Call for applications: Merck Foundation 2021 songwriting competition

Established in 2017, the Merck Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany and aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology.

For this year’s edition, entrants must create a song about raising awareness around the importance of girl education and empowering women at all levels.

Who can apply?

All African singers and composers are invited to apply.

How to apply?

• Participants should submit a song in MP3.
• Songs should be sent as audio files or YouTube links to submit@merck-foundation.com.
• The subject line of the email should read: Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2021.
• Entrants should also specify their name, country and contact details.

The deadline for submissions is 30 August.

Prize money

The winners of the contest will receive the following cash prizes:

• First award: $1 000
• Second award: $700
• Third award: $500

For more information about the awards, visit the Merck Foundation’s website.

“The continent is known for its versatile music artists and talents who have been instrumental in communicating messages and spreading awareness on various issues,” Merck Foundation CEO and president Dr Rasha Kelej said. “Music and art have the capacity and influence to make the problem felt, which further stimulates emotions and leads to engagement and action”.

The competition adds to Merck Foundation’s initiatives in Africa, which include the Africa Media Recognition Awards, Fashion Awards and Film Awards, among others. The foundation says it has produced and launched more than 20 songs with well-known singers from Burundi, Ghana, Rwanda, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Zambia and the Gambia to raise awareness about male infertility and to break the stigma around infertility in Africa.