Music has the power to move us, to make us laugh or cry, to capture our hearts and minds, and to inspire change.
After great success in 2016, the E Tū Whānau Song Competition is back! The competition is being held once again during NZ Music Month in May, in conjunction with the network of Māori Radio Stations throughout Aotearoa.
The competition provides participants with the opportunity to make a positive difference and to win some great cash prizes! (1stPrize $5000; 2nd Prize $2,000; 3rd Prize $1,000; Most Votes $2,000).
Entry is open NOW and all you have to do is (1) write an original song inspiring positive change and incorporating one or more of the six E Tū Whānau values, (2) upload footage of the song being performed to YouTube (or a photo slideshow with the song is ok too), then (3) complete the online entry form on the E Tū Whānau Song Competition facebook page.
When voting closes on 31st May the top 10 songs with the most votes will be judged to determine which songs receive 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes. Judges Maisey Rika, Maaka McGregor, and Ranea Aperahama will judge songs entered based on originality and creativity, lyrics and musical composition, and how well a song reflects or relates to the E Tū Whānau kaupapa. Any musical style or genre is permitted.
Entry closes on 22nd May so entries need to be submitted sooner rather than later in order to get as many votes as possible before 31st May. Entrants must be NZ residents and aged 13 years of age or older.
It’s a great kaupapa and people who don’t enter can still get involved by voting each day in May for their favourite song entries, and to support and vote for whānau and friends who enter.
For full competition info and rules, and to view and vote for entries received so far, go to the E Tū Whānau Song Competition facebook page.
E Tū Whānau is a movement for positive change in response to the levels of violence in NZ. It's about all of us taking responsibility to create the change we want, and nurturing and celebrating the things that make whānau strong.
No matter how big or small, we can all make a difference and create positive change within our own whānau, hapū, iwi and community.