THE finals of the first ever National Song Festival in Guyana took place at the National Cultural Centre on Sunday, with fierce rivalry amongst 20 talented singers vying for three coveted top prizes.

The competition proved there was a lot of untapped and hidden vocal talent locally in both categories.
The audience, as expected, had favorites and the proceedings were so fun-filled and charismatic, that patrons were appealing for repeat performances from the top three winners when the contest concluded after 19:00 hrs.
The judges must have had a difficult time deciding on the winners but it was the New Amsterdam Secondary School Choir, from Berbice, who won the $300,000 cash prize and trophy in the Large Groups segment.
That group was followed by the Saska Heraldiers in second place, carting off $200,000 and trophy while the Brickdam Cathedral placed third, taking $100,000 and trophy.
Following were the Guyana Police Force Mixed Voice Choir, the Pentecostal Choir, New Apostolic Church, Children’s Regional Choir, St. Mary’s Musical Academy, and the Sophia S.D.A Choir, in that order.

Some of the intriguing highlights at Sunday’s National Song Festival finals

The excitement was intense in the Small Groups category and each performance left the audience thirsting for more.
The Messengers of East Coast Demerara soared to great heights winning this segment for a whopping $200,000 and trophy. Close on their heels was ‘The J4 Inspiration Choir’, raking in $125,000 and trophy and Circle of Love placing third and securing $75,000 and a trophy.
After the top three winners in this segment, respectively, were the Harmonic Crew, Brothers in Christ, Harmony, Multi’s Five, Alpha, Builders, Calvary, Meant to be and Imani Choirs.

BECOMES ANNUAL
In a brief interview, Event Coordinator, Andrew Tyndall declared that the staging was a huge success and he expressed the hope that it becomes annual.
He said it served as a catalyst for both young and mature song groups not only to develop their vocal expertise but also to promote, on a wide scale, choral singing in Guyana.
Competitors were required to sing a song of their choice and also one national song to ascertain their positions at the conclusion.
Made possible through the efforts of the Ministries of Culture, Education and Local Government, Guyana Music Teachers Association, religious organisations, National Music Community, National Communications Network (NCN) and Allied Arts Department of the Education Ministry, the National Song Festival is designed to also provide training through workshops with the goal being to promote Choral Singing nationwide.
Its objectives encompass the provision of creative expression, creation of a forum for the discovery and showcasing of new talent and the fostering of national pride.