A Native American composer from Seattle, Washington, won first prize in the World Music category at the 2020 John Lennon Songwriting Competition. The award, announced in May, is the first time an Indian song has won the award.
The winning song, “Akhiyaan”, was written and composed by American Indian Rohit Batra of “Sur in Seattle”, produced by George Varghese of Verge Studios, and sung by “Indian Idol” alumnus Geetesh Iyer , according to a press release. “Akhiyaan” was also the winner of the Grand Prix of Session 1 in 2019.
“This is a great time for independent Indian musicians. We are breaking a mold because non-Bollywood music is recognized on the world stage,” said Batra.
The John Lennon Songwriting Competition is an international competition that began in 1997. Judges select one of 12 category winners and will announce the “Song of the Year” in July. The jury includes renowned international singers / songwriters, performers and industry veterans such as Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Prince Royce, Natasha Bedingfield and Gaby Moreno, according to the release.
Sur in Seattle was founded by Batra in 2016. Their mission is to collaborate with promising musicians and singers to create original Indian content and amplify their voices.
