VREDENBURG – Healthy Futures South Africa (HFSA) is calling on young musicians across the Saldanha Bay Municipal area to use their creativity and talent to promote healthier communities through its Health Song Competition.

The competition invites solo artists and groups aged 14 to 35, living in Vredenburg and elsewhere in the Saldanha Bay municipal area, to submit original songs based on the theme: “Health Awareness Through Music.”

Geraldo Carolus, HFSA Project Assistant, said the initiative was inspired by the power of music to educate, motivate and encourage positive change. He explained that young people connect naturally with music, making it an effective platform to share important health messages in a way that is meaningful and engaging.

“The competition aims to educate young people about important health topics while encouraging creativity and self-expression,” Carolus said.

The initiative focuses on raising awareness around issues such as mental health, substance abuse, healthy lifestyles and disease prevention. It also aims to empower young people to become voices of change by sharing messages that can improve the well-being of their communities.

Carolus said HFSA hopes the competition will help participants build confidence, develop leadership skills and inspire others through their music.

Entries must be original compositions and may not be AI-generated. Lyrics must promote positive health messages in line with Western Cape Government Department of Health and Wellness guidelines. Songs containing offensive language, swearing or explicit content will not be considered.

Musicians from all genres, including gospel, hip-hop, Afrobeat and Amapiano, are encouraged to enter. Participants must submit a video performance, no longer than two minutes, before the closing date, while finalists must be available for a live performance.

Entries will be judged on the strength of the health message, creativity, originality, clarity, impact and overall performance quality. Participants are encouraged to use the Wellness Toolkit Hub as a guide when creating their songs.

The competition closes on Friday 7 August at 16:00.

Winners will receive exciting prizes and have the opportunity to showcase their talent while promoting health and well-being in the Saldanha Bay community.

For more information, contact Aleshia Coetzee at Aleshia.Coetzee@uct.ac.za or Geraldo Carolus at Geraldo.Carolus@uct.ac.za.