The Dubai Shopping Festival Office (DSFO), an agency of the Department of Economic Development and organizers of Dubai Summer Surprises, honoured the young members of the African Children’s Choir and organised an evening of entertainment for the group at Modhesh World on Saturday, July 25.
Watched by hundreds of visitors including Laila Suhail, CEO of the Dubai Shopping Festival Office, the choir put on a spectacular performance as audiences applauded the efforts of the young children.
Through its performance, the Choir, which is an ambassador for Africa’s neediest, most vulnerable children, once again proudly proclaimed to all that its members, like the millions of abandoned and traumatized children in Africa, have beauty, dignity and unlimited potential.
Laila Suhail said, “Dubai Summer Surprise is all about spreading summer cheer and happiness. Modhesh, our mascot is known as the ‘Ambassador of Smiles’. These children are taking forward his message and spreading smiles in their own lives and of others like them. We are delighted to bring the African Children’s Choir to Dubai Summer Surprises and Modhesh World. We not only hope to entertain visitors with their outstanding performance but put forth a clear message to audiences.”
Twenty three children, aged between just six and nine years, held the attention of the packed Modhesh Theatre, performing in picture perfect synchronization to music played on drums by three of the choir members.
Following their stunning performance the children were given goodie bags by Laila Suhail and then moved on to the Giant Playroom Area where the Ambassador of Smiles, Modhesh, was waiting to entertain the entertainers themselves.
An exciting performance by Modhesh and his colourful friends had the children smiling and laughing. “He has the biggest smile in the whole world. I love him and I wish I could sit on the Pirates’ Ship with him!” exclaimed Pretty, who is part of the choir as she came off the stage after meeting Modhesh. Before their performance the children had had an adventurous time trying out the different rides at the Fun Fair.”
All the children engaged with full gusto at the Pillow Party which followed Modhesh’s performance. “This is very exciting. I want to do this again!” said Moussa as he unwillingly left the Giant Playroom. His smile returned when he found that he and his friends would be having dinner with Modhesh.
The children were surprised and could barely contain their excitement as they found Modhesh branded school bags placed on their seats. DSF Office staff sat amongst the children and had dinner with them.
“We wanted the children to have a wonderful day today and take back Modhesh’s smile when they return. Having them here is not just for entertaining our audiences but supporting them to support themselves and others like them,” said Laila Suhail at the end of the exciting evening.
To date over seven hundred vulnerable children have been through the Choir program and the funds they have generated have provided the opportunity of education and hope for many thousands like them in some of the most desperate and needy areas of Africa.
The African Children’s Choir™ performed in Dubai Festival City, Arabian Centre, and Modhesh World, and will perform in Dubai Mall on July 27 and 28, Dubai Marina Mall on July 29 and 30, Deira City Centre on July 31 and Aug 1, and Mercato on Aug 2 and Aug 3.
Show timings are 6:00pm / 07:30pm / 09:00pm from Saturdays to Wednesday, and 06:30pm / 08:00pm / 09:30pm on Thursday and Fridays. To experience the song, dance and energy of these incredible children, review the DSS calendar of events for a concert near you.
