By Ioanna Ferpan, Moscow, Russian Federation
Talented children and teenagers from 9 to 16 from all over the world took part in the “Our Generation’ International Children’s Song Competition” which was held in Kazan, Russia.
Participants from 15 countries reached the finals of the competition. The countries include Russia, China, Brazil, Uganda, Kenya, Madagascar, Egypt, Mongolia, Nigeria, Armenia, Belarus, India, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Ethiopia.
Elion Rey Austin represented the Federal Republic of Nigeria. For the performance in the grand finale of the project, he prepared the song “Gold”.
Elion is 12 years old.
The young star told journalists that music is his best way to express his humanity, as well as his hopes and dreams.
Reports revealed that he has been singing since the age of four. Today, he writes and records his own songs. Elion prefers afrocentric music, as well as gospel and soul songs. In his spare time, the contestant plays drums and other instruments.
He dreams of conquering the world stage and becoming a famous musician in the future.
During the competition, Elion was supported by his friends and family. He was accompanied by his father, a vocalist and music teacher to the competition in Russia.
“I remain humble, thankful, and grateful to God Almighty for this precious gift and opportunity to share my talent with the world. The memories and lessons from this journey will stay with me forever”, Austin wrote in his social media handle.
By public vote, 11 year old Philamatra Matokia from the Republic of Madagascar emerged overall winner in the project.
She clinched the position with the song IRAY (Together).
However, the results from the professional jury, a 12-year-old singer from Brazil, Augusto Carvalho won. He pulled the feat with the song ‘100 Deus’ (“100% God”).
The competition, “Our Generation” was organised with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives and the Government of the Republic of Tatarstan.
Information partners include the NTV Channel and Children’s Radio. The international information partner of the competition is TV BRICS.
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