At least seven of the 10 contestants from different expatriate communities in Qatar qualified for the first elimination round of the “Battle of the Voice” nationwide singing contest held recently at Parco Mall in Mansoura.
Leslie Viloria, one of the organisers, told Gulf Times that an Algerian, a Georgian, a Pakistani a Kenyan and three Filipinos have “made it to the actual battle”.
The next elimination rounds will be held on September 13, 20 and 27 (all Fridays) at the same venue from 7pm to 9pm.
For the semi-finals and grand final, the organisers want to stage the event in a Doha hotel.
“The nationwide search aims to unite different nationalities in one passion – and that is music,” she said. The auditions started last month and the singing competition is open to people of all nationalities (15 years and above).
The singing contest is looking for Qatar’s best singers, songwriters and vocalists. “It is open to all genres and participants can perform either covers or original songs,” she said. Viloria also said two foreign judges, Glen Henderson and Danielle Pascoe, screened the first 10 expatriates.
While the competition offers cash prizes for the two categories, it also gives contestants the chance to perform live in front of a huge crowd, including music and entertainment industry bigwigs.
“It gives you plenty of important opportunities to showcase your talent, including QF Radio, the regional press and celebrity judges,” she added.
Organised by the Hauz of Events and Hanan Video, “Battle of the Voice” is looking for talented individuals who also want to become recording artistes. It is also urging young singers to join the auditions in the children’s category.
Viloria had earlier brought to Qatar three of the most popular Filipino singers – Philippines’ king of acoustic pop Nyoy Volante, hit songmaker Juris Fernandez and the country’s acoustic princess, Princess Velasco – who enthralled thousands of Filipino expatriates in live performances in April.
Known local performers and bands were also given the chance to join the singers on stage. “The most effective way to embrace one’s heart and soul is to communicate through quality music,” she added. Her group also mulls holding similar concerts in other GCC countries such as Bahrain, bringing some of the best artistes from the Philippines.
She stressed that many of the concerts they hold caters not only to Filipinos but to everyone, even nationals.
It is learnt that many companies are keen to sponsor events like these due to the growing number of expatriates in the country. Watching concerts and entertainment shows have become a favourite pastime during their weekly offs.
By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter
