Lynsey de Paul Prize winner and runners-up announced
Together with PRS for Music Members Benevolent Fund we’re delighted to announce that the winner of the career-developing Lynsey de Paul Prize, for emerging female solo music creators, is Amahla.
The Hackney based soul singer-songwriter Amahla, who receives a £2,500 development bursary said,
“I am incredibly excited and grateful to be awarded the Lynsey De Paul Prize. With this award I can start shooting music videos to accompany the release of my debut EP in February and start the recording of my second project! My songwriting platforms uncomfortable issues and I want my music to be a snapshot in time. It is such an honour to win this award and I hope I can inspire as many young women with my musical legacy as Lynsey De Paul has done with hers. Thank you to PRS Foundation and the PRS for Music Members Benevolent Fund for believing in me and for providing a platform for strong female voices.”
In addition to the winner, five runners-up, Bianca Gerald, Dani Sylvia, Fiona Lee, Rebekah Fitch and Harpy, each receive a £1,200 development bursary.
This year, all six artists will also receive £500 of mentoring support each from a music industry expert.
Set up in 2015 to honour the multi-award winning songwriter and artist Lynsey de Paul, the prize awards development bursaries to talented emerging female artists. So far, the initiative has supported 21 artists to take the next step in their careers, including previous winners, Emma McGrath, Elsa Hewitt and Jemio.
Joe Frankland, Senior Grants & Programmes Manager at PRS Foundation said,
“Congratulations to Amahla on winning this year’s Lynsey de Paul Prize and to all five runners-up. The quality of applications each year is very high highlighting the wealth of talent and diversity of up and coming female music creators in the UK today. I look forward to following all six artists’ next steps.”
John Logan, General Secretary at PRS for Music Members Benevolent Fund said,
“Each year the applications grow in volume and quality and represent incredible talent from emerging female writers. Amahla and all the runners up can be proud of their success in the competition and we will monitor their progress with great interest.”
This Prize remembers Lynsey’s huge contribution to the music industry and her dedication to supporting emerging female singer-songwriters. Lynsey de Paul was a valued trustee of PRS for Music Members Benevolent Fund and a longstanding PRS for Music Board Director.
