12 Yr Old Nigerian Boy, Elion mesmerises crowd at International Music Contest in Russia

By Ioanna Ferpan, Moscow, Russian Federation

A twelve year old Nigerian boy, Elion Rey Austin was a participant at the International Children’s Song Competition held recently in Russia.

The world event comprised talented children and teenagers from 9 to 16 from all over the world took part in the “Our Generation’ International Children’s Song Competition” which was held in Kazan, Russia.

Participants from 15 countries reached the finals of the competition. The countries include Russia, China, Brazil, Uganda, Kenya, Madagascar, Egypt, Mongolia, Nigeria, Armenia, Belarus, India, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Ethiopia.

Elion Rey Austin represented the Federal Republic of Nigeria. For the performance in the grand finale of the project, he prepared the song “Gold”.

Elion is 12 years old.

The young star told journalists that music is his best way to express his humanity, as well as his hopes and dreams.

Reportedly , Elion has been singing since the age of four. Currently, he writes and records his own songs. Elion further disclosed that he prefers afrocentric music, as well as gospel and soul songs.
At his leisure, the contestant plays drums and other instruments.

He dreams of conquering the world stage and becoming a famous musician in the future.

During the competition, Elion’s friends and family threw their weights behind him. This is even as he put in an appearance at the epoch making event in Russia in the company of his father, a vocalist and music teacher to the competition.

Addressing newsmen, the upcoming star expressed profound gratitude to God Almighty for endowing him with what he described as “this precious gift”

Speaking, he said: “I remain humble, thankful, and grateful to God Almighty for this precious gift and opportunity to share my talent with the world. The memories and lessons from this journey will stay with me forever”, Austin wrote in his social media handle.

Meanwhile, 11 years old Philamatra Matokia from the Republic of Madagascar emerged the overall winner in the project, with her song which she titled: ‘IRAY (Together).’

However, according to the results from the professional jury, a 12-year-old singer from Brazil, Augusto Carvalho. He pulled the feat with the song ‘100 Deus’ (“100% God”).

The competition, “Our Generation” was organised with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives and the Government of the Republic of Tatarstan.

Meanwhile, among the information collaborators at the event were the NTV Channel and Children’s Radio. The international information partner of the competition is TV BRICS.