In a first for South Africa, nine of the country’s favourite singers and bands have partnered with Sanlam, LitNet and MK (DSTV Channel 324) to invite talented songwriters to submit their lyrics to be recorded as an official single.
This competition, known as Sing ’it, kicks-off today and will present the winning songwriters with an iPad 2 and R3 000 each, as well as the opportunity for one of them to feature in a music video by their favourite artist.
The ninth, mystery artist will be announced shortly. The other eight, diverse artists and groups, all enjoying a strong presence in their respective musical genres, are:
- Karen Zoid
- Jax Panik
- DJ Cleo
- Dans Dans Lisa
- Bittereinder
- iScream & The Chocolate Stix
- Niskerone & SFR
- Dance, You’re on Fire
Entries close at the end of October. After that, the judges (comprising the abovementioned artists), will comb through the entries, select their favourite, and record it as an official single. All nine songs will then be made available for free downloading for two months.
The band with the highest number of downloads will receive a budget for a music video for that song from MK. The video will be played on MK, as well as on other channels, and posted online.
“It will be incredible to interact with the fans on a more personal level – let’s see what we can create together,” says iScream & the Chocolate Stix guitarist Just Nathan.
Comments André Kearns, sponsorship manager at Sanlam: “Sanlam recognises the importance of our cultural diversity in celebrating the creativity of all South Africans, whilst empowering the youth at the same time – hence our investment in a number of social and cultural initiatives.”
He adds that Sing ’it not only embodies Sanlam’s corporate message of ‘Start with what you hope for’ but can also be linked to the ‘National Start Something Day’, which was launched on 2 September 2011 to inspire everyday people to take up a new hobby – whether it be learning a new language or starting to write songs, in this case.
“We are also planning to bring on board another local popular ninth artist, but this will be kept secret for now!” confirms Kearns.
LitNet Executive Editor Etienne van Heerden enthuses: “Fresh, hip, inclusive, creative, energetic and fun, Sing ’it is truly South African in that it crosses cultural boundaries and celebrates diversity in creating an exciting platform for new writers.
“LitNet encourages writing in all forms – from poetry to blogs to reviews – and now lyrics as well. Sing ’it is going to be big!”
From a cross-cultural collaboration point of view, musicians and songwriters from all over South Africa will have the chance to work together and are bound to influence one another’s work. This should reflect in the quality and diversity of recordings that the process will produce, says MK, the official media sponsor.
To participate in Sing ’it, go to the following internet platforms:
Website: http://singit.litnet.co.za
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/singit
Twitter: @singit2011.
