The recent inaugural 2024 Erap Talent Show in Morobe province was so successful that it received overwhelming responses and support from the public and business houses to host the show annually.
Locals from Erap and Wain areas, including surrounding communities in the boarders of Nawaeb and Huon Gulf Districts, gave the Show Organizing Committee views on the inaugural event that was staged just two weeks ago.
Mr. Mai Peter from Munix village of Lower Erap said the content of the show was great with the engagement of horse riders, motorbike riders and exhibition of local talents which no local shows have hosted such activities in a remote area.
Singke Kifabiang from Kokosan village in the upper part of Erap said this talent show should go on annually as it will attract development partners and authorities to witness developments in the area.
The Show’s Founder and Coordinator, Mr. Fredrick Jejeri extended his thank to the Nawaeb District Development Authority (DDA) under the leadership of MP Theo Pelgen and the District Administrator, Mr. Buds Botike, for supporting the Erap Talent Show, which was stage from the 05th and 06th of July.
“A word of thanks also goes to business houses. The turnout of participants and spectators was high. Local famous artists Archie Tarzy and Kande Dwayne, including motorbike riders and the horse riders, engaged a good number of crowds,” he said.
Local traditional Singsing groups also turned out in numbers, and show goers really enjoyed each bit of activities. Participants and the show goers came as far as Wampar LLG in Huon Gulf and Markham districts. Zero incidents occurred on the event days.
“This event I described it as the best platform for gathering, challenging, and exposing talented youths in Wain and Erap to gain exposure at another stage.”
“Mainstream print media, Post Courier and X’pose Youth Magazine were two of our partners engaged in judging our participants in the Open Category writing competition at the Erap Talent Show. Participants were required to select topics of their own and write stories within 300 to 700 words and submit with their own pictures.
He said the top four writers were identified and awarded with cash prizes.
“The first awardee was selected to attend young writers’ workshop in Lae which X’pose Youth Magazine will host and facilitate.”
He commended district MP Theo Pelgen and administrator Mr. Buds Botike for recognizing and supporting this initiative where the youths will benefit from exposing their talents in writing.
“We have plans to expand this show. The onus is now on our partners to maintain this relationship to drive this event forward.”