The finalists and the organising committee in a group photograph at the end of the semi-finals on Aug 27.
KUCHING: All the eight finalists for the ‘Pekit Bintang Klasik Iban’ (Iban classic song competition) will perform at a special showcase this Friday night (September 16).
The competition’s event manager Isa Lee said the aim was to introduce these finalists as well as to help them build up their confidence when singing with a live band in front of an audience.
He explained that unlike the auditions and semi-finals where contestants sang to ‘minus-one’ recording, the finalists will be singing with a live band for the final on Sept 24.
The eight finalists are Tony Rumpang, Sylvia Umang, Bandi Ali, Bahtea Mohd Taufik, Wendy Fred Antok, Linda, Rosyah Balike and Maxwell Richard.
“All the finalists will be judged by appointed popular recording artistes during the showcase, where they will each perform one song,” said Isa.
The showcase starts at 9pm. Isa said several popular local recording artistes will be in attendance; namely Jeniffer Jack, Charlene Johnny and Krisberne Fowler.
On the band in attendance, Isa said the impromptu band is named Ranyai Classic Band, and the members are a mix of old and new musicians including himself, Cami Tan, Hairee Francis, James Eddie, Edmund, Boy Boyd and 79-year-old saxophonist Frederick Radin.
A new Elvis Presley impersonator from Kuching, Mervyn Tajem, will also make a cameo appearance.
“I welcome all music lovers to come and join the fun at this showcase, since it is a public holiday for Malaysia Day,” he said.
This competition is jointly organised by Dayak Arts and Culture Association Kuching (PPSKDK) and Association for the Educational Development of Iban Language (Aedil).
The competition, which only allows participants to sing Iban songs recorded in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, makes its return this year after it was first held in 2012.
Its inaugural winner Eisner Nala, along with first runner-up Fierdarus Udin and finalist Jessica Remaya are now household names in the Iban music industry following the success of their albums released after the competition.
The competition offers attractive cash prizes alongside trophies and certificates. The lucky winner will also get the chance to record a single at Ranyai Studio.
The final will be held at Summer Shopping Mall Kota Samarahan starting 7pm. Utusan Borneo is the official media for this competition.