WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - A singer from Whiteville received recognition from the World Songwriting Awards, an international music competition which celebrates and recognizes independent musicians.
Dustin Chapman said he learned this week via email that he was awarded the Best Modern Country Song for his song titled “Plus One.”
Chapman said he feels “blessed and honored” to win the award.
A panel of music industry personnel chose five finalists and an overall winner from hundreds of submissions they receive every quarter.
“I received an email yesterday announcing my win and they’re shipping my award to me this week,” he said. "I was honestly so shocked because it astonishes me every time a new opportunity, recognition, or open door is presented to me. It’s amazing to see how I’ve been able to push past boundaries and accomplish goals that I’ve had since I was a teenager."
We’ve followed Chapman’s story since his diagnosis five years ago with Achalasia, a disease of the esophagus that makes eating impossible.
Earlier this year, we featured an update on Chapman, who found his calling as a middle school music instructor in Columbus County Schools.
Chapman is being especially careful during the coronavirus outbreak.
“I haven’t been able to leave my house since last Sunday,” he said. “With my immune system so compromised, I have to be really cautious.”
Like many teachers, Chapman is teaching remotely since schools are closed due to the pandemic.
“We have switched to online teaching which has definitely been a transition but everyone at the schools and the students are working hard,” he said.
Chapman is also nominated for several International Singer Songwriters Association awards, including US Entertainer of the Year and US Male Vocalist of the Year.
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