Labourers win big in singing contest

Dubai: Workers have won cash, gold and air tickets as part of the annual Western Union "Camp ka Champ" (Champ of the Camp) singing contest in Dubai.

Mustakkim Shaikh won Dh35,000 cash for winning the du "Singer of the Season" tiltle in the contest, which recently concluded its ninth season.

The competition is hugely popular with labourers from the Indian subcontinent, who take part in individual and group tiers, by singing songs in Hindi and Urdu.

Shaikh, from Voltas Dubai company, said: “By being part of Western Union Camp ka Champ, I got the break I needed to change my life forever. I came to the UAE with massive responsibilities on my shoulders, but this is the land of opportunities and I now know that at any time, anything can happen.”

He was crowned champ in front of an audience of 4,000 labourers in the Jiwin Accommodation premises in Muhaisanah.

Introduced this year by the contest organiser Right Track Advertising, the Singer of the Season aims to offer an additional platform to individual singers to showcase their talent during the contest.

“As an Emirati business, our responsibility is to all of the people of the UAE, which is why we are offering various communities several platforms upon which they can showcase their talents and shine,” said Hala Badri, executive vice-president, Brand and Communication, du.

Meanwhile, the title for the Antakshari Contest was won, amidst stiff competition between four teams, by the duo Tayyab Tahir and Deepak Sharma from Salam City, Abu Dhabi.

“The contest has connected the two of us and our families back home. We came to UAE with some goals in mind and we dared together to dream to achieve them. We would like to thank the organisers and sponsors for giving us this opportunity and creating the memories of a lifetime,” said Tahir.

The winning team of the Antakshari contest was awarded gold worth Dh35,000 and electronics from Geepas. Air tickets from Air Arabia were awarded to all four teams.

Marc Aubry, Western Union vice-president, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe and CIS, said: “As another successful season comes to a close, we are very proud that we have been able to bring yet again, some fun and excitement to the participants and the thousands of supporters.”

Rupa Vinod, managing director, Right Track Advertising, added: “Sponsors and participating companies of repute have wholeheartedly supported this CSR initiative in a big way to nurture and reward these residents who are the heart and soul of UAE.”