Call for entries: Global Music Awards

Launched in 2011, the awards seek to “help independent musicians based on the merits of their music, not to make awards based on record sales or size of the fan base,” the Global Music Award official website reads.

“It is measured respect for the Global Music Awards that well-known Grammy and Emmy artists submit their work to Global Music Awards without solicitation. If you win our honours, our credibility may make it easier for you to lock in bookings, be discovered by A&R executives and be signed by labels.”

So far, participants have submitted entries from across the globe including Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria and Cameroon. Last week, South African award-winning filmmaker Uga Carlini and maskandi musician Sagweba were each awarded a bronze medal in the music video category and folk music categories respectively.

The application process is ongoing.

Professional and amateur musicians can apply in the following categories:

• Alternative
• Blues
• Children’s Music
• Classical
• Classical Crossover
• Computer & Digital
• Country
• Dance & Electronic
• Easy Listening
• Folk & Protest/Liberation
• Hip Hop & Rap
• Indie Pop
• Inspirational & Gospel
• Instrumental
• Jazz
• Latin
• New Age
• Pop (Popular Music)
• R&B & Soul
• Reggae
• Rock
• World Music & Beats
• Other (Specify)
• Male Vocalist
• Female Vocalist
• Vocal Duo
• Vocal Group
• Backing Vocals
• Breakthrough Artist
• Instrumental Performance Solo
• Instrumental Performance in a Group
• Album Song
• Original Score/Sound Track Movie & TV
• Video Game Music
• Instructional Recording
• Music Video
• Experimental
• Live Performance
• Composition
• Lyrics/Songwriting
• Band
• Acoustic Music
• Instrumental Music
• Computer/Electronic Music
• Chamber Music
• Choral Music
• Operatic Music
• Symphonic Music
• Student
• Album Art/Graphics
• Concept
• Creativity/Originality
• Dramatic Impact
• Humour/Humourist
• Innovation in Sound
• Press Kit/Promotional Materials
• Production
• Sound Editing/Sound Mixing
• Sound and Special Effects
• Listener Impact: Content/Message Delivery
• Listener Impact: Entertainment Value
• Listener Impact: Motivational/Inspirational

Requirements

Entrants should submit the following:

• Lyrics, which should be in English and must include a copy of the written lyrics.
• Entry fee of $50 for the first judging category. Each additional judging categories added is an additional $25.
• Written comments describing the entry.
• Publicity materials.

Project eligibility

The entries are reviewed by a special jury committee, which is mostly composed of past participants of Global Music Awards competitions.

The jury looks out for the following:

• Creativity and quality of musical craft
• Listener impact
• Technical quality
• Uniqueness and styling

Find out about the prizes here.

Interested participants can download and fill the application form here before emailing it to [email protected].