“Jacques, you run a great workshop program that empowers budding songwriters. I am impressed by your perseverance over the years in the songwriting craft. Your voice and harmony sense is better than ever. Congrats on the APRA/ASA acknowledgement — a tough nut to crack — but rewarding industry validation for your focused and persistent work. Your father would be proud of your guardianship of the family musical flame.”— Joe Dolce (“Shaddap You Face”)
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Jacques M. Gentil — Award-Winning Songwriter & Mentor​
Jacques M. Gentil is an ASCAP affiliate songwriter, founder of Magesongs School of Songwriting, and son of Philippe Gentil (M.B.E.), composer of the Mauritian national anthem.
As APRA/ASA Australian Songwriter of the Year 2013, Jacques has mentored hundreds of developing writers worldwide, teaching them the tools and techniques that transform raw ideas into songs with industry-level impact.
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Career Highlights​
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Collaborated with Grammy winners including Diane Warren and Joey Kibble (Take 6), as well as Joe Dolce and Nashville hitmaker Trey Bruce.
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Released French gospel album Je Suis… (1985) and English gospel album Contrast (2000, Molian Records USA) — selling over 1,200 copies during a U.S. tour.
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Performed internationally across the Indian Ocean, South Pacific, USA, and Canada — including the Rogers Centre in Toronto before 46,000 people.
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Founded Magesongs Publishing (ASCAP) with connections to major U.S. label A&R.
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Served as songwriting judge and mentor for competitions and workshops in Australia and abroad.
Awards & Recognition​
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APRA/ASA Australian Songwriter of the Year (2013)
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ASA National Awards (2013–2021) – multiple wins in the Spiritual category
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Winner, UK Songwriting Contest (2017, 2021)
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Winner, Songsalive Australia (2012)
(See full awards history → link to optional Awards page)
Philosophy​
“Songwriting is the most honest and noble profession. It is the art of arts — the place where imagination turns life into music. My mission is to equip writers with the tools to write songs that last.”