VEVO GINA, 22 of Western Province was crowned the winner of the Solo Icon 2016, after the grand final on Sunday night at the Multi-purpose hall.
The young lad of Roviana and Ranoggah parentage scooped the first spot after battling a hard fought Icon final between five of the grand finalists.
He received a trophy, a gift pack, and cash money.
Vevo has been described by the event’s hosts as a competitor that had an impressive debut with Icon this year as an exceptional singer and performer during the audition stage and continues to impress the judges and Icon fans and followers.
His enthusiasm, choreographic skills and confidence had gained him a lot of follower and supporters.
“It was a joy to be announced as the winner of this year’s Solo Icon because it is what I have been hoping for.
“From the start, I can sense that the victory is coming my way,” Vevo told the Solomon Star in an exclusive interview yesterday.
Young Vevo started singing at the age of six, and being part of the competition is something that he has been dreaming of for a long time.
He said he is interested on singing pop music and grew up to be popular with the style of music that he loved.
“I left school at form four (4) just because of my love for music and the big influence it has been doing in my life.
“I believe coming into the Icon is not by mistake but it was God’s plan anyway.
“Through out the five rounds of the competition, the only challenge that I have faced is finance, because they told me to dress neatly in all my appearances.
“So, the burden is on me and my parents to choose the best outfit for me,” he smiled as he speaks.
Vevo said, the victory is a great honour and a fine achievement for him in his career.
“I want to give all the credit to God for the voice he gave me and for keeping me safe throughout the competition.
“Secondly, my parents for their prayers and for sacrificing to help me though I am short on the financial side.
“My fans and followers also deserved words of thanks from me too,” he said.
The 22 year old from Western Province is currently a student at the Youths With A Mission (YWAM) Centre at Burns Creek.
Following his win this year, his parent will be sending him over to the YWAM Centre in Perth Australia to further his study on his music career.
The other winner of the Solo Icon’s Junior Category was Keith Wairia.
Marara School of Guadalcanal Province scooped the first place in the Star School Category followed by Coronation, and Vura School on the second and third placing respectively.
Minister for Women, Youth, Children, and Family Affairs Ms Freda Tuki, and her Permanent Secretary Ms Ethel Sigimanu were the guests at the Icon’s Grand Finale.
By RONALD TOITO’ONA
