Ghanaian Songwriters Honored In Us-based 2014 International Songwriting Competition (isc)

08.05.2015 LISTEN

May 7, 2015 - The U.S.-based International Songwriting Competition (ISC), widely known as the most revered songwriting competition in the world, has announced its 2014 winners. With over 18,000 entries submitted from 118 countries, ISC honors three Ghanaian songwriters in the competition.

Winning Third Place in the R&B/Hip-Hop category for his song "Someway Bi," Kwame A Tsikata aka M.anifest is an internationally acclaimed independent Hip-Hop artist from Accra, Ghana. He is known for musical boundary crossing, multilingual wordplay, and a refreshing hybrid songwriting approach that acknowledges both his Ghanaian upbringing and his sojourns in the West. Described in 2015 by the Guardian (UK) as "the foremost rapper on the continent," M.anifest's originality and impressive lyricism has earned him collaborations with musical giants such as Tony Allen, Damon Albarn, Flea (Red hot Chili Peppers), Erykah Badu, Femi Kuti, A.B Crentsil and more. In recent times he has released stunning visuals for his music videos whiles cementing his reputation as one of the best and musically mature live performers in Ghana.

Garnering an Honorable Mention in the World Music category is Selasee Atiase for the song "Mama Africa." Born in Accra, Ghana, Selasee grew up exposed to the colorful and energetic sounds of Highlife Music. With this exposure Selasee created his own style--a unique blend of Reggae, West African Highlife and American Pop music. In 2001, Selasee immigrated to the US where he continued to aspire on his solo career. In 2005, Selasee recorded his debut album Run, and the title track "Run" won first place in the World Music genre of the International Songwriting Competition. The Tracks "Run" and "Makuma" were also featured in the 2006 FIFA Soccer and 2007 Cricket video games by EA Sports. In 2010, Selasee released his second album named African Gate on Black Eye Watching Label. In February, 2015, Selasee released a new album produced by the legendary Aston "Family Man" Barrett of Bob Marley & The Wailers--Bob Marley's Music Director. The title track "Time For Peace" was awarded "Best World Beat Song" by the Akademia Music Awards in December, 2014.

Winning an Honorable Mention in the World Music category for the song "Bambenya" is Mohammed Alidu of the band Bizung Family. Born into the Bizung lineage of talking drum chiefs of Northern Ghana, Alidu studied with his father from the age of three years old. Alidu's father taught him the history of his tribe, singing and the language of the talking drum as his ancestors had done before him. By five years old, Alidu was accompanying his father to performances at the King's palace. At 15 years old, Alidu was considered one of the best talking drum players in the region. In 1995, Alidu was selected from over 70 people to become the principal drummer for the The Ghana Dance Ensemble, and later he spent three years in London performing with Adzido, the largest pan-African dance company in Europe. In 2004, he spent one year in Madagascar, collaborating with local artists. It was there that he started to compose and perform his unique blend of Afropop music. The songs were not bound by the idea of fitting into the boundaries and structures of a specific musical tradition; they simply rose from a desire to make music that was both compelling and poignant.

"ISC's mission is to provide a way for artists to have their music heard and recognized on an

international scale," says ISC Founder and Director, Candace Avery. "The Ghanaian winners embody the level of musical skill that ISC is looking for, and we are so pleased to be able to honor them for their remarkable songwriting talent."

Additionally, the overall Grand Prize is awarded to Australian singer/songwriter Vance Joy for his song "Riptide". This marks the first time in the 14-year history of the competition that any song has received perfect scores from every judge. Upon hearing the news of his win, Joy said, "It is such an honor to win this songwriting prize. Writing songs is what gives me a feeling of purpose. I'm proud to receive this award voted on by my songwriting peers." The song is being called an instant classic by both critics and fans alike, not only in the USA but also across the world. Joy's career is clearly on the rise, with sold-out tours, worldwide chart success, and critical acclaim. Joy will be embarking soon on a seven-month tour as the support act for pop superstar Taylor Swift.

This year's winners were selected by a panel of judges which includes, among others, American Authors, Chayanne, Pat Metheny, Sarah McLachlan, Bastille, Avicii, Sara Evans, Keane, Casting Crowns, Darryl McDaniels (Run D.M.C), Newsboys, Wayne Shorter, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, London Grammar, Taylor Goldsmith (Dawes), Gerald Casale (Devo), Dan McCarroll (President, Warner Bros. Records), Craig Kallman (Chairman, CEO, Atlantic Records), Mike Smith (President, Virgin EMI Records), Jeff Castelaz (President, Elektra Records), Ted Cockle (President, Virgin Records UK), Nir Seroussi (President, Sony Music Latin) and many more.

Created in 2002, ISC awards more than $150,000 in cash and prizes to winners of the competition. Winners range from amateur songwriters who are just starting their careers to professional songwriters who have years worth of experience. The Grand Prize winner is awarded $25,000 in cash, in addition to more than $45,000 in merchandise and services. Previous ISC winners include Bastille, Passenger, Kate Miller-Heidke, Lindsey Stirling, Gotye, The Band Perry, Kasey Chambers, Gin Wigmore, King Charles, Kimbra, Gregory Porter, Omar Sosa, For King & Country, and many more.

I
SC is sponsored by Lowden Guitars, Hammond USA, Abelton, Gauge Microphones, Slate Digital, DiscMakers, D'Addario, Taxi, IndieProMix and FinalMix, Inc., Indie Venue Bible, George Stein, Esq., Berklee College of Music, Thayers, Airplay Direct, Celebrity Access, SongU, The Music Business Registry, Lurssen Mastering, and Vosges Haut-Chocolat.

The 2015 International Songwriting Competition is now accepting entries, and more information can be found at: http://www.songwritingcompetition.com .

For a complete list of 2014 ISC Winners and to hear the winning songs, go to http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/winners .

For high-res photos, please contact Candace Avery at [email protected]

SELASE EATIASE