BMI Foundation Babyface Award

The BMI Foundation Babyface Award, launched in 2026 with Grammy-winning songwriter-producer Babyface, supports songwriters and composers of R&B, hip-hop, soul, and other music of the African diaspora. Applicants must be ages 18-29 (as of the June 30 deadline) and reside in the United States or its territories.

The winner receives a $10,000 career grant plus artistic and business mentorship. Submitted works must not be assigned to a major music publisher or label (self-released works are eligible), and co-written works may have at most three writers, all of whom must meet the eligibility requirements.

There is no fee to apply and no BMI affiliation is required. The application includes a 1-2 minute video personal statement, two audio files with anonymized lyric sheets, and a description of the creative process. Applications closed June 30, 2026, and one application may be submitted per year.