Youth get on the mic

Dubai: The Global Youth Empowering Movement (GYEM) hosted its first open microphone night, drawing crowds of Dubai's youth onto the stage at the GYEM centre in Dubai Festival City last week.

Modelled on US themes of open microphone, also know as open mic nights, acts signed up on the spot to showcase a live art form during their five minute allocated slot.

"The idea is the open mic is a unique night for noble forms of expression," said GYEM co-founder Seaon Shin. "What you express makes up what you are and nobler expression makes you a nobler person."

However, of the 20-something performers who signed up for the two hour event, most were aspiring artists showcasing their musical talents.

Acts which strayed from the majority of singers and bands were a piano player and spoken word artist, Sonya Shadravan.

"Usually when we have an open mic in the US it's hard to find anything else but spoken word, so this was something completely inverse to what I'm used to," said Shadravan, who is also a core member on GYEM's workshop development committee.

Safe space

The open mic nights will be a monthly event held in the third week of every month. It is essentially meant to provide a safe space for youth to voice their passions.

"We are open to different kinds of expression but are essentially hoping to provide a safe community space where the youth can come together," said Shadravan. "A place where they feel safe sharing things other than the generic entertainment projected on them by the media."

Word of the open mic night spread entirely on social networking websites, Facebook and Twitter, which yielded a response of almost 150 youth visitors throughout the night's proceedings.

Organisers Juline Karadag, Shikha Kalia, Hussain Badri, Meet Doshi and Shin worked tirelessly to set up the venue, and get spot lights and food sponsored by Dubai Festival City. However, their efforts paid off as the turnout exceeded expectations.

"It went really well above any expectations we had," said Shin. "Our last event, open youth night had a turn out of 65 youths."

However, as the word spreads GYEM is set to become a force to be reckoned with amongst Dubai's youth.

"I was born in Dubai and this is the first time I've found something like GYEM," said 21-year-old performer Ezi. "It's really cool and I look forward to getting active in their future events."

New year, fresh start

The GYEM's first event for the New Year will be an intensive workshop designed to engage youth in a process of introspection, reflection and action to empower them to put their passions to service through community service projects.

When: Friday, January 7 to Saturday January 8.

Sign up @: www.facebook.com/TheGYEM or www.thegyem.org