All is set for the grand finale of the Highlife and Cultural Dance Talents competition tagged“Igbo Highlife Fest,“ scheduled for June 2 in Enugu, the Coal City.

The N2 million is up for grabs in the final which involves five groups in the traditional dance category and ten singers in the highlife music category.

The competition which began in April in Onitsha had participants competing for slots before the grand finale coming up in Enugu.

According to the Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Lager and Stout Brands, Nigerian Breweries, Mr Emmanuel Agu, Highlife Fest is a demonstration of the commitment of Life Continental Lager Beer to the progress of the Igbo man.

“We intend to continue to promote and propagate the beautiful heritage of the Igbo people through highlife music.

“We understand how much these classic tunes mean to consumers; we are delighted to bring this music fest to them.

“The honed talents and the beautiful performances at the quarter and semifinal concerts have been a joy to behold.

“We look forward to working with the winners in managing their talents and preserving the beautiful highlife culture,” Agu said.

Agu also said that the two important Igbo traditional festivals in Enugu, the Mmanwu festival, and New Yam festival, are held annually to promote the Igbo Culture.

He added that Enugu State had taken steps to create more festivals managed by the Enugu Council of Arts and Culture.

“highlife Fest is an initiative of Life Continental Lager Beer that has come to stay in contributing to the promotion and sustenance of highlife music culture among the young generation.

“The indigenous highlife music competition took the talent hunt to Onitsha the past weekend where the remaining contestants slugged it out for a place in the final.

“These included five groups in the traditional dance category and ten singers in the highlife music category.

“Now, with the dust settled on the semis, it is time for all finalists to brace up and prepare for the final,’’Agu said.

NAN reports that the talent hunt, which is aimed at celebrating the heritage of Igbo people through music, has featured a plethora of talents from seven state auditions.

The fight for the star prize of N2 million has reached its peak after several mentorship sessions.

Competing for the grand prize in the Highlife music category are Dons Ifeanyi Frank (Anambra), Kalapi Ojuka (Rivers), Emmanuel Agbom (Delta), Uwazie Chuks Arthur (Imo) and Chinedu Obiajulu Ada-Chi (Enugu State).

The traditional dance category will feature Kanaowo Dance group (Rivers), Noel Cultural Entertainment (Ebonyi), Asinodricks Africa (Imo) and Umuchiziri Egwu Cultural Dance (Enugu State).

The final will feature performances from Onyeka Owenu, Phyno, Bright Chimezie, Obiligbo Brothers, Tipsy Kelvano and Chibest David. (NAN)

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