Namibian-born singer-songwriter Nianell has won the first prize in the Gospel/Inspirational category of the 16th Annual USA Songwriting Competition.
Past winners inlcude: Vanessa Moodley from South Africa (2009 First Prize Winner, Jazz category) and Dave Clarke (1999 Honorable Mention Winner). Nianell, real name Sonia Nel, who was born in Omaruru and is based in South Africa, is a singer, pianist, guitarist and composer. After growing up in Windhoek, Nianell graduated with a diploma in light music from Pretoria Technikon, She also studied classical music at Trinity College in London.Her smash hit ‘Who Painted the Moon’ was covered by the international singer Hayley Westerna, whose album ‘Pure’ went on to sell over two million copies. The USA Songwriting Competition has a long history of winners getting recording and publishing contracts, as well as having their songs placed on film and television in the USA.Entries are currently being accepted for the 17th Annual USA Songwriting Competition. For more information, visit: http://www.songwriting.net
