Call for entries: Akinyemilaw Song Challenge in Nigeria

The annual competition is the brainchild of lawyer and entrepreneur Akinyemi Ayinoluwa and offers the opportunity for undiscovered and established songwriters to have their songs heard in a professional, international environment by leading decision-makers in the music industry, including A&Rs from major Nigerian outfits like The Plug and Mavin Records. 

The competition, which will reward the ultimate winner with $1 000 and career consultation with a major label A&R, also promises participating songwriters exposure while growing the songwriting culture in the West African country.

Previous winners of the competition include Mike Frost and King Marky Moore.

Interested participants must register here by 30 November.

How to participate

Interested songwriters must:

• Register and download a beat of their choice from the options (beats will be available for download upon successful registration).
• Write a verse and chorus, recording it over the instrumental (max. 90 seconds).
• Post the resulting music with the lyrics on Instagram.
• Include the official hashtag #AkinyemiLawSongChallenge in the caption.

Guidelines

• Songs must be clearly audible in the recording.
• This is a song contest, based on lyrical and melodic values, not a vocals contest.
• Participants must be following @Akinyemilaw, @ameliasongs.forever, @damiedamie_, @larrylanes_, @miichkel & @teezybeatz_exclusive on Instagram.
• Songs will be evaluated based on lyrics, melody, and various other musical considerations.
• Songs WILL NOT be evaluated on recording quality, vocal prowess, or other similar values. The recording must clearly present the song in its fullest light.
• Songwriters can have a vocalist or singer of their choice voice their lyrics on their behalf (They win as a team).
• There must be a musical accompaniment to the lyrics and melody.
• Acappella recordings are prohibited.
• Applicants may enter online only, via Instagram after selecting one of the beats on this website.