SHAMAL is a competition for unsigned rock bands based in and around the Middle East to enter and hopefully among many other prizes, win the privilege of opening as the first performance of The Dubai Desert Rock Festival each year. SHAMAL 2006 is the 2nd annual competition and a free entry event to be held on the 15th of December, 2006 at the Dubai Country Club from 6pm until 11pm with a special guest band: Nervecell.
The competition commences at 6pm where 8 bands will be competing. Each band will play 2 songs and the judges will choose 3 bands, which will perform one more song for the concluding round. While the judges make their decisions and tally up the numbers, Nervecell will perform for 30 minutes. The winner will walk away with 3 years record contract with Creative Kingdome U.S.A, a Music Video done by Zee Arabia, a Reality Show sponsored by Zee Arabia and finally the opening spot for Dubai Desert Rock Festival 2007.
SHAMAL is a full supporter of the HIV/AIDS cause and has joined hands with Durex to educate and create the awareness amongst the youth of today. Ms. Irina Sharma, spokesperson for Durex said, “As the world’s leading condom brand, Durex has a responsibility to help promote good sexual health and to play our part in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. Durex is committed to working with event management companies such as Centre Stage Management (CSM) to help raise awareness of good sexual health, promote a ‘prevention not cure’ ethics and to educate people about the importance of consistent condom use. Today, 39.5 million are living with HIV/AIDS. This year alone, AIDS has already claimed the lives of almost three million people and the virus has newly infected a further 4.3 million.”
Last years band winners were Dubai band, Mannikind. This years, SHAMAL 2006 Finalists consist of bands flying in from far and wide; DAVINCI – EGYPT,
POINT OF VIEW – DUBAI, PIN DROP VIOLENCE – INDIA, JUNKYARD GROOVE - INDIA, GORTHALL – DUBAI, HYDROPHOBIA – DUBAI, WASTED LAND - SAUDI ARABIA, WHIMAGON – IRAN
