SG:SW I Write The Songs 2024: Young Talent Shines at Finale

The SG:SW I Write The Songs 2024 Finale Concert lit up the stage at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) Far East Organisation Auditorium, celebrating the nation’s burgeoning songwriting talent. Organized by COMPASS, SCCC, and Ocean Butterflies Music, the event highlighted the creativity of local songwriters, featuring stunning performances by SG:SW I Write The Songs 2024 Ambassador Sherman Zhuo and singer-songwriter Boon Hui Lu.

Graced by Guest of Honour Mr. Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Social and Family Development, the concert marked the culmination of an inspiring eighth edition of the annual songwriting festival.

A Platform for Diverse Talent

This year’s festival received a record-breaking 277 song entries from 244 songwriters, with a notable increase in participants under 30, particularly those aged 20 and below. The Top 10 finalists, aged 16 to 60, represented a range of professions, from doctors to venture capitalists, showcasing the event’s broad appeal. The festival also drew an impressive 22,050 attendees at its Live Showcase at Bugis+ Atrium, where the Top 24 songwriters performed.

Award-Winning Performances

Seven prestigious awards were presented after rigorous evaluation by an esteemed panel, including music producer Zennon Goh, maestro Lee Wei Song, Taiwanese lyricist Adam Hsu, musician Jimmy Ye, and producer-songwriter Roger Yo.

Best Song Award: Grandma by Mirasole touched hearts with its emotional tribute to her grandmother, blending Hokkien lyrics with soulful instrumentation.

Melody (Merit) Award & Popularity Award: At just 16, Mei Xuan captivated audiences with Be Free, an R&B and City Pop fusion that secured 924 public votes.

Lyrics (Merit) Award: The rock anthem Ain’t Falling For It by Jody, Katie, See Kit, and Soh Jun Xian impressed judges with its bold themes and expressive vocals.

Best Vocal Performance Award: Lim Shy Yunn’s One Step Short of Happiness resonated deeply, exploring heartbreak with poignant melodies and raw emotion.

Best Performing Band Award: Libertas, inspired by Roman mythology, celebrated women’s independence with infectious beats and powerful vocals by Stephanie Teo, Mirasole, and Wong Kay Aik.

SCCC Xchange Award: Waiting in the Darkness, a collaboration by Mohammad Ridzwan and Gresilda Tan, blended Malay lyrics with traditional instruments, creating a soulful tribute to love and resilience.

SG:SW I Write the Songs 2024 showcased diverse musical styles and stories that make Singapore’s music scene unique.