NEWLY-FORMED formed reggae hip-hop band BUST20 launched their debut EP album on Saturday at the popular YOUTH MARKET event run by Youth@Work at the Art Gallery.
YOUTH MARKET Stage Manager Rodney Samuel said the band attracted many young fans with their music, merchandise and live performance.
“BUST20’s musical Ingenuity is years ahead of its time in Solomon Islands music scene,” Mr Samuel said.
“They played a great set for the excited crowd of over a thousand.”
The March YOUTH MARKET which ran from Thursday to Saturday celebrated the talents and skills with the theme Youth Market.
YOUTH MARKET coordinator Linda Rande said that the purpose of theming the market after the market’s name is to remind the youths of what the event is all about.
“The YOUTH MARKET empowers young people by giving them a venue to display their skills and talents,” Ms Rande said.
“It brings them together in sending positive messages on stage and allows them to make networks for their businesses.”
A song competition was held on Thursday based on the theme Youth Market.
Silent Crew won first place in the tracks category with Uniks taking second Place.
For the live category, acoustic boy band One Intention came first with their song “Wanderlust” and rock band Darken Row came second.
Ms Rande said the second day pulled an even larger crowd with the attraction of the dance competition.
The winners of the dance competition were Midwest Rebirth in first place and Outcast Crew in second place.
“Stall holders displayed creativity and skills, offering a range of products and services for sale. For some of them, this was an opportunity to help them start their own businesses and for others it was a fundraising initiative for their church or club,” Ms Rande added.
Youth@Work is implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) in partnership with the Ministry of National Unity, Peace and Reconciliation; the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration; the Ministry or Culture and Tourism; and the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs.
Youth@Work is an initiative to tackle youth unemployment in Solomon Islands and is funded by the Australian Government’s bilateral programme with assistance from its partner ministries.