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Luvuyo Kakaza
Creative minds stand to win mega prizes in the second annual Hansa Pilsener Cool Sounds Songwriting competition when winners are announced in March.
In a departure from the usual Shell Road to Fame talent search for performing artists, the songwriting competition does not require entrants to perform, but to compose songs in the R&B genre. Hip-hop and soul are also acceptable forms of this type of music.
The first prize is a songwriting contract with Sony Music and R10E000, the second prize is R5E000 and the third winner takes home R2 500.
The competition is sponsored by South African Breweries with the support of Sony Music and Metro fm as partners.
Launched last year, it forms part of the Hansa Pilsener Cool Mix radio show on Metro fm. The show was also launched last year and is presented during the week by Kenny Maistry.
“The quality of last year’s entries was a clear demonstration that there is tremendous talent out there, and all it needs is support ,” said Grant Leech, the South African Breweries brand manager.
“Last year, after we announced the winners, we held shows around the country and this year Sony Music has come up with a brilliant offer of a two years’ contract.”
The winner of last year’s competition was Mbali Masondo, a public relations officer at the South African Air Force base in Pretoria.
Masondo’s winning soul song, Black Angel, was recorded with 10 other finalists’ songs on the Hansa Pilsener’s Cool Sounds compilation CD, released by BMG records in 1999.
The funky trio stars Ashaan came second and hip-hop diva Ntathu Buthelezi was the third winner. Masondo is a multi-talented songwriter who has an amazing sassy voice that delivers meaningful lyrics on the compilation CD.
“My song is dedicated to my mother and to all strong women who meet challenges head- on,” Masondo said.
“Cool Sounds has provided me with the opportunity to be acknowledged and celebrated as a songwriter.”
This year, Masondo is embarking on other projects. She is working on a single called Izinyembezi with music producer Fanie Hlongwane. She is also composing songs for her mother’s environmental project called Tshwelopele, which has provided the community of Magaliesberg with farming and other basic skills.
Sony Music’s producer and artists developer, Mthunzi Namba, says it is an opportunity for his company to find new talent in other music avenues.
“Over the years we have received a lot of demo tapes from young pupils who want to be performing stars. South Africa has no songwriters and we need people to write songs even for established singers,” he said.
“The winning songwriter will be contracted for two years and hopefully for longer.”
Ten finalists for the competition will be announced on Kenny Mastery’s Hansa Cool Mix show on Metro fm between 1pm and 1.30pm on February 27.