The Merck Foundation, in partnership with First Ladies of African and Asian countries, has announced the winners of its 2023 Song Awards under the themes “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes and Hypertension.” The awards were unveiled by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of the “More Than a Mother” campaign, alongside African First Ladies who serve as ambassadors for the initiative.

The 2023 awards celebrated 13 talented winners whose songs tackled critical social and health issues across Africa. Senator Dr. Kelej expressed her excitement, saying, “Songs are a powerful medium for addressing and influencing social and health issues across Africa. This year’s entries were exceptional, with impactful lyrics sparking meaningful thought and dialogue within communities.”

The “More Than a Mother” Song Awards focused on raising awareness about breaking infertility stigma, supporting girls’ education, ending child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM), stopping gender-based violence (GBV), and promoting women’s empowerment. Meanwhile, the “Diabetes and Hypertension” Song Awards aimed to promote healthy lifestyles and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of diabetes and hypertension.

Since its inception in 2019, the Merck Foundation Song Awards have celebrated nearly 50 winners and produced over 30 songs and music videos addressing critical issues across Africa. Senator Dr. Kelej emphasized the transformative power of music in inspiring engagement and action: “I have always believed that music and art have the power to evoke emotions, which in turn inspire engagement and action.”

Building on this success, Merck Foundation has opened submissions for its 2025 Song Awards under the same themes. Musicians across Africa are invited to submit their entries by September 30, 2025. The foundation encourages artists to use their creativity to address social issues such as infertility stigma, girls’ education, child marriage, FGM, GBV, women’s empowerment, diabetes prevention, and hypertension awareness.

The competition is open to both established and emerging artists who can submit songs in English, French, Portuguese, or local languages.

The winners of the 2023 awards were recognized for their ability to convey strong messages through music. Among them were Kobusinge Jackline from Uganda (First Position – Women Empowerment), Vita Nkanza Dep’s from the Democratic Republic of Congo (First Position – Child Marriage), and Dennis Kimani Wanjiku from Kenya (Third Position – Diabetes & Hypertension).