MUSIC critics often bitterly attack Hong Kong's lack of good songwriters, something that has forced singers to record far too many cover versions.
To fight this inadequacy, Commercial Radio II's Ultimate 903 is organising a songwriting competition to encourage budding composers to explore their musical talents.
'Caltex Best Original Creation Competition' attracted more than 500 entries, from which 30 were selected for the preliminary round. The panel of adjudicators includes veteran songwriters like Michael Au Ting-yuk, Chan Siu-ki and Poon Yuen-leung.
Only three songs will make it to the final which will be held at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium on November 6.
Guest singers Linda Wong Hing-ping, Grasshopper, Karen Tong Po-yu, Kevin Cheng Ka-wing and Hung Kin-wah will perform the three songs along with other Hong Kong classics. The winning song will get a chance to be included in pop king Jacky Cheung Hok-yau's new album.
Ultimate 903 programme director Thomas Chow Lai-mow said in order to promote songwriting, the public had to be aware of the importance of having a pool of good songwriters.
