Have what it takes to be the best?

THE deadline for aspiring singer songwriters to submit an original song for an international competition has been extended to 14 April 2014.

Amateur and professional musicians and singer songwriters, as well as bands and solo acts in South Africa have an extra two weeks to enter their submissions to the Holiday Inn Express Songwriting Competition. With three weeks to go until the new deadline date, savvy singers have even more time to show off their musical mastery.

Participants have to compose an original song, which includes a mention of Holiday Inn Express in the lyrics, by the 14 April to be in with a chance of winning. Entry is via Facebook, and supporters and music lovers 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, based on the highest number of public votes, will be rated by a panel of judges to choose the ultimate winner. The judges for the 2014 competition include, vocalist Greame Watkins, winner of 2012 competition Tresor Riziki and Miles Keylock, editor in chief of Rolling Stone Magazine South Africa.
The judges will be looking for originality and creativity of the lyrics, song composition, melody and arrangement, contestants’ performing ability and the incorporation of the Holiday Inn Express brand mention. Submissions opened on 4 March and will close on 14 April. The winner in each market will be filmed performing their hit and promoted around the region, together with an array of other prizes. For more information and to listen to this year’s entries visit fb.com/holidayinnexpress.