Holiday Inn Express officially launched its 2014 Songwriting Competition in four countries across Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Amateur and professional musicians, bands and solo acts in South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, India and Indonesia have the chance to show off their savvy musical skills and win great prizes. The competition comes off the back of the successful 2012 Holiday Inn Express Songwriting competition held in South Africa. The winner of the 2012 competition, Tresor Riziki, is now an accomplished multi-platinum selling singer songwriter, who has signed a worldwide agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group and has been featured across South African airwaves and international music channels such as MTV ZA, MTV Base and Trace TV. Tresor, who is also one of the 2014 competition judges, said: “Winning the competition was incredible and has given my career a huge boost. I would encourage all aspiring artists to get involved in this amazing Songwriting Competition, especially as this year’s contestants will have the chance to have their music heard across the world.”
To enter, participants have to compose an original song which includes a mention of ‘Holiday Inn Express’ in the lyrics. Entry is via the https://www.facebook.com/holidayinnexpress. Even the less musically-talented can get involved by picking their favourite tunes and voting for them on the Facebook App’s ‘Listen & Vote’ section. The top 10 songs in each country with the highest number of votes will then be rated by a panel of judges to choose the ultimate winner.
The winner in each market will be professionally filmed performing their hit and be promoted around the region, together with an array of other prizes including room nights at Holiday Inn Express hotels. The top 10 songs will be judged on originality and creativity of the lyrics, song composition, melody and arrangement, contestants’ performing ability and the incorporation of the Holiday Inn Express brand personality. Submissions close on 31 March. The grand winners from each market will be announced on the 15 April.