Young Musicians Unite (YMU), in partnership with Elevate Cities, Guitars Over Guns, and the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, celebrated the six winners of Elevated Tracks 305, a first-of-its-kind songwriting competition inviting creators with a meaningful connection to Miami to compose an original song capturing the spirit of the 305.
The competition recognized winners across both Adult and Youth categories, celebrating the diverse voices helping define Miami’s cultural identity through music.
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 & Leah Dibut (“Dance in Miami”)
The Youth Category winners:
● First Place: Soleil River Nation, Age 12, (“Miami On My Tongue”)
● Second Place: Abigail Fundora (“Abi-G”), Age 11, (“La Gringa Tiene Tumbao”) ● Third Place: Skye Sconiers (“Skye Aria”), Age 11, (“DALE 305”)
Recognizing that today’s young artists are helping shape the future cultural identity of Miami, Elevated Tracks 305 included a dedicated Youth Category to celebrate and amplify emerging voices.
The category provided young creators with an opportunity to share their vision of Miami through original music and have their work evaluated alongside the city’s established talent.
In each category, first place receives $10,000, second place $2,500, and third place $1,000. The winning songs will be amplified through live performances as well as media and digital platforms throughout 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 despite its global musical influence, Miami has never formally adopted an official anthem.
Elevated Tracks 305 was created to help change that.
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Song submissions
The competition received 135 original song submissions from creators across Miami and generated more than 3,800 public votes during the week-long 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.
The initiative is supported by iconic global artists and industry leaders with Miami roots, including Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer Rico Love, Latin Grammy and Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Jon Secada, Latin Grammy and Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer Rudy Pérez, and Latin Grammy Award-winning producer, songwriter, and Frost School alumnus Danny Flores.
The Distinguished Jury includes Julio Bagué, Vice President, Latin Division East Coast and Puerto Rico at peermusic; Chad Bernstein, Founder & CEO of Guitars Over Guns; Sammy Gonzalez Zeira, CEO and Founder of Young Musicians Unite; and award-winning faculty members from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami.
Six winning songs
“Miami-Dade deserves an anthem that reflects who we are, our languages, our rhythms, our resilience,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
“With these six winning songs, we are one step closer to that moment. I am proud of every artist who raised their hand and shared their story for Elevated Tracks 305.”
“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 City of Miami Mayor Eileen 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.”
Love for Miami expressed
Kim Coupounas, CEO, Elevate Cities, said: “From the beginning, this was never just a music competition.
“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.”
Depth of talent
“The caliber of submissions we received speaks to the extraordinary depth of musical talent in Miami,” said Reynaldo Sanchez, Associate Dean, Frost School of Music at the University of Miami.
“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.”
Chad Bernstein, Founder & CEO, Guitars Over Guns, said: “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.
“These young musicians aren’t waiting for permission to shape Miami’s culture. They’re already doing it.”
Incredible creativity
“The Youth Category celebrates the incredible talent and creativity of Miami’s next generation of artists,” said Sammy Gonzalez Zeira, CEO & Founder, Young Musicians Unite.
“This year’s winners showed that powerful music, authentic storytelling, and meaningful ideas can come from artists of any age.
“Their voices are already helping define the future cultural identity of Miami.”
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