$3,000 Grant Awarded to New York Songwriters
Songwriters Chinua Hawk and Kwame M. Viapree are the New York-area recipients of the 2003 Heineken Music Initiative/ASCAP Foundation R&B grant. Hawk and Viapree co-wrote the winning song "I Remember You," which was selected from over 100 entries received from the New York area. The collaborators will receive a $3,000 grant for their songwriting efforts.
The Heineken Music Initiative/The ASCAP Foundation R&B Grant program is designed to assist emerging R&B songwriters in furthering their careers, and will benefit songwriters in seven key music markets across the country � Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Philadelphia and Washington D.C./Baltimore. The songwriter (or songwriters) of the winning song applying from each of the markets will be selected to receive a $3,000 grant.
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Chinua Hawk |
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Chinua Hawk
Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Philanthropist, Entrepreneur, are just some of the words that can be used to describe Chinua Hawk. Born and raised in New Jersey, Chinua considers himself a "citizen of the world...My music is for everyone. I listen to everything, all kinds of music, so it comes through in my writing," states Chinua.
As a performer with hundreds of performances under his belt, Chinua has been captivating audiences all over the world with the simplicity and class that has defined his career. "My show is very simple, what you see is what you get. If you come to my show to see me, then I know you came to hear some real singing and have a good time. I'm not a dancer; I'm a storyteller and a dreamer. I share these things with you onstage, it's just that simple," says Chinua.
From a very young age Chinua always knew that he was destined to be a singer. Singing in church at the Friendship Baptist Church in Trenton, New Jersey taught this humble young man how connect the spirit with the music.
Chinua counts himself very fortunate in his career to have performed with Celine Dion, written songs with Wyclef Jean, and appeared on rapper Talib Kwali's song "Get By," just to name a few of his accomplishments.
Along with his extensive touring record, Chinua also boasts CD sales not only in the US, but also in France, England, Japan, Switzerland, and Canada. Not bad for an unsigned act.
Chinua's music has been heard on several college radio stations around the country as well as onPhiladelphia's WUSL Power 99 FM, on "Inner City Live" with Tiffany Bacon.
A feature story was also done on Chinua on New Jersey's NJN Television Network to promote his first full concert performance at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in front of thousands of fans.
When asked what was the performance that made him most nervous, Chinua replies� "Well, I'm always nervous, but the one that got me was when I performed the National Anthem at a basketball game for Utah State in front of 10,000 screaming fans! That was scary, but I'd love to do it again!"
When asked if he had any inspiring words to offer the singers coming up behind him, Chinua says, "Don't be so consumed with getting a record deal. It doesn't make or break you and it's not the deciding factor in whether or not you are a success as an artist. I've been to every major label over the years and none of them wanted to sign me. They didn't see what I saw and they didn't feel what I felt so that was fine with me. I work just like any other artist out there. I tour, record, and sell music among the best of them, so it's ok. I say all of this to say, �don't be afraid if they tell you no. If they won't let you be in their door, then find a window!' It's just that simple. Faith moves mountains!"
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Kwame M. Viapree |
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Kwame M. Viapree
Kwame M. Viapree is a producer who has been playing piano for more than twelve years and guitar for two. With hopes of emulating Stevie Wonder and Quincy Jones, he took a year of piano lessons in the 5th grade but quit to pursue tag, bike riding, and other childhood interests. "I wanted to play songs like 'Always' and 'All I Do,' but I was always playing classical. As time passed, I didn't want to practice anymore. I just wanted to go outside and play."
During his freshman year of high school, Kwame made his way back to the piano and began to learn popular Billboard hits in his spare time. Soon he began composing his own songs. The first song he wrote won a Coors National Talent contest and led others to believe in his talent. "I let some people hear what I was doing and eventually they offered me keyboards and equipment."
Kwame began working in various recording studios with local musicians, while at the same time learning all he could about the recording process. Persistence, knowledge of his craft and diligent networking led him to work with Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill, Melky Sedeck, Biz Markie, Simone Hines, and many other artists.
Kwame Viapree is also the founder of The Stimulation Station, an all-media company that offers professional web development, multimedia, gaming, animation and graphical services. TSS' clientele include Emmis Communications, The Scifi Network, Seedco, Vanguarde Media, NASA, Lauryn Hill, Ecko Unlimited, the Urban League of Essex County, Minority Internet and Technical Professionals, Island Records and several others.
