Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – The grand finale and awards ceremony of the 2nd World Hokkien Youth Singer Competition, themed "Voices from All Over the World, Youth in Full Bloom," was held in Quanzhou, Fujian Province on the evening of the 21st. After two rounds of competition, Lai Jingjing from Fujian, China, won the gold medal; Li Meiqin from Indonesia and Shen Lang from Fujian, China, won the silver medals; and Wu Yixiao and Chen Yongyi from Malaysia, and Shi Meini from the Philippines, won the bronze medals.
Hokkien songs are an important vehicle for the inheritance and dissemination of Hokkien culture. Since its launch on August 29th, this year's competition attracted more than 1,300 contestants from over 20 countries and regions worldwide. Through online and offline preliminary rounds and qualifying rounds, 12 contestants (or groups) stood out and advanced to the grand finale.
During the evening's competition, the contestants performed Hokkien songs such as "Swallow's Nest in Front of the House," "Northwest Wind," "Striving for a Brighter Future," and "Calling for the Moon Goddess," showcasing not only the diverse styles of Hokkien music but also conveying the Hokkien spirit of "Only by striving can one win."
Li Meiqin, the silver medalist in this competition, is a primary school Chinese teacher in Indonesia. "My elders all love singing Hokkien songs. My dad's favorite is 'You'll Win If You Fight Hard.' Participating in this competition, I heard many new and youthful Hokkien songs, which I thought were fantastic!"
This competition was jointly organized by the Quanzhou Overseas Friendship Association and the Quanzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism, among others.
That evening, the "Haihai Rensheng·World Hokkien Music Creation Base" was officially launched. A representative from the organizers stated that they hope this competition will inspire more people's love for Hokkien songs and attract outstanding talent from around the world to engage in the singing and creation of Hokkien songs. Quanzhou will strive to build a world-class Hokkien music creation base, establish workshops for young musicians, and attract more young people from home and abroad to "write songs in Quanzhou and grow in Quanzhou." (End)
