Harare — THE 2006 International Songwriting Competition that provides opportunities for bands, artistes and songwriters to gain exposure is now open.

The competition also gives artistes a chance for their songs to be heard by some of the most influential members of the music industry internationally.

In Zimbabwe, so far, Chiwoniso Maraire, is the only artiste who participated and emerged second in the 2005 competition.

The 2006 competition has two new categories, many new judges and has also increased the cash portion of its Grand Prize to US$25 000, which makes it the largest cash Grand Prize in any songwriting competition.

ISC gives away over US$150 000 in cash and prizes, including an Overall Grand Prize package of US$25 000 in cash and over US$20 000 in merchandise, unmatched by any other songwriting competition.

ISC winners benefit from extensive Press and publicity, gaining exposure and recognition from an international music market of industry professionals and fans.

One of the largest and most prestigious songwriting competitions in the world, ISC welcomes original songs from musicians, artistes, and songwriters at every level from amateur to professional.

ISC accepts all genres of traditional and contemporary jazz, including Swing, Bebop, Fusion, Vocal Jazz, Latin, Big Band, New Orleans, avant-garde, Soul-Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Ragtime, Dixieland, Big Band, Salsa, Afro Jazz, and more.

It has several other categories that may also be of particular interest to Jazz artistes: a Latin category, an Instrumental category that includes all genres of instrumental music (including jazz) and a Performance category that is based not only on songwriting but also on the overall delivery of the song.

High-profile jazz artistes Cassandra Wilson, John Scofield, and Medeski Martin & Wood, as well as industry executives judge entries.

A complete list of categories includes: Jazz, Latin, Instrumental, Country, AAA (Adult Album Alternative), Americana; Jazz, Pop/Top 40, Rock, R&B/Hip-Hop, Blues, Folk/Singer-Songwriter, Gospel/Christian, Dance/Electronica, Children's Music, Lyrics Only, Teen, and Performance. Entrants may submit as many songs as they wish in the same category or in multiple categories.