Sing it loud, Sing it proud to put South African patriotism on center stage

There are few South African symbols as potent as the National Anthem - and the Neo Africa Sing it Loud, Sing it Proud anthem competition is set to make patriotic breasts swell with pride ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

Not only that, the winner of the competition will walk away with a R35 000 cash prize and a pair of tickets to the opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ at Soccer City on 11 June.

The runner-up and third-placed finalist will also receive prizes, of R10 000 and R5 000 respectively.

The Sing it Loud, Sing it Proud competition is sponsored by Neo Africa, a National Supporter of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. Says Neo Africa Founder and CEO, Vivien Natasen: "We South Africans have a lot about which we can be very proud, not least of which is the fact that we are hosting this incredible tournament. We wanted to do something to encourage our people to show the whole world that pride - and what better way than to get everyone to sing our National Anthem, and be in line to win such a great prize?"

The Neo Africa Sing it Loud, Sing it Proud competition features a star-studded line-up of judges - including singing star Loyiso Bala; Morning Live presenter, Leanne Manas; former Miss South Africa, Claudia Henkel; and well-known public relations practitioner, Marcus Brewster (who, as an original Idols judge, is no stranger to singing competitions). The judges will, in conjunction with the public, decide on the competition's 10 finalists. After that, the winner will be decided solely by a public vote.

Entering the competition is simple: between 26 April and 17 May contestants can either call 0861 129 253 and record themselves singing the full anthem, or they can make a sound or video clip of themselves and submit it to the Neo Africa Sing it Loud, Sing it Proud blog at www.singitloudandproud. blogspot. com.

The public can keep track of the competition, and vote for their favourite entrants, by visiting the Neo Africa Sing it Loud, Sing it Proud blog, or the competition groups on Facebook and Twitter. The competition will also be highlighted every day in the coming weeks on Radio 2000 , the official radio broadcaster of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

The public is also encouraged to visit the Neo Africa Sing it Loud, Sing it Proud blog, to see how South African musicians interpret the anthem. Clips of a variety of well-known and up-and-coming artists performing the anthem - including Loyiso Bala; Tamara Dey; Josie Field; Veraz; Tree Houses on the Sea; and Avade - will be added to the Neo Africa Sing it Loud, Sing it Proud blog throughout the competition.

For more information, competition rules and interesting facts about the National Anthem, visit www.singitloudandproud.blogspot.com.

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