Competition held to expose singing talent

A GOSPEL voice discovery competition was held last month in Arawa to expose singing talent and raise funds for the new Reverend Sione Taufa College.
The competition, held from Dec 16-22, was organised by the director of Target Training Dinah Ope which trains Early Childhood teachers in Bougainville.
The United Church-run college will be built at Roreinang in Central Bougainville catering for children up to Grade 12.
More than 50 took part from which 20 were selected to go through voice training sessions conducted by Morris Opeti, the 2016 Digicel Stars competition winner.
Out of the 20, four finalists were selected who performed on Dec 22 at the Arawa Youth Centre judged by Opeti, Ishmael Toroama and Llane Munau.
Walter Kekevio won the K1000 prize money.
The second prize was K600 and third K300, sponsored by the Offspring Band.
Munau said many Bougainville youths had singing talent.
“Gatherings like this are also a perfect opportunity to raise awareness on gender-based violence and sorcery-related violence,” Munau said.