collaborative debut album Transparent Water. The duo's second collection SUBA was released in October 2021.

“All of these world music winners are so accomplished, and we are proud to honour them and celebrate the traditions of the genre,” ISC founder and director Candace Avery said. “These artists will no doubt inspire up-and-coming artists and are destined to become a part of the legacy of world music today and in the future.”

Other African finalists the in the World Music category, listed as honourable mentions, are Cameroonian acts Nda Chi and Dr Sley, Kidum Kibido from Burundi, Egypt’s Tamer Hosny & Elissa, and Fanfara Station from Tunisia.

South Africa’s Steve Umculo came second in the Music Video category for ‘Your Eyes Through Mine’. Fellow South African act Blvd Hvnny earned an honourable mention in the same category for ‘Joaquin’. Johannesburg native Vaughn Prangley also earned an honourable mention in the Teen category for his entry ‘Passing Seconds’. Another honourable mention went to Nigeria’s Addey in the Lyrics Only category for ‘Laying My Burden Down’.

Meanwhile, the overall grand prize was awarded to US dark pop musician Notelle for her song ‘Sufjan Stevens’. ISC’s panel of celebrity artists and music industry executives said the grand prize embodies the highest degree of excellence in the craft of songwriting.

“There are very few moments that leave you speechless from joy,” Notelle said. “This moment for me will be one of them. I would never in my wildest dreams have imagined that a song I wrote alone in my car would have had this much of an impact on my pursuit of being a songwriter. ISC has given me the kind of opportunity and encouragement that I have never had before, and I will be forever grateful. What an unbelievable experience.”

In celebration of its 20th anniversary this year, the competition has increased its prize package to $225 000 in cash and merchandise to be shared by 71 winners in 23 categories. The overall grand prize package has also been increased to more than $70 000 and includes $25 000 in cash, plus merchandise and services.

The full list of winners, including their winning songs, is available here. Entries are now open for ISC 2022, and interested participants can submit their tracks here.