Sultan Bin Ahmed graces shows by Sharjah Munshid finalists

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, awarded Yahya Nadi from Egypt, with the title of the 14th edition of Sharjah Munshid programme, held at Al Majaz Amphitheatre on Sunday, 25th December. Taking the second place spot, Abdullah Al Omari from Lebanon was awarded for his stellar performance, and Muhammad Al Wafi Idris from Libya took home the third place award.

Contestants from 12 Arab countries competed for the prestigious Sharjah Munshid title and the top six qualified for the final evening of the popular competition, organised by Sharjah TV, a channel produced by the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority (SBA). The winner of the Sharjah Munshid title received an incredible cash prize of Dhs200,000, while the runners-up received equally impressive amounts of Dh100,000 and Dh75,000 for second and third place.

Before announcing the winner of the Sharjah Munshid title, the attendees were presented by a number of performances from the top-six finalists, who won the admiration of the jury members by the level of their skills and showmanship, their abilities to switch between anasheeds and melodies and their exquisite choice of lyrics and tunes. The jury members composed of Tunisian artist Lotfi Bouchnak, Egyptian artist Mahmoud Al Tohamy, and Emirati Munshid Ambassador Ahmed Bukhatir, lauded the contestants' performances as they portrayed the beauty of this art form to the public, with all its beautiful messages and values.

At the end of the final night, Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, honoured the sponsors who support the programme with the "Sharjah Munshid" shields, Sharjah Asset Management, Sharjah Media City (Shams), and Sharjah Cooperative Society. The guest performer for the night, Humood AlKhudher, a Kuwaiti singer and music producer famous for albums such as ‘Fekra’, ‘Aseer Ahsan’, ‘Matha Ba’d?’ and the acclaimed release ‘Ya Rajaee’; mesmerised the audience with a selection of his most famous songs.

The Sharjah Munshid programme, which attracts more viewers every year, has served as a launch pad for the musical careers of several exceptional young vocal talents since its debut edition in 2006, under the directives His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The competition aims to continuously enhance the arts and empower those who communicate a powerful message that reflects the authentic values of Arab culture.

The closing ceremony of the Sharjah Munshid, along with the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, was attended by: Sheikh Saud Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi as CEO of the real estate in Sharjah Asset Management, Khamis Bin Salem Al Suwaidi, Adviser at His Highness Sharjah Ruler's Office, Jamal Salim Al Turaifi. President of Al Qasimia University, and Dr. Khalid Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Media City (Shams), Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, Tariq Saeed Allay Director General, Sharjah Government Media Bureau, and a number of senior officials and media professionals.

According to an earlier report, after the second round of finals to determine who goes through to compete for the coveted Sharjah Munshid title, three of the finalists were eliminated, leaving the top six to bring their very best to the grand finals at Al Majaz Amphitheatre on Sunday 25th December. The finalists competing for the 14th edition of the Sharjah Munshid title include Yahya Nadi from Egypt, Muhammad Al-Masha'leh from Jordan, Issa Shammout from Syria, Abdullah Al Omari from Lebanon, Muhammad Al Rifai from Iraq, and Muhammad Al Wafi Idris from Libya.

The guest appearance for the night, The Al Turath music band, led by Mustafa Hamdou, who was the winner of the fourth edition of the Sharjah Munshid, mesmerised the audience with a selection of Anashids and well received heritage songs. During the enthralling musical night, the contestants' abilities and capabilities illuminated the stage after receiving intensive training throughout the competition which enabled them to deliver captivating performances utilising various traditional Inshad styles.

Commenting on the second finals night, Najm Eldein Hashim, Executive Producer of Sharjah Munshid, said: "Due to the unwavering support and directives of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and His Highness's interest in this programme as an activity that promotes good values, the Sharjah Munshid continues its successful journey which is supported by the huge turnout at Al Majaz Amphitheatre and the wide following from around the world."