A Nigerian-born singer-songwriter and a jazz-influenced artist from Washington state are the inaugural recipients of the Bob Dylan Center Songwriter Fellowship.
Tega Ethan, who recently finished a fellowship at the Brighton Institute of Modern Music, and Taylor Zickefoose, who is currently working on a master’s degree in music composition from the University of Kansas, were chosen for the fellowship.
The recipients will receive a $40,000 project stipend, public engagement and presentation opportunities, dedicated time in the center’s Bob Dylan Archive to study Dylan’s creative process, roundtrip airfare to Tulsa and accommodations in the city, recording time in Tulsa’s historic Church Studio and mentorship from songwriters and executives from Universal Music Publishing Group, a co-sponsor of the award.
A panel of internationally known artists that included French singer and songwriter Juliette Armanet, American singer and songwriter Patty Griffin, American singer and songwriter John Mellencamp, Mexican singer and songwriter Carla Morrison and American rapper and songwriter Nas, chose the two recipients.
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Mellencamp stated, “Songwriters trying to make a go of it in the modern music business need the kind of encouragement and support that this fellowship provides. I congratulate Tega and Taylor on being the first two recipients and hope they write some great songs during their time in Tulsa.”
Zac Fowler, creative services manager at the Bob Dylan Center, said, “With nearly 600 applicants from talented songwriters around the world, the selection process was immensely difficult, yet enjoyable the whole way through. We’re extremely thankful for our partnership with UMPG and the support from the panel of artist judges. We’re excited to host Tega and Taylor in Tulsa, and look forward to hearing the music they each create during their year spent focusing on songwriting here.”
The BDC anticipates opening the application window for the 2025-2026 fellowship later this fall. For more information: bobdylancenter.com/songwriterfellowship.