MOT Launches Da Bahamian Ting Song Competition, Winner to receive $25,000

Application Forms and Rules available below

The Ministry of Tourism has officially launched its Da Bahamian Ting Song Competition

Director of Cultural Heritage Tourism Arlene Nash-Ferguson said the competition is designed to help preserve and promote the rich musical heritage of The Bahamas.

“It is also designed to help stimulate the continuing evolution of Bahamian music by encouraging the development of new material and new artists,” said Nash-Ferguson during a press conference at the British Colonial Hilton. “Thirdly, we want to stimulate Bahamian music as a creative and cultural industry. Fourthly, to develop a vehicle which will bring prominence and prestige to Bahamian music and the associated artists.”

Arlene Nash Ferguson said the ministry will “aggressively” promote the songs and support the music even after the competition.

Contestants must submit their songs to the Ministry of Tourism. The deadline has been extended and a new date will be announced shortly.

10 finalists will be selected and the overall winner will be selected by the public.

Songs must be in a Bahamian genre, Rake N Scrape, Goombay or Junkanoo, and around three minutes long.

The winner will receive $25,000 with second place taking $20,000, third place $15,000, fourth place $10,000 and fifth through 10th $1,000 each.

Rick Carey, of the Cultural Heritage Tourism Department, lauded the competition as a platform for local musicians.

“From my experiences working with local and international musicians there are many benefits to having competitions of this magnitude,” said Carey, who has earned a Grammy Award for his time in Baha Men. “It provides another musical platform for professional and aspiring Bahamian musicians, artists, producers and songwriters.”

Application forms and competition rules can be downloaded below and are available at the Ministry of Tourism, fourth floor, British Colonial Business Centre, #1 Bay Street and all Family Island Tourist Offices.

They're also availabe here:

Song Competition Rules   Song Competition Application Form

For more information call 302-2000 or email aferguson@bahamas.com.