Kenyan musician Ondara wins International Songwriting Competition

Ondara’s song, ‘An Alien in Minneapolis’, off his album Spanish Villager No. 3, was selected as the best overall entry from more than the 15 000 received from 150 countries, earning the singer a cash award of $25 000 and other prizes.

Born in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, Ondara moved to Minneapolis in 2013 after winning a green card. In the US, he taught himself to play the guitar and started performing locally. Inspired by Nirvana, Jeff Buckley and Bob Dylan, his big break came when a local radio station played one of his songs taken from his YouTube channel.

His 2019 debut album Tales of America released on Verve Records captures an immigrant’s life in America. The album charted on Billboard and was nominated for Best Americana Album at the 62nd Grammy Awards. His second album Folk n’ Roll, Vol 1: Tales of Isolation was released in 2020, followed by Spanish Villager No. 3 last year.

‘An Alien in Minneapolis’ was described by the judging panel as “a powerful and emotive piece that describes his true-life experience of moving to America and being an outsider in a foreign place. His work showcases his masterful songwriting skills and reflects a deep understanding of the human condition and the power of music to connect people from different backgrounds.”

Speaking about the achievement, Ondara said: “I am very humbled and speechless. I don’t really have the right words at this moment, but I am extremely grateful.”

Founded in 2002, the ISC is an annual song contest whose mission is to provide the opportunity for both aspiring and established songwriters to have their songs heard in a professional, international arena. The ISC is designed to nurture the musical talent of songwriters on all levels and promote excellence in the art of songwriting.

Amateur and professional songwriters and musicians from anywhere in the world are invited to participate. The ISC boasts a prestigious panel of judges made up of well-known celebrity artists and industry professionals, giving the artists the exposure and the opportunity to have their songs heard by some of the most influential decision makers in the music business.

The complete list of winners is available here.