Call to enter "Sing 'it" songwriter competition

The competition is a partnership between nine of the country's favourite singers and bands, and Sanlam, LitNet and MK (DSTV Channel 324). The ninth, mystery artist will be announced shortly. The other eight, diverse artists and groups are: Karen Zoid; Jax Panik; DJ Cleo; Dans Dans Lisa; Bittereinder; iScream & The Chocolate Stix; Niskerone & SFR; and Dance, You're on Fire.

Entries close at the end of October. After that, the judges will comb through the entries, select their favourite, and record it as an official single. All nine songs will then be made available for free downloading for two months.

The highest number of downloads

The band with the highest number of downloads will receive a budget for a music video for that song from MK. The video will be played on MK, as well as on other channels, and posted online.

"It will be incredible to interact with the fans on a more personal level - let's see what we can create together," said iScream & the Chocolate Stix guitarist Just Nathan.

André Kearns, sponsorship manager at Sanlam, said: "Sing 'it not only embodies Sanlam's corporate message of 'Start with what you hope for', but can also be linked to the 'National Start Something Day', which was launched on 2 September, 2011, to inspire everyday people to take up a new hobby - whether it be learning a new language or starting to write songs, in this case.

Secret ninth artist

"We are also planning to bring on board another local popular ninth artist, but this will be kept secret for now," Kearns added.

LitNet's executive editor, Etienne van Heerden, commented: "Fresh, hip, inclusive, creative, energetic and fun, Sing 'it is truly South African in that it crosses cultural boundaries and celebrates diversity in creating an exciting platform for new writers. LitNet encourages writing in all forms - from poetry to blogs to reviews - and now lyrics as well. Sing 'it is going to be big."

Cross-cultural collaboration

From a cross-cultural collaboration point of view, musicians and songwriters from all over South Africa will have the chance to work together and are bound to influence one another's work. This should reflect in the quality and diversity of recordings that the process will produce, says MK, the official media sponsor.

To participate in Sing 'it, go to the following Internet platforms:

Website: http://singit.litnet.co.za
Facebook: www.facebook.com/singit
Twitter: @singit2011.