Australia to sponsor 2011 Solo Icon
30 June 2011 - At the grand opening of 2011 Solo Icon, Australian High Commissioner, Matt Anderson, announced that
Australia would continue its support for Solo Icon this year, including through a financial contribution of SBD 42,000.
Mr Anderson, who arrived in Solomon Islands earlier this month, said “mi hapi tumas fo announcem support blong Australia
fo Solo Icon, especially after mi save herem tumas famous reputation blong Solomon Islands fo producem stakka danger
musicians.”
“Australia hem hapi tumas for involve wetem Solo Icon bicos hem laek for supportem tumas olketa youth blong Solomon
Islands.”
Australia has been involved in the popular Solo Icon competition since 2008, including through financial sponsorship and
bringing well-known recording artists and music producers to Solomon Islands to assist competitors. The High Commission
has also arranged for the Solo Icon winners, including last year’s Icon Josh Shaller, to record their first albums and
perform concerts in Australia.
A representative from the Australian High Commission will also sit on the Solo Icon adjudicating panel for each
elimination round. At the grand opening, High Commission representative, Mr William Ewing, said he was excited by the
talent shown by the contestants in the first elimination round, particularly the Young Executives, and was pleased that
Solomon Islands continued to strengthen its reputation for producing world-class singers.
ENDS