Iban song competition seeks participants

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KUCHING: A new singing competition ‘Pertandingan Bintang Lagu Iban Klasik’ is inviting participation from all Malaysians aged 17 and above.

Organised by the Sarawak Dayak Culture and Arts Promoters Association (PPSKDS), the competition, said to be the first of its kind, limits contestants to Iban songs from 2000 or earlier.

Association chairman Mervyn Tajem said the competition offers RM2,500 for the champion, RM2,000 for second place and RM1,500 for third place.

They will also receive a trophy, certificate and hamper each.

There will be five consolation prizes of RM300, trophy and certificate as well as a special prize for Best Performance of RM500 and trophy.

“The objectives of this competition are to promote the usage of Iban language and to unearth talents not only from the Iban  community but also from other communities in Sarawak,” he said.

The competition is to divided into three stages, starting with an audition on April 28 at Boulevard Shopping Mall.

The semifinal for 16 contestants would be at Happy Valley in Pending on May 12.

Eight finalists will perform during the Gawai Dayak Dinner 2012, which is expected to be attended by Social Development Minister Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom, on May 25 at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre.

An estimated 100 tables are on sale.

Those who are considered artistes or have recorded a commercial album would not be allowed to join.

Those auditioning should bring their own minus one CD. They can also use a guitar or sing a cappella.

Those who make it to the semifinal and grand final will chose from a set list of songs.

The list of songs will be published in Utusan Borneo and the competition’s blog page at http://pblki.blogspot.com.

Entry forms are available from Utusan Borneo and photocopies are not allowed. The entry fee is RM20.

For more information, contact Isa Lee (0138266081), Homery (0128864745) or Jay (0198368145).