Angela Utsu Seeks Recognition For Local Songwriters And Composers

…Why It’s Time For A Dedicated Award Category

LAGOS – In the music industry, songwriters and composers play an essential, often overlooked role in creating the tracks we all love.

While the artists and performers are the public faces, the true heart of a song lies in the lyrics and melodies crafted by songwriters. Yet, despite their importance, local songwriters and composers frequently go unrecognized for their work.

Acclaimed songwriter, Angela Utsu is at the forefront of a movement to change the narrative. Utsu, known for her lyrical genius and passion for the craft, is calling for local songwriters to be acknowledged not only by their peers but also by the entire music industry.

She believes it’s time for a dedicated award category that celebrates the often invisible yet impactful contributions of songwriters and composers.

Why Recognition For Songwriters Is Long Overdue?

Angela Utsu’s campaign for the recognition of local songwriters and composers is built on a few key principles that highlight the significant role they play in the music creation process.

Here are some of the most compelling reasons why songwriters deserve more credit, and why an award category should be established in their honor.

Songwriters Are The Backbone Of Every Hit Song

Behind every great song is a great songwriter. The melody, the rhythm, and the lyrics all begin as ideas on paper.

Whether it’s a global pop hit or a heartfelt ballad, the song begins with a songwriter pouring their creative energy into crafting something special. Without these individuals, many artists wouldn’t have the foundational material needed to create a track.

As Angela Utsu explains, “Songwriters often lay the emotional and structural groundwork for a song. They are the ones who translate raw emotions into words that connect with people on a deep level. It’s time for the industry to fully recognize this contribution.”

Collaboration Is Key In The Music Industry

The creation of a song is rarely a solo effort. Even for artists who are highly involved in writing their own music, collaboration with songwriters or composers is often part of the process.

Songwriters bring a different perspective and skill set that complement the artist’s vision. Their expertise in lyrical storytelling, melody structuring, and overall song composition plays a crucial role in ensuring that a song resonates with listeners.

Angela Utsu points out, “Songwriters are more than just background contributors—they are partners in the creative process. The synergy between a songwriter and an artist often leads to the magic that transforms a simple melody into a chart-topping hit.”

A Songwriter’s Contribution Can Make Or Break A Song

While the artist’s performance is important, it’s often the lyrics and melody that make a song memorable. A song with powerful, relatable lyrics has the potential to become timeless, while poor songwriting can weaken even the most talented artist’s work. Songwriters, particularly in local markets, often possess a deep understanding of their culture, language, and audience, allowing them to write music that resonates strongly with their listeners.

“Good songwriting is what separates an average song from a great one,” says Utsu.

“The right lyrics, combined with a compelling melody, can turn a song into something unforgettable. This is why we need to recognize the incredible talent and hard work that songwriters put into each track.”

Many Songwriters Remain Unseen And Unheard

Despite their pivotal role in creating hit songs, many songwriters remain largely invisible to the general public.

While the artist’s name is attached to the song, the songwriter’s name often goes unnoticed, even though they’ve contributed significantly to its success.

This lack of visibility extends to award shows and industry recognition, where the performers are celebrated, but the songwriters behind the music are rarely mentioned.

Angela Utsu strongly believes that this needs to change. “Songwriters deserve to be acknowledged in the same way that artists are,” she explains. “They are the architects of the music we love, and their contributions should be celebrated.”

Why We Need an Award Category For Songwriters

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the role that songwriters play in the music industry, but there’s still a long way to go.

One of the most direct ways to acknowledge songwriters is through formal recognition at industry award shows. Angela Utsu argues that the creation of a dedicated award category for songwriters and composers would not only give them the visibility they deserve but also encourage more budding songwriters to enter the industry.

Recognizing Excellence In Craftsmanship

Songwriting is an art form that requires creativity, skill, and hard work. Just as there are awards for Best Artist or Best Album, there should be categories for Best Songwriter or Best Composition. These awards would shine a spotlight on the immense talent it takes to write a song that touches millions of people.

As Utsu points out, “Creating an award category for songwriters would elevate the craft and show that the industry values the creative minds behind the music. It would encourage songwriters to keep pushing the boundaries of their art.”

Encouraging Collaboration Between Songwriters And Artists

By recognizing songwriters with a dedicated award, the industry can also promote the idea that collaboration between songwriters and artists is essential to producing great music. Awarding songwriters would not only validate their role but also encourage more artists to collaborate with talented lyricists and composers.

Utsu believes this would foster a more inclusive and collaborative music scene. “When songwriters are celebrated, it sends a message that their work matters just as much as the artist’s performance. This can only lead to more creative partnerships and even better music,” she explains.

Highlighting Local Talent

Local songwriters often capture the essence of their communities, writing music that reflects local culture, language, and experiences. Yet, they are frequently overshadowed by international artists or songwriters from larger music markets. By creating an award category specifically for local songwriters, the industry can celebrate the unique contributions these individuals make to their regions and help them gain the recognition they deserve.

Angela Utsu emphasizes, “Local songwriters are often the ones who keep the cultural heartbeat of their communities alive through their music. Recognizing them through awards would give them a platform to showcase their work on a larger stage.”

Elevating The Profession Of Songwriting

Finally, creating an award category for songwriters would help elevate the profession as a whole. It would offer validation to those who have chosen songwriting as their career and inspire others to pursue their passion.

Just as performers and producers have their own categories, songwriters and composers deserve to be treated with the same level of respect and appreciation.

“Songwriting is a vital part of the music industry,” says Utsu.

“Giving songwriters their own award category would show aspiring songwriters that their craft is valued and respected.”

Angela Utsu’s call for greater recognition of local songwriters and composers is not just a personal mission; it’s a movement that could reshape the music industry. By advocating for a dedicated award category, Utsu is pushing for songwriters to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight they so richly deserve. The contributions of songwriters go beyond just words and melodies—they shape the very soul of the music we love.

As Utsu passionately puts it, “It’s time for songwriters to get the recognition they’ve earned. They are the unsung heroes of music, and without them, we wouldn’t have the songs that define our lives.”

With advocates like Angela Utsu leading the charge, the future looks bright for songwriters. The creation of an award category for songwriters would be a huge step forward, not only in recognizing their contributions but also in encouraging the next generation of lyrical and melodic talent to pursue their dreams.