By Rosli Abidin Yahya
Prospective contestants for His Majesty's Birthday Songs Contest have until 3.30pm today to return their completed participation forms to the reception counter of Radio Television Brunei (RTB) in the capital for the right to battle it out for the singing crown.
Organised by the Consultative Council of Mukim Kianggeh (MPMK) in cooperation with Radio Harmoni Network, the finals of the contest entitled Malam Gemilang Keputeraan (MGK) will be held July 30 commencing 8pm at Taman Jubli Perak in Pusar Ulak.
The MGK will be attended by Dato Paduka Haji Sumadi bin Sukaimi, Special Duties Officer at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports as the guest of honour.
Apart from the contest itself, there will also be a guest singer from Malaysia entertaining the crowd as well as local singers belting out dangdut numbers.
The singing contest which is organised in conjunction with His Majesty's 60th birthday celebration is to unearth and promote local talents in singing.
Open to citizens and permanent residents in the Sultanate, a participant or a group of two to five singers must sing any number available in the CD entitled Dirgahayu 60 - Compilation of His Majesty's Birthday Songs album produced by RTB.
If the singers want to be backed up by dancers, they can do so at their own expenses, said organisers.
The preliminary round will be held tomorrow, July 28 at 8.30am in the RTB Complex, Bandar Seri Begawan to select 15 finalists.
Finalists are required to attend a stage rehearsal on July 30 at 9am at the Taman Jubli Perak in Pusar Ulak.
According to the Permanent Chairman of MPMK cum Penghulu of Mukim KIanggeh, Haji Lutfi Haji Abd Halim, the contest is an activity of MPMK to commemorate His Majesty's 60th Birthday Celebration this year.
"It is also to promote His Majesty's Birthday Songs composed by local composers aside from unearthing and revealing hidden talents in singing.
"The contest is also one way for MPMK to complement and support the activities of His Majesty's Government in order to enhance relationships between the two parties," he said.
- Borneo Bulletin
(27th July 2006)
