Germany, September 15th 2005 - The 'Beats & Lyrics Contest', initiated by the German Millennium Campaign, came to a close on September 9th 2005.
The contest called upon young creatives to submit lyrics with a 'clear statement on poverty and development' and with reference to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The idea behind the contest was to show that young people in particular can stand up and to make sure that the politicians are reminded of their promises to meet the MDGs.
Over 130 submissions had reached the jury by the beginning of September. Four of which went through to the finals.
The jury, composed of musicians (famous rap artist Patrice), music producers (Mark Loescher: Four Music Productions GmbH) and Markus Adam of MTV Germany as well as Renee Ernst and Ines Huwe of the Millennium Campaign then had the difficult task of choosing a winner. After much deliberation, the jury voted for the song "MAN SAGT - It is said" by the Hip Hop group "WAS LOS - what's up".
The jury explained their choice, calling the winner-song "intelligent and musically sophisticated."
The lyrics are about the chances young people have of reminding politicians to stick to the MDGs and not to delay any further. In the same vein, the three members of "WAS LOS" draw attention to "hope" and to the potential that such a rich country as Germany has to end poverty.
Why Hip Hop? This kind of music style, that is understood everywhere and is a perfect medium to transport such important issues due to its global appeal.
The winning entry "MAN SAGT" will be released on a compilation album, with other German music titles at the end of the year, just before Christmas.
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