HIV/AIDS song contest showcases local talent

i193.photobucket.com - Singer Soukaseum (Touy) walked off with prizes for his musical prowess and the popular vote at a concert held by the Vientiane Youth Centre on Friday to mark World AIDS Day on December 1. Touy was voted the best presenter on the topic of HIV/ AIDS and praised for his powerful singing voice at the centre’s annual singing contest at the National Culture Hall. The concert was also held to search for talented singers with the potential to develop a career in entertainment. Touy’s stage presence and his short talk of encouragement to people living with HIV/Aids impressed both the judges and the audience. Touy explained that some people were born with HIV and others contracted the virus by accident. But, he said, we all lived in the same world and it was the duty of all of us to love and encourage each other to live together in peace. He urged everyone to show more care and concern for people living with HIV/AIDS. Eight contestants had been selected by the judging panel to take part in the final round of the contest. Judges assessed contestants’ performance on dress, preparedness, difficulty of the song and voice power. Every singer demonstrated their own unique presentation style. Some rode a motorbike on stage as part of their performance, while others acted out a drama as they sang. Talented Touy said he had always loved singing and often attended singing contests. His performance won him the popular vote after the audience cheered him loudly and gave him the most flowers. Those present at the event not only enjoyed an evening of crowd-pleasing entertainment but also learnt how HIV could be prevented during a short talk by a doctor. The event also featured performances by a variety of ethnic groups, as well as singers employed by local recording companies, who took to the stage to give the audience a night to remember.