Three to carry state’s hopes at Bintang Kecil 2016 finale
KUCHING: An all-female line up will represent the state at the national-level 30th Bintang Kecil 2016 competition which runs from Dec 4 to Dec 18.
They are Camaiellya Edward, 10, from Bintangor; Noor Fazreena Shahdan, 11 ( Kuching); and Nur Ain Nadzirah Ahmad Safrie, 10 ( Kuching), who booked their spots in the nationals after delivering sterling performances at the state-level Bintang Kecil competition on Nov 26.
“Bintang Kecil is a platform to groom children in their singing and confidence, as well as to foster unity among the different races and to maintain our national culture through singing in the national language,” Sarawak Broadcasting Department director Salmah Ibrahim told a press conference yesterday.
She said a holistic approach was being taken to ensure that all 12 contestants who had qualified for the national-level Bintang Kecil would be given training on their vocals, showmanship and public speaking during the three-week ‘ berambeh’ (gathering) activity here.
The other nine contestants are Azleezatul Nazwa Lifp, 11 (Sabah); Delbert Connan John, 10 (Sabah); Feli Stacy Paimin, 10 ( Sabah); Aiman Zain, 11 ( Selangor); Arif Mukhriz Affandi Mokhtar, 11 ( Pahang); Danial Hafiz Zaharim, 11 ( Perak); Dania Zafirah Sulaiman, 11 ( Negeri Sembilan); Nurul Maimanah Abdul Qahhar, 10 (Melaka); and Putri Anis Elyssa Roslee, 11 (Perlis).
After the first concert themed ‘ Lagenda’ on Dec 4, three contestants will be sent home, leaving only nine to take to the stage for the second concert which is themed ‘Pop Balada’ on Dec 11.
During the second concert, three more contestants will be eliminated, leaving six finalists who will face off one another during the final concert at Stadium Perpaduan, Petra Jaya on Dec 18.
The winner of this year’s national-level Bintang Kecil will go home with a cash prize of RM15,000, while first and second runners-up will receive RM10,000 and RM7,000 respectively.
Additionally, a consolation prize of RM3,000 will be awarded to each of the remaining three finalists while the best performer will also be awarded with RM1,000.
Organised by RTM Sarawak together with the state government, all three concerts will feature the D’Aspirasi RTM combo and invited guest singers such as Ella and previous winners of Bintang Kecil.
Each of the concerts will be aired on RTM’s TV1 at 8.30pm on their respective dates.
Bintang Kecil was introduced in 1986 and was held exclusively for Sarawakians up until 1998 when the competition was opened to all Malaysian children between the ages of seven to 11.
Over the years, Bintang Kecil has been a starting point for singers such as NurShahila Amir Amzah, Norafizah Busman, Elizabeth Applunius and Dewi Liana Seriestha to build their careers.