~ The choir’s rendition of Christmas Carols in a mixture of western and indigenous styles wins over judges and audiences alike ~
Shillong, 21st December 2024: St. Cecilia Choir took home the 1st prize, worth Rs 50,000, of Jingle All The Way – the Christmas Carol Singing Competition organised by Big FM and JBL at Anton Hall, Laitumkhrah on 20th and 21st December. Their rendition of Christmas Carols in a mixture of western and indigenous styles enthralled the watching public and the judges of the competition alike. They performed a 7 minute medley of ‘Go Tell It On The Mountain’, ‘Little Drummer’, and ‘Ha Jingkynjah Ka Miet ’ adeptly weaving western musical instruments with indigenous ones like Ka Duitara and Ka Bom. The audience gave them a standing ovation and demanded an encore, which the choir obliged with the addition of more traditional carols. St Cecelia Choir are from the Cathedral Parish, Laitumkhrah and are the oldest choir in the Archdiocese of Shillong
A local group, The Triad won the 2nd prize of Rs 30,000 while the vibrant rap crew Leo Boys walked away with the 3rd prize of Rs 20,000. JINGLE ALL THE WAY lived up to its promise of being a vibrant and festive event spreading joy and cheer with one of the best loved traditions of Christmas i.e Christmas music. As part of the event, A Karaoke Competition was also held in which local artists Sandra Nonglait, Malcolm Nongsiej and Daphilakhamti Pyngrope walked away with the first, second and third prizes respectively. The Karaoke Competition winners were awarded Rs 10,000, Rs 5,000 and Rs 3,000 each. The sizeable crowd that attended the event took in the spirit of festivity and enjoyed the food, music and products that were on offer. The night was rounded up with a pulsating performance by Rudy Wallang & The Family Band who kept the crowd on their feet with a set list that included their original songs, Christmas Classics and well loved songs from the blues and rock songbook.
The artist community of the state was well represented in Jingle All The Way with Kitkupar Shangpliang, Jeremy Mawlong and Gwyneth Mawlong acting as judges for the Carol Singing Competition while the country’s premier blues singer, Tipriti Kharbangar, lent her endorsement.
In addition to JBL, the event is also supported by IOCL and BIS Hallmark marking a significant investment by the corporate sector in Shillong’s increasing reputation as a tourist hotspot and its potential for artistic excellence and cultural pluralism. Two Christmas Canters were also rolled out by JBL, IOCL and BIS Hallmark to light up the streets of Shillong with festive cheer. The customised canter adorned and illuminated with Christmas decorations, festive characters and lights engaged the people of Shillong in activities like Karaoke, Christmas Rap Contests, Silent Disco and others spreading joy, handing out prizes and giving everyone a glimpse of JBL’s latest sound devices and technology.
