You don’t have to be in school to write a song. All teenagers are getting the call to enter their original songs in the New Zealand-based Lion Foundation Song writing competition ‘Play It Strange’
“Spread the word out”, said Vania Toloa, a well known song writer and singer, at a promotional event held in the New Zealand High Commission offices yesterday.
“This is the only way we can reach out to those youths or teenagers who have the talent but are holding back”.
Last year there were only 15 applicants and Mr. Toloa wants more – a lot more. In 2013, Samoan secondary school students between the ages of 12 and 18 were encouraged to enter their original songs.
This year, for 2014, the invitation has been extended to those outside school as well.
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“Fortunately, not only will the competition be open to students attending schools, those who do not attend school are also allowed to join the song writing competition”, said Mr. Toloa.
According to Mr. Toloa, they will be visiting schools as well as youth groups to ensure that more teenagers are aware of the competition and the opportunities it can provide.
“Some students/youths are not good with school but have the passion and talent for writing songs so this can be a good opportunity for them to progress with their future”.
That is why he was speaking during a press conference at the New Zealand High Commission yesterday, talking in front of the cameras, and posing in between the flags with diplomatic staff and one of last year’s winners – to raise awareness.
“The purpose of this competition is to push and encourage the youth to develop their vocal wise writing and composing wise skills”, said Mr. Toloa.
“New lyrics and new tunes,” are what is needed, he said. “The fact that competitors must have originality in words and tunes and if it delivers a good message to the listeners”, he said.
It is a competition that Mr. Toloa supports as it represents “an important aspect of music and how it has turned over the years. “It’s not only about winning but to help song writers to improve their skills and composing music as well”, he said.
Two winners who won the competition last year were Catherine Falesii for Pesega College for the female category and Romeo Sabbath of Faatuatua Christian College for the male category.
“It has been a great experience for me as a youth”, said Mr. Sabbath. “It has built up my motivation as a youth song writer and composer”, he added.
As a message to the other young musicians, Mr. Sabbath assured teens that this competition is a “stepping stone to become better and bigger.”
Those wishing to register for the competition can get a form the New Zealand High Commission or online entry forms.
The winners of the competition will have their song recorded professionally and their final recording will be included on the Play it Strange CD and also online streaming and downloading.
Entries close Friday 30th May, 2014.
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