E: 31/07 Win the chance to perform a live session with artist Akala. 13-19

EIGHTOF8

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blast/music_audio/hip_hop_shakespeare_competition/66026

Hip Hop Shakespeare Competition by Blast.
Rap, sing or perform a spoken word inspired by Shakespeare and win the chance to perform a live session with MOBO award-winning artist Akala and special guest Bashy at the legendary Maida Vale Studios to be broadcast on 1Xtra. Record your original track in less than 60 seconds and upload to our showcase now!

We've joined forces with 1Xtra and The Hip Hop Shakespeare Company to challenge all MCs, singers and poets to drop a 60 second verse inspired by Hip hop and the works of William Shakespeare.

Your verse should be based on one of the following five Shakespearian themes:

* Power Struggle
* Consequences
* Love and Desire
* Wealth and Poverty
* State of Nation

We're looking for:

* An engaging performance
* Originality and artistic flair
* Lyrically reflects both Hip Hop and Shakespeare

The prize

Five winners will be invited to a two-day masterclass to be held in London with award-winning rapper Akala and in demand, emerging hip hop talent, Bashy. The winners will also get the chance to show their skills alongside them with them on a Maida Vale session to be broadcast on 1Xtra's Introducing Homegrown with Ras Kwame.
How to enter

If you are 13-19 and want to enter the competition send us an audio or video recording of yourself performing your original verse as a rap, song or spoken word in 60 seconds or less. No group entries will be accepted.

Check out the Hip Hop Shakespeare site for a selection of backing tracks to use with your entry.

Hip Hop Shakespeare workshops are running during Blast on Tour events. For more details and to book a FREE place on the workshops, go to Blast on Tour now!
You can enter by:

1. Uploading your entry to BBC Blast and tagging it 'hiphopshakespeare'.
2. Email your entry to blast@bbc.co.uk with your name, age and email address and put 'Hip Hop Shakespeare Competition' in the subject line.
3. Send by post with details of name, age and email address to: 'Hip Hop Shakespeare Competition', BBC Blast Online, MC3 D2, 201 Wood Lane, London W12 7TS. Proof of posting will not be taken as proof of entry.