Naha Regal Choir has taken the top prize at the premiere Sing Above Yourself (SAY!) Choir Competition, bagging a $15,000 cash prize along with a coveted recording deal and music video production for their winning performance.
This pioneering choral event, orchestrated by Dreamcast Theatre Solomon Islands, concluded with an explosive grand finale on Sunday evening.
Naha Regal Choir, Central Islands Province Choir, and K2 Family Choir—the final trio from an initial pool of 23—demonstrated their vocal prowess in a riveting face-off at the Dreamcast Arts Hub. Their journey involved surviving two elimination rounds and an audition stage last month.
The final criteria required each finalist to present two original compositions and an original rendition of Dreamcast’s “This Is Our Time” track, a song designed for the 2023 Pacific Games and scheduled for release before the Opening Ceremony.
Points were scored by an independent panel of three judges: Jonathan Auna, Sherri Komasi, and Alfred Saba.
Extending his congratulations to Naha Regal Choir and all participating choir groups, Joey Manemaka, Dreamcast Artistic Director and SAY! Choir Competition Coordinator, says, “This first-of-its-kind event makes everyone involved—from participants and spectators to our devoted Dreamcast team—true winners.
“All choir groups, including those who registered and participated from the start, have created their legacy as pioneers of this exciting initiative. We celebrate your tireless rehearsal hours, your dedication to being the best of yourselves, and your willingness to showcase your amazing talents.”
Choir teams that took part in the SAY! Choir Competition include: Agape Choir, Central Islands Province Choir, Jericho 2 Choir, K2 Family Choir, Naha Regal Choir, Saint Nicholas Anglican School Choir, and Transfiguration Vura Parish Choir.
Joey also confirmed the return of the competition.
Runners-up Central Islands Province Choir and K2 Family Choir earned cash prizes of $3,000 and $2,000, respectively. As victors, Naha Regal Choir will also benefit from a recording deal and music video courtesy of Dreamcast.
The SAY! Choir Competition and its attractive prizes are financed entirely by Dreamcast Theatre as part of its ‘Art Of Giving’ advocacy program.
Dreamcast Theatre extends its gratitude to its partners for their continuous support.
Dreamcast Theatre Solomon Islands, a youth-led, art-focused organization in Solomon Islands, aims to inspire artists through challenges, encourage meaningful dialogues, and cultivate ideas that contribute to the betterment of society.
– Dreamcast Theatre
