Six adult and youth songwriters have been announced as winners of Elevated Tracks 305, a first-of-its-kind competition inviting creators with a meaningful connection to Miami to compose an original song capturing the 305’s spirit. The contest was presented by Elevate Cities, a non-profit civic activation and storytelling platform, in partnership with Guitars Over Guns, the Frost School of Music, and Young Musicians Unite.
The Adult Category winners:
• First Place: Harold Valderrama (V12) "RUMBA"
• Second Place: Hussein J. Abdala ft. Carlos Oliva "Miami Es Miami (305 Edition)"
• Third Place: Marti and Leah Dibut "Dance in Miami"
The Youth Category winners:
• First Place: Soleil River Nation "Miami On My Tongue"
• Second Place: Abigail Fundora "La Gringa Tiene Tumbao"
• Third Place: Skye Sconiers "DALE 305"
In both categories, first-place winners receive $10,000, second-place winners $2,500, and third-place winners $1,000. The winning songs will be amplified through live performances, media, and digital platforms in 2026.
Miami-Dade is one of the most musically influential metro areas in the world. From Latin pop and hip-hop to jazz and electronic music, its sound has traveled globally. Yet the city has never formally adopted an official anthem. Elevated Tracks 305 was created to help change that.
The competition received 135 original song submissions from creators across Miami and generated more than 3800 votes during the week-long public voting campaign. Finalists were evaluated by a distinguished panel of music industry leaders, educators, artists, and producers, with public voting accounting for 50 percent of the final score.
Recognizing that today's young artists are helping to shape Miami's future cultural identity, Elevated Tracks 305 included a dedicated Youth Category to celebrate and amplify emerging voices, allowing young creators to share their vision of the city through original music.
"One of the most inspiring aspects of Elevated Tracks 305 was seeing young artists compete on the strength of their ideas, artistry, and talent alongside established creators," said Chad Bernstein, who holds three degrees from the Frost School and is the founder and CEO of Guitars Over Guns, an award-winning creative youth development nonprofit rooted in Miami. "These young musicians aren't waiting for permission to shape Miami's culture. They're already doing it."
The initiative is supported by iconic global artists and industry leaders with Miami roots, many of whom are connected to the Frost School. They include Latin superstars Gloria and Emilio Estefan, honorary doctorate holders and strong supporters of the Frost School; Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY award-winning singer-songwriter Jon Secada, a Frost School alumnus; and Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY award-winning producer, songwriter, and Frost School alumnus Danny Flores. The distinguished jury included Bernstein, alumnus Julio Bagué, vice president of the Latin Division East Coast and Puerto Rico at peermusic; and multiple award-winning Frost School faculty members.
"The caliber of submissions we received speaks to the extraordinary depth of musical talent in Miami," said Reynaldo Sanchez, Frost School professor and associate dean for strategic initiatives and innovation. "What impressed us most was not just the quality of the music, but the authenticity of the stories. These songs capture the many rhythms, cultures, and experiences that make Miami unique, and we are honored to have helped elevate these voices."
Elevate Cities CEO Kim Couponas said the contest’s impact went beyond music. "From the beginning, this was never just a music competition,” she said. “It was an invitation for Miamians to reflect on what they love about this city and express it through original music. The response exceeded every expectation. These songs are a celebration of Miami's culture, creativity, and future."
City of Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins lauded the effort. “Miami’s influence on music is felt around the world, and Elevated Tracks 305 is a chance to turn that influence into something lasting,” said Higgins. “By inviting artists of all backgrounds to create an original anthem, this initiative celebrates the diversity, creativity, and spirit that define our city. I’m proud to support the efforts of Elevate Cities, Guitars Over Guns, the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, and Young Musicians Unite in bringing this vision to life.”
