Brazilian multi-instrumentalist Munir Hossn won the 2025 Unsigned Only competition’s Global Music (world music) category with his song “Voar.”
Hossn, who grew up in Bahia and is now based in Miami, combines Afro-Brazilian rhythms with jazz, funk, world music, and contemporary grooves. His résumé includes collaborations with Quincy Jones, Hermeto Pascoal, Joe Zawinul, and Lee Ritenour, alongside appearances on major stages and festivals. He is known for bass and guitar work, rhythmic inventiveness, and emotive vocals.
His projects also include Munir Hossn & Elas, an all-female band spotlighting women on stage. Beyond performing, he leads masterclasses and cross-border collaborations that continue to build his international profile.
Unsigned Only selected winners from thousands of entries submitted by artists in more than 100 countries. A panel of industry professionals, among them artists, journalists, managers, and talent buyers, served as judges. Each category has a single winner, and all honorees receive a custom abstract sculpture designed by Society Awards, the firm behind trophies for the Emmys and Golden Globes. The competition’s top honor, Artist Of The Year, includes a $20,000 cash prize.
Orlando Kallen earned Artist Of The Year, recognized for an emerging pop voice and polished songwriting that resonated with the judges.
For a complete list of winners, go to: www.unsignedonly.com/winners
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central