SayPro Song & Performance Details: A document that includes the name of the song, the artist/composer, and the cultural significance of the piece. This will help the judges understand the cultural context behind the performance

SayPro Song & Performance Details Form

SayPro 01 January 17 | SCDR-3-45 | Development Quarterly Cultural Singing Competition

This document is required as part of each participant’s submission and is intended to provide judges with deeper insight into the song’s origin, meaning, and relevance. By including this information, participants ensure that their performance is not only evaluated for musical quality but also for cultural authenticity, interpretation, and storytelling.

Song & Performance Details Form

SECTION 1: Participant Information

| Field | Description |
| — | |
| Participant Name | Name of the individual performer or group |
| Stage Name (if applicable) | How you would like to be introduced |
| Country/Region Represented | The cultural or geographic identity linked to the song |
| Age Category | (e.g., Youth, Adult, Senior – if applicable) |
| Performance Type | (Solo / Group) |
| Format | (Live / Video Submission) |

SECTION 2: Song Information

| Field | Description |
| | — |
| Title of the Song | Full name of the song |
| Original Language | Language or dialect the song is performed in |
| Name of the Artist/Composer | Include traditional/original composer if known; if the song is anonymous or a folk piece, please indicate as such |
| Genre/Style | (e.g., Folk, Spiritual, Lullaby, Festival Song, Chant, Traditional Ballad) |
| Instrumentation | Will there be live instruments, a backing track, or an a cappella performance? |

SECTION 3: Cultural Significance of the Song

Prompt:
Please explain the cultural context and significance of your chosen song. Your response should be between 150–300 words and may include the following:

Historical or traditional background of the song
Cultural or ceremonial use (e.g., weddings, storytelling, rituals, mourning, harvest celebrations, etc.)
Why this song is meaningful to your identity or community
How the song reflects values, experiences, or language of your culture
Any traditional symbols or attire you will incorporate to enhance the authenticity of the performance

Example Entry:
“‘Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika’ is a hymn composed by Enoch Sontonga in 1897 in South Africa. It is deeply rooted in the Pan-African liberation movement and has served as an anthem for unity, resistance, and hope. The song is performed in Xhosa, Zulu, and Sesotho, reflecting linguistic diversity and cultural pride. I chose this song because it was sung by my great-grandmother during community gatherings, and it continues to inspire a strong connection to my roots.”

SECTION 4: Translation or Lyrics (Optional but Encouraged)

If the lyrics are in a language or dialect that may not be familiar to all judges, please consider including:

A full or partial translation of the lyrics into English
A brief summary of the song’s message or story

This helps judges appreciate the depth and meaning of your performance.

Submission Instructions:

Attach this document as part of your registration package.
Label your file with your full name and song title (e.g., Amina\_Diallo\_MalianFolkSong.pdf).
Email to: [competitions@saypro.online](mailto:competitions@saypro.online) or upload to your participant dashboard on [www.saypro.online/submit](http://www.saypro.online/submit).

Why This Matters:

Providing thoughtful, accurate information about your song:

Strengthens your cultural presentation
Helps judges assess authenticity and interpretation
Celebrates your heritage in a respectful and educational way

SayPro is proud to give every performance the context and respect it deserves.

Would you like this content formatted into a printable PDF template or editable form for participants to fill out?