Haitian Artist BelO Wins Grand Prize in Prestigious 2020 Unsigned Only Music Competition
T
he winners of the US-based Unsigned Only Music Competition were announced.
For the first time in its history, the Grand Prize is awarded to a World Music artist, BelO, for the song EDA. He is also the winner of Fandemonium, Unsigned Only's online public vote.
Established in 2012, Unsigned Only has become known as the leading music competition honoring international artists who are unsigned to a major record label. It has become an important source for discovering new talent and acts as a benchmark for excellence in the arena of contemporary music. Selected from more than 7,000 entries from 109 countries, the winners share in over $160,000 in cash and prizes split among 38 winners.
Winners were selected by a judging panel comprised of high-profile industry experts and renowned recording artists, including Charli XCX; Aimee Mann; Sanctus Real; O.A.R.; Ruthie Foster; Robert Smith (The Cure); David Benoit; Tyler Williams (The Head And The Heart); NLE Choppa; Bibi Marin (Reik); Darryl Worley; Piso 21; Janiva Magness; Tinariwen; The Devil Makes Three; Buika; and more.
Hailed as Haiti's musical ambassador to the world, BelO is a socially conscious singer/songwriter whose music reflects the issues and challenges facing his home country. BelO has always been committed to the causes of the less fortunate, the education of children, women's rights, social solidarity, environmental protection, and peace in Haiti and around the world. His social activism is especially significant during these challenging times and exposes the enormous contradictions and inequalities of our societies.
Haiti has a lot to offer to the rest of the world, and our culture reflects the beauty of its diversity, said BelO. When we are united there's not much that we can't achieve. As always I am proud to represent my country and to share my music with the world.
BelO's sound is a mixture of world, rock, reggae, jazz, and Afro-Haitian traditional rhythms known as ragganga. Born in Croix-des-Bouquets, near Port-au-Prince, BelO was only 11 years old when he realized he wanted to be a professional musician. For him, it was seemingly his destiny because music was everywhere in his home, on the streets, and all over Haiti. His first album was released in 2005, and since then he has performed all over the world, garnering accolades and multiple awards, including winning the prestigious Prix Radio France International Discoveries award.
BelO's message is so relevant right now; it speaks to the turbulent and challenging times in which we all live, said Founders/Directors Candace Avery and Jim Morgan. His message of unity and peace resonates now more than ever.
In addition to winning $20,000 in cash (US) and much more in prizes, BelO will also receive one-on-one mentoring from a group of upper-echelon music industry executives from ARC Music, Because Music, Cumbancha/Putumayo, Naive Records, Montreux Jazz Festival, Omnium Records, RCA, and Summerfest Music Festival.
Unsigned Only is sponsored by CAD Audio; Celebrity Access; Disc Makers; Eventric; Hybrid Studios; Killer Brownies; Lurssen Mastering; Merch Cat; Mojave Audio; Musicians Institute; Ortega Guitars; Symphonic Distribution; and The Music Business Registry.
Submissions for the 2021 competition are currently open. Entry information can be found at https//www.unsignedonly.com
✔️ Haitian Artist BelO Wins Grand Prize in Prestigious 2020 Unsigned Only Music Competition
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