NASHVILLE, TN - August 27, 2026 - Christian songwriter and recording artist Sẹlaine has been named Songwriter of the Year by CM United following the organization's 23rd Annual Christian Songwriting Contest.
Sẹlaine earned the competition's top honor after her song "Temperaments" secured first place in the contest's first quarter. Her achievement places her among the Christian songwriters recognized by CM United for their creativity, musicianship, and faith-centered work.
Hosted by CM United through ChristianSongwriting.com, the annual competition has spent more than two decades spotlighting and encouraging emerging Christian songwriting talent. The contest brings together songwriters from a variety of backgrounds and musical styles, creating a platform for artistic and spiritual expression.
Sẹlaine, whose given names are Ọsosẹ Elaine Itua, brings an international perspective to her artistry, with a journey spanning Malaysia, Nigeria, and Canada. The Nigerian-born artist began writing music at an early age and draws from influences including Christian hip-hop, folk, rock, and contemporary Christian music.
In addition to being a songwriter and recording artist, Sẹlaine is an engineer, worship leader, and entrepreneur. Her work is grounded in her Christian faith, with a focus on creating thought-provoking music.
As the 23rd Annual Songwriter of the Year, Sẹlaine will receive a grand prize package designed to help expand the reach of her music and advance her career as a Christian artist and songwriter.
CM United's songwriting competition has a history of recognizing artists and writers who have gone on to establish notable careers in Christian and mainstream music. Alumni include Jordan St. Cyr, Mark Alan Schoolmeesters, Shay Mooney, Dustin Smith, Band Reeves, Jeramy Reeves, Cody Reeves, Sam Hart, and Cale Kight.
Past contestants have gone on to sign recording and publishing deals, earn Billboard-charting songs, work alongside established Christian artists, and build careers as professional songwriters and producers. Their stories highlight the opportunities that can emerge from the competition's ongoing support of Christian songwriting talent.
The 24th Annual Christian Songwriting Contest continues CM United's tradition of discovering and encouraging Christian songwriters, inviting artists to share their music and take part in a competition that has been developing songwriting talent for more than two decades.
Listen to Sẹlaine's Winning Song
Hear "Temperaments," the song that earned Sẹlaine first place in the first quarter of the 23rd Annual Christian Songwriting Contest.
Listen to "Temperaments" on YouTube
Connect With Sẹlaine
Learn More About CM United
Visit ChristianSongwriting.com to learn more about CM United and its Christian songwriting competitions.
You can also join the ChristianSongwriting.com Facebook group, follow the Christian Songwriting Contest on Facebook, or connect with Christian Songwriting on Instagram.
