Dong Doi (comrades) and Unlimited outplayed 20 other bands from around the nation to win the final of the Superband awards and take home the most prestigious prizes of the Pop and Rock Band Festival in Ho Chi Minh City.
The musical contest was launched on April 12 by HCMC Television, the Performing Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture and Information, and Cat Tien Sa Advertising Co.
The sole second prize went to Prophecy, Tia Sang (the light beam) and Mat Xich (the link) scored third prizes, Khoai Lang Tay (potato) and Thuy Trieu Do (red tide) took home fourth prizes, and Hai Dang and the army band Quan Khu 4 won consolation prizes.
Cuoc Song (life) picked up the award for the most promising group and Lazze Dolls won the award for the best all-female band.
Nguyen Trung Dong was judged the best trumpet player, Duong Dinh Tuyen Duc the best guitarist, and Dang Quang Vy the best bass guitarist.
There was also an award for the best drum set, which went to Dong Doi.
On May 13 in Ho Chi Minh City, the two first-prize winners will vie with four bands from Singapore, France, Italia and Romania for the Grand Prix and US$5,000 in cash. The next best band will win US$3,000 and the others US$1,000 each just for appearing.
