Arthur Knight has been announced as the winner of Van2017official theme song for the upcoming Pacific Games.
The key chorus line of the theme song is “Rise Vanuatu Rise – Shine Pacifika Shine … for a moment in time, we’re together as one, to ignite the spirit within.” Life is moving on every minute, second, hour and we need to make our mark now.”
The original piece displays a magnificent 7 - genre musical build up from traditional “bubu” shell “custom” calling 24 countries in one “solwora”, to an orchestral inspirational touch, synonymous to all international games opening ceremonies to Vanuatu reggae with a tint of French zouke and rap transiting to the original “nasiviriu” mascot dance flutter in Afro beat with Pacific chants climaxing to today’s euro techno dance with a children’s and local choir.
The panel of 5 Judges that were part of the judging process were Henry Tavoa CEO of VASANOC, Ms. Sarah Doyle a representative of the Vanuatu Youth Council, Mr. Clint Flood CEO of Van2017, renowned International Singer Vanessa Quai and Florian Sam Van2017 Events and Graphics Coordinator.
The competition itself was a great success with a total of 21 entries by musicians from all over the country who entered the competition.
The judges based their critical assessments solely on melody and lyrics that best capture what the office of Van2017 were looking for.
They rated each song anonymously and did not know the name of the musicians or bands as they listened to each entry.
Each judge had a list of criteria’s to rate each song according to lyrical and melody composition, suitability for promotional and marketing purposes, appropriate use of the games theme “Ignite the Spirit within”, as well as the feeling generated by the song itself.
It was decided by all 5 judges that the song that best captured the true essence of all those components combined was Arthur.
The original song was produced and composed by Arthur however it was his aim to have the song done by a family of artists featured as Vanuatu All Stars 1980-2017 linking all generations of top musicians in one voice, one song.
“The aim was to be able to present Vanuatu as a musical family professionally on the world stage with a song that was original, uplifting, creative, easy to understand and sing a-long to, inspiring athletes all over the region and effectively bringing out 2017 games theme in the spirit of sports, youth and development,”said Arthur.
“This was the dream of my mentor, the late Joe Bomal Carlo, who believed in the power of youth and development, and who successfully managed to assist Vanuatu Government to win the bid for Vanuatu to host the 2017 Pacific Games,”added Arthur.
Arthur said this was an opportunity for Vanuatu to shine on the world stage and he wanted all artists to join spirit in song to show their unity, resilience and positivity in every way.
The original song was recorded and sound engineered by Harvest Studio.
There is an original version which won, an all stars mix, extended remix, Afro Vanuatu-Pacific Dance Mix and Euro radio pop mix to market Vanuatu to different markets in the world.
The combined All Stars version also features Vanuatu’s top artists from all generations and walks of life, including Tim Teo Kalmet, Reynolds, Ben Ziro (Huarere), Dalida, Suzanna, reggae sensation -Brada Cloud, songstress Alcina Charley, Jean Pierre, JP Rapper (Wan Voes), Telnsley Bule (DJ Roxy), Rexly, Christine Charlie and Allan Stevens Tom to name a few.
“It was a great pleasure joining such talented and powerful singers merge into one. I am happy Vanuatu can present itself professionally on the world stage. We are ready.”
Arthur has dedicated the song to all past, present and future sports men and women who have for many years helped develop the industry and motivating athletes.
The song will be launched at the Port Vila City Festival at 8.30am tomorrow along with the official mascot Nasi and will be uploaded on all electronic media sites with promo video shortly.