THE local stars 56 Hop Rod ended the biggest youth market ever with a bang at Rove Field, West Honiara on Saturday from their musical presentation.
The famous trio played all their hits including Watch yo back, Secret lover and Monkey biznis.
Over 1000 people turned up to enjoy a full day of entertainment by DJ Naz, Da Guest Band, Small Jam, Caroline Koplin, Dee-Boy and dance group Midwest.
Saturday’s event was the final day of the first Rexona Youth Market Festival and Concert, a new biannual event which extends on the monthly Youth Markets run by Youth@Work. It was held in partnership with Unisound and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.
Youth@Work Program Manager Sandra Bartlett said, the event was a huge success.
“The idea behind the Rexona Youth Market Festival and Concert was to give our youth businesses and entertainers a bigger, better and more professional venue to sell their goods and services and showcase their talents,” she said.
“This has been the biggest youth market yet, with a record number of stalls, a new gaming zone, and a huge line up of competitions and entertainment.”
The festival opened on Tuesday with the launch of the new youth magazine YOSI.
The US Navy 7th Fleet band impressed crowds with an energetic, flawless set on Wednesday. On Thursday the song competition was taken out by Caroline Koplin for the live band category and Dee-Boy for the tracks category.
The popular dance competition on Friday had 24 groups participate and was won by Midwest.
The festival’s theme ‘Together for a stronger nation’ was represented in each competition, as well as throughout the stalls.
Adam Bartlett from Bulk Shop Business Development said Rexona was proud to sponsor the event.
“We are really happy we could be part of this exciting new event and promote worldwide products to youth of Solomon Islands. Each day we featured a different product including Rexona, Dove, Lux and Lifebuoy.”
Unisound Project Manager Drake Chow said, the festival was a chance to help local entertainment groups grow.
“There are so many talented musicians and bands in the Solomon Islands, it’s great to be able to help support them by putting on events like this, and also help local youth businesses at the same time,” he said.
“Thank you to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force for allowing us this venue to do this event. And thank you to Youth@Work for being committed to supporting our youths through events like this.”
Youth@Work is implemented by SPC, in partnership with the Solomon Islands Ministry of National Unity, Peace and Reconciliation, the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs. Youth@Work is an initiative to tackle youth unemployment in the Solomon Islands and is funded by the Australian Aid bilateral program, with assistance from its partner ministries.
