2008 SOLOMON IDOL COUNT DOWN

2008 SOLO IDOL will hit a new high with support from the Ministry of Women Youth and Children Affairs [MWYCA] and the Australia High Commission

As part of the 2008 program, the Australian High Commission is bringing out previous Australian Idol Contestant, Australian artist Hayley Jensen.

Hayley will be in Honiara for a week to conduct a workshop for finalists competing in this years show. A special session in the training workshop will involve coaching programs for judges. Hayley will also perform in the grand final show.

Hayley’s visit is expected to raise the profile and musical standard in the country to a whole new level. She will be the guest of honor to crown the 2008 Solo Idol and the 2008 Young Executive Idol. The 2008 Solo Idol Steering Committee will use this platform to explore further opportunity to foster relationships between Australian and Solomon Islands’ artists.

Another first in this years program: 2008 Solo Idol will go out to the provinces, to give youth across Solomon Islands the chance to participate.  Initiatives taken by MWYCA Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Ethel Sigimanu, to include the provinces in this years show is a big step in promoting Solomon Islands music, and positively engaging youth in Solomon Islands.

2008 Solo Idol main rounds will be held in Honiara, at the Multi-Purpose on 6 July, 20 July, 3rd August, 24 August, and 7 September 2008. The finals will be broadcast by SIBC.  Grand prizes totalling twenty thousand will be awarded to winners. The categories in this years show will include Young Executive Idol (aged 8-13 years) and Solo Idol (14 and up).

Global Youth & Leadership Nexus is coordinating and overseeing the show in partnership with MWYCA, the Australian High Commission, Solomon Islands Youth Congress, Save the Children youth sector, UNICEF youth sector, Oxfam youth sector, Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood youth sector, Honiara City Council youth sector, Community Sector Program youth sector, Red Cross, and World Vision youth in the implementation of the program.

Enquires: please call Charlie Ratu on 27565