Winners of the Musika Mo'onia singing competition, Fofo'anga Lapaha, Nuku'alofa, Tonga, 1 December 2012.

Photos by Monalisa Palu.

The Fofo'anga Lapaha singing group won over $3,000 and the Kulupu Kau "Angelo from Hu'atolitoli won over $2000 in cash prizes, presented by Prince Ata in the first Musika Mo'onia singing competition held on Saturday 1 December in central Nuku'alofa.

Monalisa Palu of Professional PR a coordinator of the event said five groups competed in the new Tongan singing competition that celebrates Tongan music and talents. The groups were judged on various categories on Friday night 30 November.

Fofo'anga Lapaha group won $1,500 pa'anga first prize for new composition of a Tongan song to celebrate the 150 years of Tonga's Emancipation. In second place was Kulupu Kau 'Angelo from Hu'atolitoli winning a $1,000 cash prize.

In the compulsory song category, first prize was awarded to Fofo'anga Lapaha with $1,000 cash and Kalapu Kalapu Hufangalupe came in second with $700.

For the own selection category, first prize was won by Kulupu Kau 'Angelo with $1,000 and Kalapu Fofo'anga Lapaha came in second with $700. While Kalapu Hunga Kolomotu'a won the first prize for a new composition sung by a small band.

Monalisa hoped the event would become an annual one.

Musika Mo'onia translates as "true music" is in line with Tonga's tourism branding of the South Pacific.

"I want to thank all the people who helped. These are tough times and there is so much going on but sponsors kindly helped with prizes and we could not have done it without them. They work hard and still give back," she said.

Prizes were donated by various local companies.

Sandra Fifita of the Ministry of Commerce, Tourism and Labour said they are supportive of Musika Mo'onia.