FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
Contact: Candace Avery
615.251.4441
press@unsignedonly.com
www.unsignedonly.com

​                 Haitian Artist BélO Wins Grand Prize In Prestigious
​                        2020 Unsigned Only Music Competition
Judges Include: Charli XCX, NLE Choppa, Tinariwen, Aimee Mann, Ruthie Foster, 
Piso 21, Robert Smith (The Cure), O.A.R., Tenth Avenue North, and More 
 
Nashville, TN, September 9, 2020 – The winners of the US-based Unsigned Only Music Competition were announced today. The overall 2020 Grand Prize is awarded to the Haitian world music artist Jean Belony Murat, known as BélO. He is also the winner of Fandemonium, Unsigned Only’s online public vote. 
 
Established in 2012, Unsigned Only has become known as the leading music competition honoring international artists who are not signed to a major record label. It has become an important source for discovering new talent and acts as a benchmark for excellence in the arena of contemporary music. Selected from more than 7,000 entries from 109 countries, the winners share in over $160,000 in cash and prizes split among 38 winners.
 
Winners were selected by a judging panel comprised of high-profile industry experts and renowned recording artists, including: Charli XCX; Aimee Mann; Sanctus Real; O.A.R.; Ruthie Foster; Robert Smith (The Cure); David Benoit; Tyler Williams (The Head And The Heart); NLE Choppa; Bibi Marin (Reik); Darryl Worley; Piso 21; Janiva Magness; Tinariwen; Rhett Walker; The Devil Makes Three; Buika; and many more (see complete list below).
 
Hailed as Haiti's musical ambassador to the world, BélO is a socially conscious singer/songwriter whose music reflects the issues and challenges facing his home country. BélO has always been committed to the causes of the less fortunate, the education of children, women’s rights, social solidarity, environmental protection, and peace in Haiti and around the world. His social activism is especially significant during these challenging times and exposes the enormous contradictions and inequalities of our societies.  
 
“Haiti has a lot to offer to the rest of the world, and our culture reflects the beauty of its diversity,” said BélO.“When we are united there’s not much that we can’t achieve. As always I am proud to represent my country and to share my music with the world. I would like to extend my gratitude to the fans who supported me and carried me throughout the years.”
 
BélO’s sound is a mixture of world, rock, reggae, jazz, and Afro-Haitian traditional rhythms known as “ragganga.” Born in Croix-des-Bouquets, near Port-au-Prince, BélO was only 11 years old when he realized he wanted to be a professional musician. For him, it was seemingly his destiny because music was everywhere: in his home, on the streets, and all over Haiti. His first album was released in 2005, and since then he hasperformed all over the world, garnering accolades and multiple awards, including winning the prestigious "Prix Radio France International Discoveries” award. 
 
“BélO’s message is so relevant right now; it speaks to the turbulent and challenging times in which we all live,” said Founders/Directors Candace Avery and Jim Morgan. “His message of unity and peace resonates now more than ever.”
 
In addition to winning $20,000 in cash (US) and much more in prizes, BélO will also receive one-on-one mentoring from a group of upper-echelon music industry executives from: ARC Music, Because Music, Cumbancha/Putumayo, Naive Records, Montreux Jazz Festival, Omnium Records, RCA, and Summerfest Music Festival. 
 
Artist judges include: Aimee Mann; Bow Wow; Buika; Charli XCX; Christopher Lennertz; Craig Campbell; Darryl Worley; David Benoit; Eric Bibb; Janiva Magness; Lionel Loueke; NLE Choppa; Chris Culos (O.A.R.); Bibi Marin (Reik); Rhett Walker; Robert Smith (The Cure); Russ Landau; Ruthie Foster; Sanctus Real; Tenth Avenue North; The Devil Makes Three; Tinariwen; Victor Wainwright; and Zbigniew Presiner.
 
Industry judges include: Angel Romero (Founder/Sr. Editor, World Music Central); Angela Yee (Radio Personality, "The Breakfast Club"/105.1); Anna Kolander (Manager, Activist Artists Mgmt); Anthony DeCurtis (Contributing Editor, Rolling Stone); Art Tipaldi (Editor, Blues Music Magazine); Brandon Chitwood (The EDM Scholar); Brett Milano (Music Critic, Boston Herald); Brinson Strickland (President, Collective Music Nashville); Chad Jensen (Artist Manager, Jensen Artist Mgmt); Christopher Scapelliti (Editor-In-Chief, Guitar Player); Damian Fanelli (Editor-In-Chief, Guitar World); David Sikorski (Sr. Editor, EARMILK Media Inc.); David Silbaugh (Talent Buyer, Summerfest); Enrique Santos (Chairman/Chief Creative Officer, iHeart Latino); Evan Stein (Owner, Experience Music Group); Gaston Leone (Talent Buyer, Goldenvoice); Hilary Saunders (Managing Editor, No Depression); James Kempner (Owner, JMK Connections); James Whitting (Partner, Paradigm Talent Agency); Jeff Zuchowski (VP, Artist Marketing/Industry Relations, Pandora); Jennifer Taunton (Music Supervisor, Level Two Music); John Cameron (Managing Editor, EDM.com); John Dibiase (President, Jesus Freak Hideout); Joseph Patterson (Senior Editor, Complex); Josh Jackson (Co-Founder and Editor-In-Chief, Paste Magazine); Kevin McNeese (President, NewReleaseToday); Lyndsey Parker (Managing Editor, Yahoo Music); Mac Randall (Editor, JazzTimes); Raoul Hernandez (Music Editor, Austin Chronicle); and Sheryl Louis (CSM Management).
Unsigned Only is sponsored by: CAD Audio; Celebrity Access; Disc Makers; Eventric; Hybrid Studios; Killer Brownies; Lurssen Mastering; Merch Cat; Mojave Audio; Musicians Institute; Ortega Guitars; Symphonic Distribution; and The Music Business Registry. 
For more information and to view the list of all winners, go to www.unsignedonly.com.  For high-res photos, contact Candace Avery at press@unsignedonly.com.
 
Submissions for the 2021 competition are currently open. Entry information can be found at https://www.unsignedonly.com
 
The complete list of 2020 winners is as follows:
 
Grand Prize
BélO (Port-Au-Prince, Haiti) – “EDA”

Adult Album Alternative (AAA)
First Place: San Mei (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) – “Hard To Face”
Second Place: Trent-Jean (Perth, WA, Australia) – “Manchester By The Sea”
 
Adult Contemporary (AC)
First Place: Lainey Dionne (Smithfield, RI, USA) – “Hey London”
Second Place: MAXO (Canberra, ACT, Australia) – “All My Love”
 
Americana
First Place: Brit Taylor (Hindman, KY, USA) – “Waking Up Ain't Easy”
Second Place: Big Little Lions (Royston, BC, Canada) – “Against The Wall”
 
Christian
First Place: Aaron David (Tampa, FL, USA) – “Dirty Heart”
Second Place: Lizi Bailey (Griffin, GA, USA) ­– "Better”
 
Country
First Place: Sonia Leigh (Nashville, TN, USA) – “Jack Is Back”
Second Place: Buck Twenty (Harrow, ON, Canada) – “All I Can Do”
 
EDM
First Place: Du0 (Brisbane, QLD, Australia) – “Way Back Down”
Second Place: Medii (Alameda, CA, USA) – “Keys Ft. Kiture”
 
Folk/Singer-Songwriter
First Place: Kelson (Atlanta, GA, USA) – “Holy Smoke”
Second Place: Sahara Beck (Fortitude Valley, QLD, Australia) – “21st Century”
 
Instrumental
First Place: Tomokazu Yamada (Shakotan, Japan) – “Migraine”
Second Place: Gaia (Helsinki, Finland) – “Questions In E Minor”
 
Jazz
First Place: Adam Hutcheson/AH2 (Atlanta, GA, USA) – “Souperbass”
Second Place: Hildemaro Alvarez (San Cristobal, Venezuela) – “Arriba En La Ruta 3”
 
Latin
First Place: Patiño (San José, Costa Rica) – “Paquita Linda”
Second Place: RYOKER (Bogota, Colombia) – “Amanecer En Paris”
 
Pop/Top 40
First Place: Lily Williams (London, England)  – "Punching”
Second Place: Theia (Auckland, New Zealand) – “Not Your Princess”
 
R&B/Hip-Hop
First Place King Zay (St. Louis, MO, USA) – “Tonka”
Second Place: Bby Ivy (Oslo, Norway) – “Sweet Like Honey”
 
Rock
First Place: Joshua & The Holy Rollers (Los Angeles, CA, USA) – “Talks Like Alabama”
Second Place: Megan Slankard (San Francisco, CA, USA) – “I Want To Be Loved”
 
Screen Shot
First Place: MAD FVN (McLean, VA, USA) – “Skeletons”
Second Place: JoJo Worthington (Waterloo, ON, Canada) – “Stabilize”
 
Teen
First Place: Beyond Chaotic (Land O Lakes, FL, USA) – “You Don't Even Know (Kung Fu)”
Second Place: Victoria Dennis (Mount Kisco, NY, USA) – “When I Fall”
 
Vocal Performance
First Place: Bianca Ryan (Philadelphia, PA, USA) – “Say Something”
Second Place: Dreion (Boston, MA, USA) – “I Gotta Bad Feeling”
 
World Music
First Place: Jaja Bashengezi (Bukavu, Democratic Republic of The Congo) – “Fata Katibu”
Second Place: OYME (Pushkino, Russia) – “Vaya”
 
Fandemonium (public online vote)
Winner: BélO (Port-Au-Prince, Haiti) – “EDA”
 
Special Promotion Winners
 
Triple Play
Week One - Get Exposure
Kelson (Atlanta, GA, USA) – “Holy Smoke”
 
Week Two - Get Published
Madison Olds (Kamloops, BC, Canada) – “3's A Crowd”
 
Week Three - Get Paid
Mad FVN (McLean, VA, USA) – “Skeletons”
 
Win Some Love – three winners (in alphabetical order)
Sahara Beck (Fortitude Valley, QLD, Australia) – “Queen Of Hearts”
Scot Robinson (Edmonton, AB, Canada) – “Istanbul”
The Sand (Murcia, Spain) – “California”
 
Video Only
Professional Video 
Eli Dan (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) – “Treading Water”
 
Homemade Video 
Abi Muir (Redlynch, QLD, Australia) – “Creep” 
 
 
###

​NEW YORK (PRWEB) July 08, 2019
In an age where new music activism and music with purpose are trendy, BélO - Haitian International Artist and RFI 2006 discovery prize winner - has remained at the forefront by using his voice as a tool to help his country see clear through chaos. BélO’s 6th album, Motivasyon, will be out on July 10, 2019. Motivasyon is coming out at a particular time where a wave of hopelessness is raging and ravaging the mind of the youth throughout Haiti.
​ 
The album is spotting 10 tracks, with 9 tracks (Tilandeng, Gran Neg Les Geoliers, Pwofese Yo, Tigason, Geometry of Time, Swiv Wout Ou, Mon Ilot & Bousol) advocating empowerment. The Haitian mind is being eroded, and it seems the word hope is being scratched off the vocabulary of an entire nation. A nation that invented the word freedom is now under an unparalleled infernal attack. 
Motivasyon is from the heart of a watchman, a sentinel, and a messenger who carries words of love for his people, for Haiti. Beyond poetry, philosophy, and beyond melodies, the goal of this album is to uplift the Haitian spirit and to find an answer to problems that the nation is facing.
 
Being the first alternative artist to come out of Haiti, BélO continues to evolve his signature hybrid sound “Ragganga” by mixing vintage and new genre to the Afro Haitian rhythm while preserving the integrity of live music. BélO chose to co-produce this album with a wave of new talents: Charleson (Poppy) Duverné, Jaël Auguste and Michael Brun. BélO co-wrote the lyrics with Jean Winer PASCAL. Motisasyon features an A-list of Musicians: Clément Keke Belizaire, Fabrice Rouzier David Casseus Marc-Harold Pierre, Johnson St Cyr, Robenson Désius, Gerald Kebreau, Dony Felix, Peterson Altimo, Alexa Cherrelus, Lafrance Sardau Francisco (Cisco), Hans Dominique (Bwagri), Bebijoe and Therly Job.
 
BélO has often taken the role of a Griot whose function is to keep an oral history of his country. He took a more personal approach this time around by interpreting his family’s narrative folksong Eda (track 3), which has been handed down to him by his deceased Father. Eda is the only romantic song of the album, and is co-produced by global producer Michael Brun. It is also featured on Brun’s album, “Lokal,” with Nigerian guest artist Adekunle Gold. 

If you love Haiti, Motivasyon was definitely written for you.
 
Motivasyon release event will begin July 18 at David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center NY. http://www.lincolncenter.org/atrium/show/belo-1. BélO will be heading next to Montreal and Europe. He will be back in the U.S. on Oct 12 to perform at Kravis performing Arts, West Palm Beach, FL. https://www.kravis.org/events/belo/. 
Motivasyon Lyrics in Kreyol and English translation https://www.beloayiti.com. 
 
FB/Ig/Tweet/Youtube:atisbelo

Ambassade des États-Unis, Port-au-Prince (Haïti) 
​
On March 8, 2019 in commemoration of Women’s International Day, the organization "Femme à Aimer” paid a visit to the Women’s Prison in Cabaret, along with State Department program alumni who participated in the event.
As part of the visit, the organization distributed feminine products and organized a concert with the renowned Haitian performer BELO.#IWD2019
__,,__
Le 8 mars 2019, à l'occasion de la Journée internationale des droits de la femme, l'organisation "Femme à Aimer” s'est rendue à la prison pour femmes de Cabaret, en compagnie d'anciens boursies de quelques programmes du Département d'État ayant participé à l'événement.
Dans le cadre de cette visite, des produits féminins ont été distribué et un concert organisé avec la performance du renommé BELO. #JIF2019
__,,__
Nan dat 8 mas 2019 la nan komemorasyon Jounen Entènasyonal Dwa Fanm, òganizasyon "Femme à Aimer" te ale nan prizon pou fanm yo nan Kabarè, ansanm ak ansyen bousye ki te patisipe nan divès pwogram Depatman Deta Ameriken an.
Nan kad vizit sila a, òganizasyon an te distribiye pwodi pèsonèl pou fanm epi tout e òganize yon konsè avèk pèfòmans atis BelO.

"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE"
NEW YORK, July 19, 2018--Feeling hopeless and facing subsequent riots caused by the economic injustice, last week in Haiti, BélO wanted to use his lyrics to speak directly to the corruptors and pocket fillers. Fate has it that he received a call from Jaël Auguste (Haitian musician/producer), who also needed to express himself, and had music ready to go.  The two joined forces to compose a protest song, “Bousol” (Compass), in support of those struggling to eat and survive.
 
BélO compares Haiti to a boat needing her people to navigate through troubled waters together. The antagonistic and promising lyrics lay on Jaël Auguste’s gobsmacking beat using Rasin (Roots) style music as backdrop, which is rich with history and potently political.  Immediately, others wanted to lend their support, including: Johnson St Cyr, Clément, Keke Belizaire, Fabrice Rouzier, Cisco, Bebi Joe, Therly Job, MX and Baoli Studio. 
 
BélO and Jaël hope to provoke a movement against greed and exclusion, and they want to remind everyone from all walks of life that there is no stopping progress when united and organized. Join the cause and spread the message.
 
The audio portion is on Soundcloud and Youtube for now, and will be followed by a video of positive image of Haiti directed and produced by Badasses Without Borders. Join the cause and help forward the message.
 
Link
https://soundcloud.com/atisbelo/bousol-belo-feat-jael-auguste/s-17TXU
 
Music : Jaël Auguste & BélO
Lyrics : Jean BélOny Murat (BélO)
Bass : Johnson St Cyr
Guitar : Clément Keke Belizaire
Guitar solo : Jimmy Jean Felix
Keys : Fabrice Rouzier
Percussions : Cisco
Back vocal : BélO, Bebi Joe, Therly Job
Mixage : Jaël Auguste assisted by MX
Studio: Baoli Studio

 
Contact:
Cynthia Karaha
World Music Promotions
http://www.beloayiti.com
Z4everpr1@yahoo.com
9179729197

______________________________________________________________________________
​HAITI -UN CRI DE RÉVOLTE    « BOUSOL »
 
NEW YORK, le 19 juillet 2018--La semaine dernière, Haïti (Port-au-Prince) a été le théâtre des scènes d’émeutes...
 
Face à cette situation désespérante causée par les injustices économiques, BélO a voulu utiliser sa voix à travers cette composition pour s’adresser directement aux « corrupteurs et aux remplisseurs de poches » du pays.
Comme un signe de destin, il a reçu un appel de Jaël Auguste (musicien / producteur haïtien) qui avait lui aussi besoin de s'exprimer, et avait une musique de circonstance déjà prête. C’est alors que Les deux amis  ont décidé d’unir leurs forces pour composer cette chanson de révolte, "Bousòl" (Boussole), en soutien à ceux qui sont déjà dans une situation  précaire et qui doivent lutter pour manger et survivre.
 
BélO compare Haïti à un bateau qui a besoin de son équipage pour naviguer dans les eaux troubles. Les paroles antagonistes et prometteuses de cette chanson reposent sur le rythme guttural de Jaël Auguste en utilisant la musique de style Racine (Roots) comme une toile de fond, riche en histoire et puissamment politique. Sans attendre, d'autre artistes ont souhaité apporter leur soutien, notamment: Johnson St Cyr, Clément “Keke” Bélizaire, Fabrice Rouzier, Cisco, Bebi Joe, Therly Job, MX et Baoli Studio.
 
BélO et Jaël espèrent provoquer un mouvement contre la cupidité et l'exclusion, et ils veulent rappeler à tous, de tous les horizons, qu’on ne peut empecher leur progrès quand ils sont unis et organisés. 
 
La partie audio est sur Soundcloud et Youtube pour le moment, et sera suivie d'une vidéo d'image positive d'Haïti réalisée et produite par Badasses Without Borders. Rejoignez la cause et faites passer le message.
 
Link
https://soundcloud.com/atisbelo/bousol-belo-feat-jael-auguste/s-17TXU
 
Music : Jaël Auguste & BélO
Lyrics : Jean BélOny Murat (BélO)
Bass : Johnson St Cyr
Guitar : Clément Keke Belizaire
Guitar solo : Jimmy Jean Felix
Keys : Fabrice Rouzier
Percussions : Cisco
Back vocal : BélO, Bebi Joe, Therly Job
Mixage : Jaël Auguste assisted by MX
Studio: Baoli Studio

 

World Citizen Artists
Raising Global Awareness through Creativity
 
http://worldcitizenartists.org
 https://twitter.com/WorldCitizenArt
 
Citizen of the World by BélO (Haiti)
WORLD CITIZEN ARTIST AWARD WINNER 2014 (MUSIC)
 
Being involved in many humanitarian causes, I always wanted to join a world movement that is related to humanitarian causes. When I saw the "World Citizen Artists competition" announcement, I felt that I had to apply and enter my song "Citizen of the World".  I created this song in March 2013 because I believe that Citizen of the World identifies each continent as its own individual entity then merges them into one body. Bringing to the forefront the issue of disunity, and pointing out the fact that we are all part of "One planet, One silhouette." The lyric reinforces the vision that people all over the world are connected. No matter where we land, we are home. We are citizens of the world.
The strong message promotes global peace, and unity among the people throughout the world. This planet belongs to us, and as its inhabitants, we need to nurture and protect the love and peace that comes with the responsibility of being citizens of the world. The rhythm is sensual as well as spiritual. The melody mimics a stroll across the nations. The beauty of the stroll is that each country that is visited feels like home. There is no hostility or intimidation, but there is acceptance and peace.  If we close our eyes and bring the words to life in our mind, we can actually feel ourselves soaring throughout the world. We all share the same stamp on our passports as citizens of the world.
Citizen of the World purpose is to plant the seed of global peace and unity in the minds of the listeners. Music has a way of bringing individuals together in times of crisis and pain, as well as times of joy and triumph. This particular song reminds us that unity and peace are on the horizon. We can all come together and live as one people. Citizen of the World has the power to connect us all, "One big ocean, One vibration".

   World Citizen Artists Awards 2014 on Youtube!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTqYNl11xzQ&list=UU2urqjiYfoMMiLwstdk_G4Q
BelO winner of "world citizen artists competition 2014" with citizen of the world. 

https://soundcloud.com/wcacompetition/1-b-lo-citizen-of-the-world/sets