Sharjah TV's vocal chanting competition, Munshid Al Sharjah, has announced it will start auditions for its 15th event next month. Running from September 2 to 23, it will start in Saudi Arabia, before travelling through Oman, Jordan, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt and, lastly, the UAE.
The largest event of its kind, Munshid Al Sharjah offers a unique opportunity for aspiring "munshids", or chanters specialising in the Islamic musical form known as "anashid".
Competitors from across the Arab world will be judged by a panel, which usually includes two previous winners. After being shortlisted, they will travel to Sharjah for training – culminating in a live broadcast of their final performances over three nights at Al Majaz Amphitheatre in December.
Executive producer Najm Al Dine Hashem tells The National: "As the 15th edition, this milestone is significant, as it's the world's first of its kind." Not only is the show popular, he says, but has even been the subject of a PhD dissertation by researchers at the University of Rome.
"With each season, the programme brings new energy and beginnings. This upcoming season promises to be exceptional, building on the successes of the past," he adds.
The season's previous winner, Egyptian performer Yahya Nadi, was awarded Dh200,000. Last month, he released a duet with his brother, Bahaa El Din Nadi, titled Ya Marakibi (O Boat Captain). The lyrics express a desire to embark on a journey to perform the Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages to Makkah – two significant religious activities in Islam.
Those unable to attend an audition in person can submit an online application by sharing a video that should include a three-minute performance of either a nasheed or mawwal at www.munshidsharjah.ae. Participants must be aged between 18 and 35.
Audition dates and times
Saudi Arabia: Advanced Schools, Qortoba District, Riyadh, September 2
Oman: Sohar University, Sohar, September 5
Jordan: Kaloti Development Center, Amman, September 9
Morocco: Sofitel Hotel, Rabat, September 13
Algeria: Dar Al Quran Sheikh Ahmed Sahnoun, Algiers, September 16
Egypt: Civil Education Centre, Al-Jazeera, Cairo, September 20
UAE: Sharjah Broadcasting Authority Headquarters, September 23
List of UAE medal winners
Gold
Faisal Al Ketbi (Open weight and 94kg)
Talib Al Kirbi (69kg)
Omar Al Fadhli (56kg)
Silver
Zayed Al Kaabi (94kg)
Khalfan Belhol (85kg)
Zayed Al Mansoori (62kg)
Mouza Al Shamsi (49kg women)
Bronze
Yahia Mansour Al Hammadi (Open and 94kg)
Saood Al Hammadi (77kg)
Said Al Mazroui (62kg)
Obaid Al Nuaimi (56kg)
Bashayer Al Matrooshi (62kg women)
Reem Abdulkareem (45kg women)
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
Remaining fixtures
- August 29 – UAE v Saudi Arabia, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
- September 5 – Iraq v UAE, Amman, Jordan (venue TBC)
Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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