Merck Foundation Opens 2025 Song Awards Call for Entries

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has officially launched the 2025 edition of its prestigious Song Awards, inviting singers and musicians across Africa and Asia to use their voices to inspire social change. The announcement was made by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of the Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” campaign, in collaboration with First Ladies from various African and Asian countries.

The two annual award categories—“More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes & Hypertension”—aim to raise awareness and spark meaningful conversations around pressing societal and health issues through the power of music.

2025 Call for Applications Now Open

Applications for both awards are now open, and musical artists across all genres and languages (English, French, Portuguese, and local languages) are encouraged to submit their original songs to submit@merck-foundation.com.

• Deadline for “More Than a Mother” Song Award: 30th September 2025
• Deadline for “Diabetes & Hypertension” Song Award: 30th October 2025

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej emphasized the importance of these awards in mobilizing cultural and artistic platforms for public health and social development:

“Songs are a powerful medium for addressing and influencing social and health issues across Africa. I invite all singers, musicians, and young talents to be the voice of the voiceless. Break the silence and help us create a cultural shift.”

Themes and Objectives

• “More Than a Mother” Song Award focuses on addressing social issues such as:
  • Breaking infertility stigma
  • Supporting girls’ education
  • Ending child marriage
  • Eradicating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
  • Stopping gender-based violence (GBV)
  • Promoting women empowerment
• “Diabetes & Hypertension” Song Award promotes:
  • A healthy lifestyle
  • Awareness of the prevention and early detection of diabetes and hypertension

Celebrating 2023 Winners

The 2025 announcement follows the successful conclusion of the 2023 Merck Foundation Song Awards, which recognized 13 outstanding musical talents for their contributions to social advocacy.

“More Than a Mother” Song Awards 2023 Winners:

English Language

• 1st Place: Kobusinge Jackline (UGANDA) – Theme: Women Empowerment
• 2nd Place: Mark Mulwanyi (UGANDA) – Theme: Women Empowerment & GBV
• 3rd Place: Aobakwe Senokwanyana (SOUTH AFRICA) – Theme: GBV

French Language

• 1st Place: VITA NKANZA Dep (DRC) – Theme: Child Marriage
• 2nd Place: Alain Oyono (SENEGAL) – Theme: FGM
• 3rd Place (tie): MASSANGA MARCELIN JOWANE (CAR), Wax Dey ft Abz (CAMEROON), Bouanga Kaba Paterne Lyonel Black Panther Slam (CONGO BR), WANA-BONAH Romuald Euvral Evlin (CAR), Dangawana Samuel (CAR) – Themes include FGM, GBV, and Women Empowerment

“Diabetes & Hypertension” Song Awards 2023 Winners:

• 1st Place: Johannes Medard Tairo (TANZANIA) – Theme: Diabetes & Hypertension (English)
• 2nd Place: Schela MUTAKA (DRC) – Theme: Diabetes & Hypertension (French)
• 3rd Place: Dennis Kimani (KENYA) – Theme: Diabetes & Hypertension (English)

To date, the Merck Foundation has produced over 30 impactful songs and music videos, and recognized nearly 50 artists since the Song Awards were introduced in 2019.

Listen to Merck Foundation Songs:

Click here to listen

Senator Dr. Kelej concluded:

“We believe music and art can evoke emotion and action. Through these awards, we aim to build a community of artist-advocates who can amplify our mission and inspire a better future.”

For more information, visit www.Merck-Foundation.com or email submit@merck-foundation.com to submit your song entry.