Music Industry: Commemorative event for Myanmar Music Day

In commemoration of Myanmar Music Day, the Yangon Region Music Association, under the guidance of the Myanmar Music Association (Central), organized a singing contest. Winners were awarded at a ceremony held on June 27 at Dolphin Hall in Bahan Township, Yangon.

The competition, aimed at nurturing the next generation of musicians, brought together 114 participants from 25 townships. Twenty-eight contestants advanced to the final round, where five top winners were selected.

Chairman, Ko Latt, Yangon Region Music Association said "In order to develop music industry, township and regions/states music association were established this year and our association is one of these. This is the first time of holding singing contest by our association. Through this competition, I hope that unity and friendship of entire nation will be strengthened."

Participant, Phway Phway, Thaketa Township said "I tried my best during the competition and I grabbed winner award for my township. In this Music Day, I am really honour to be here for meeting with elder musicians. In the future, I will try to show my abilities to the audiences."

Myanmar Music Day is observed annually on June 27, marking the 1936 adoption of the “Dobama” song as a national anthem at the second Dobama Asiayon Conference in Myingyan. The Myanmar Music Association officially designated the date in 2013 to preserve the nation’s musical heritage and spirit of nationalism.

A Respect Paying Ceremony was also held as part of the celebration, during which 158 senior musicians received the cash assistance and others items.

Musician, Than Tun Lay said "At the invitation of Myanmar Music Association (Central), I’m here to attend the Respect Paying Ceremony to elder musicians. When I was young, there had a rare chance to compete in the singing competitions. But, today’s young individuals who interested in music have a lot of opportunities to be a good musician."

During the ceremony, 10 million kyats donated by President U Min Aung Hlaing, and wife and families were handed over to the Myanmar Music Association (Central). Additional donations were also made by the Ministry of Information, Yangon Region Government and donors, totaling over 31 million kyats.