Hiplife/hiphop artiste, Kwame A. Tsikata, known in showbiz circles as M.anifest made Ghana proud at this year’s International Songwriting Competition (ISC).
An announcement made by the organisers last month saw the artiste taking the third position in the R&B/ Hiphop category for his song, Some Way Bi.
With over 18,000 entries submitted from 118 countries, M.anifest’s feat is seen as a booster to his brand as the platform offers him the opportunity to sell his music to a wider audience across the world.
Described this year 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.
Apart from M.anifest, UK based Ghanaian artistes, Selassie Atiase and Mohammed Alidu, received “special mentions” for their songs, Mama Africa and Bambenya respectively.
Australian song writer, Vance Joy, won the ultimate prize for his song, Riptide.
In a press statement, the ISC Founder and Director, Candace Avery, said, “The Ghanaian winners embody the level of musical skill that ISC is looking for and we are so pleased to be able to honour them for their remarkable songwriting talent.”
This year’s winners were selected by a panel of judges which included American authors, Chayanne, Pat Metheny, Sarah McLachlan, Bastille, Avicii, Dan McCarroll (President, Warner Bros. Records, Craig Kallman (Chairman of Atlantic Records), Mike Smith (President, Virgin EMI Records), Nir Serroussi (President, Sony Music, Latin).
In addition to cash and merchandise prizes, winners benefit from a multilateral promotional campaign designed to give international exposure and attention to their songwriting achievements.
Previous ISC winners were Bastille, Passenger, Kate Miller-Heidke, Oamr Sosa, Kasey Chambers, King Charles and Kimbra.
The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is an annual song contest whose mission is to provide the opportunity for both aspiring and established songwriters to have their songs heard in a professional, international arena.
It is designed to nurture the musical talent of songwriters at all levels and promote excellence in the art of songwriting.
Source: Graphic Online