ArtistDirect News
Yangon Region Music Association Launches First Singing Contest on Myanmar Music Day
On June 27, Yangon’s vibrant cultural scene turned to the stage when the newly formed Yangon Region Music Association (YRMA) unveiled its inaugural singing contest to celebrate Myanmar Music Day. The event unfolded in the historic Dolphin Hall of Bahan Township, guided by the Myanmar Music Association (Central) and designed to ignite fresh talent across the region.
A total of 114 singers from 25 different townships stepped onto the stage, each hoping to secure a place in the final round. After a rigorous series of preliminary auditions, 28 contestants earned the privilege of performing in the final showdown. From those finalists, five emerged as the contest’s champions, receiving trophies and prizes that marked a significant milestone in their budding careers.
Chairman Ko Latt, speaking after the awards ceremony, emphasized the contest’s broader purpose. “This competition is a vehicle for strengthening unity and friendship across the nation,” he said. “With township and regional music associations being established this year, our association’s first singing contest aims to weave local talent into the national music tapestry.”
Among the five winners, Phway Phway of Thaketa Township shared her experience with palpable pride. “I poured my heart into each performance and earned the winner award for my township,” she told reporters. “Being here on Music Day, alongside senior musicians, is a true honor. In the future, I intend to showcase my abilities to wider audiences.”
Myanmar Music Day, observed every June 27, commemorates the 1936 adoption of the “Dobama” song as the national anthem during the second Dobama Asiayon Conference in Myingyan. The Myanmar Music Association officially designated the date in 2013 to safeguard the country’s musical heritage and spirit of nationalism.
The celebrations extended beyond the contest. A Respect‑Paying Ceremony honored 158 senior musicians, providing them with cash assistance and other supportive items. Musician Than Tun Lay, invited by the Myanmar Music Association (Central), reflected on the evolving opportunities for young artists: “When I was young, singing competitions were rare. Today, aspiring musicians have abundant chances to hone their craft.”
Financial backing for the event came from a mix of public and private donors. President U Min Aung Hlaing, his wife, and family contributed 10 million kyats to the Myanmar Music Association (Central). Additional donations from the Ministry of Information, the Yangon Region Government, and other benefactors lifted the total contribution to more than 31 million kyats.
By providing a platform for singers from across Yangon Region, YRMA has concretely expanded opportunities for local talent while connecting them to the broader national music community. The contest and accompanying ceremonies underscored the association’s role in nurturing new voices and strengthening the fabric of Myanmar’s music scene.
The Myanmar Music Association, established in 1952, has long championed the preservation and promotion of the country’s musical traditions. Its divisions cover traditional, contemporary, and modern music, and it has worked to standardise royalty payments and maintain a national music library. The association’s mission—to support musicians and safeguard Myanmar’s musical heritage—remains unchanged.
In sum, Yangon Region Music Association’s first singing contest on Myanmar Music Day brought together 114 singers, crowned five winners, and honored senior musicians with financial assistance. The event highlighted the importance of cultivating new talent while paying tribute to the nation’s rich musical legacy, all backed by substantial public and private support.
A total of 114 singers from 25 different townships stepped onto the stage, each hoping to secure a place in the final round. After a rigorous series of preliminary auditions, 28 contestants earned the privilege of performing in the final showdown. From those finalists, five emerged as the contest’s champions, receiving trophies and prizes that marked a significant milestone in their budding careers.
Chairman Ko Latt, speaking after the awards ceremony, emphasized the contest’s broader purpose. “This competition is a vehicle for strengthening unity and friendship across the nation,” he said. “With township and regional music associations being established this year, our association’s first singing contest aims to weave local talent into the national music tapestry.”
Among the five winners, Phway Phway of Thaketa Township shared her experience with palpable pride. “I poured my heart into each performance and earned the winner award for my township,” she told reporters. “Being here on Music Day, alongside senior musicians, is a true honor. In the future, I intend to showcase my abilities to wider audiences.”
Myanmar Music Day, observed every June 27, commemorates the 1936 adoption of the “Dobama” song as the national anthem during the second Dobama Asiayon Conference in Myingyan. The Myanmar Music Association officially designated the date in 2013 to safeguard the country’s musical heritage and spirit of nationalism.
The celebrations extended beyond the contest. A Respect‑Paying Ceremony honored 158 senior musicians, providing them with cash assistance and other supportive items. Musician Than Tun Lay, invited by the Myanmar Music Association (Central), reflected on the evolving opportunities for young artists: “When I was young, singing competitions were rare. Today, aspiring musicians have abundant chances to hone their craft.”
Financial backing for the event came from a mix of public and private donors. President U Min Aung Hlaing, his wife, and family contributed 10 million kyats to the Myanmar Music Association (Central). Additional donations from the Ministry of Information, the Yangon Region Government, and other benefactors lifted the total contribution to more than 31 million kyats.
By providing a platform for singers from across Yangon Region, YRMA has concretely expanded opportunities for local talent while connecting them to the broader national music community. The contest and accompanying ceremonies underscored the association’s role in nurturing new voices and strengthening the fabric of Myanmar’s music scene.
The Myanmar Music Association, established in 1952, has long championed the preservation and promotion of the country’s musical traditions. Its divisions cover traditional, contemporary, and modern music, and it has worked to standardise royalty payments and maintain a national music library. The association’s mission—to support musicians and safeguard Myanmar’s musical heritage—remains unchanged.
In sum, Yangon Region Music Association’s first singing contest on Myanmar Music Day brought together 114 singers, crowned five winners, and honored senior musicians with financial assistance. The event highlighted the importance of cultivating new talent while paying tribute to the nation’s rich musical legacy, all backed by substantial public and private support.