Music News - Moana Wins Major Songwriting Prize
03 February 2004 - 0 Comments
The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is very pleased to announce that Moana Maniapoto of Auckland, New Zealand has won the overall Grand Prize for her world music
song "Moko.." This is unprecedented because it is the first time any major songwriting competition based in the USA has awarded its top honors to any songwriter from outside the USA. Called "the songwriting competition to take note of" by the New York Times, ISC received over 11,000 entries from
60 countries.
Moana also placed as a semi-finalist with her world music song, "Te Po." In addition to the distinction of being awarded ISC Grand Prize winner, Moana will also receive $10,000 (U.S. currency) and over $30,000 (U.S.) in cash and merchandise, including a Xytar home recording studio, an Epiphone guitar, a Primera CD/DVD duplicator, a Sennheiser wireless microphone system, an iRiver mp3 player, $1,000 in gift certificates to Sam Ash and FYE, and much more.
Described as the "diva of Maori music," Moana Maniapoto has consistently pushed the boundaries of Maori music with her unique blend of traditional Maori musical elements and contemporary western grooves. Her band Moana and the Tribe tour throughout the world and are one of the most successful indigenous bands to emerge from New Zealand. The winning song "Moko," is a compelling fusion of smooth world music and an urban sound with earthy, international beats. "Moko" is rich in lyrical content and reflects the Maori spirit and culture. This accomplishment is a significant testament to both Moana's songwriting talent and to the depth and diversity of New Zealand musical talent in general.
In addition to Moana receiving the ISC's top honor, New Zealanders Tony Battle, George Umbulo, and Steffon garnered an Honorable Mention for their song "Under African Skies," also in the world music category.
The ISC panel of judges included many of the music industry's top executives, songwriters, and producers. They included:
Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20); B.B. King; Pat Metheny; Phil Vassar; Dan Haseltine (Jars Of Clay); Vanessa Carlton; Bebe Winans; Guru (Gang Starr); Paul Oakenfold; Raine Maida (Our Lady Peace); *NSYNC (Teen Category Only); Nile Rodgers; Monte Lipman (President, Universal Records); Arif Mardin (VP/GM, Manhattan Records); Bruce Lundvall (CEO/President, Capitol Jazz/Classics); Frank Callari (Sr. VP A&R, Lost Highway Records); Tina Davis (Sr. VP A&R, Def Jam/Def Soul); Rose Noone (Sr. VP A&R, Epic Records); Jimmy Bralower (Producer); Kim Stephens (VP &R/Promotion, Lava Records); Tara Griggs-Magee (Executive VP, Gospel & Urban Music, Sony Music Entertainment); Robert Beeson (President, Essential Records); Errol Kolosine (GM, Astralwerks Records); and Michael Gudinski (Chairman, Mushroom Group Of Companies)
ISC prizes included more than $100,000 (USD) in cash and merchandise and are shared by 68 winners in 13 categories.
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