Morocco’s Mouad Boukiod Wins ‘Sharjah Munshid’ Competition

Morocco’s Mouad Boukiod has been crowned champion of the of 11th edition of ‘Sharjah Munshid,’ by Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Council.

The young singer has taken the title of the internationally-acclaimed talent competition dedicated to the Islamic ‘nasheed’ music genre, after securing maximum votes from the judges as well as the public, during the competition’s grand finale, which was hosted at the Al Majaz Amphitheatre in Sharjah, and organised by Sharjah TV, an affiliate of Sharjah Media Corporation.

Lokman Skender from Algeria followed, becoming the first runner-up, while Tunisia’s Nefaa Ayed was named second runner-up. These winners were chosen at the end of a close competition characterised by top-quality performances by all seven finalists, including, Adel Al Asadi from Saudi Arabia, Ibrahim Al Kayali from Jordan, Mohammad Shaeer from Egypt, and Mohammed Naqshabandi from Syria. On the judging panel were munshid Mahmoud Al Tahami from Egypt, and Emirati munshids Ahmad Bu Khater and Osama Al Safi.

“This is the second year in a row that a vocal talent from Morocco has claimed the Munshid title, which reflects the great strength of the country in this traditional musical genre. In its 11-year journey, Sharjah Munshid has received international acclaim for its role in discovering unique ‘Inshad’ talents in the Arab region and the world, and for offering them a platform to hone their skill, receive training and compete before a prestigious regional jury,” said Najmuddin Hashim, executive producer of the programme.

Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and humanitarian, Sami Yusuf, enthralled crowds with a spectacular musical performance of his most well-known songs and instrumental pieces with his band.

Past winners of the Sharjah Munshid, Yaseen Lash’hab, who won the 10th edition, and Nazar Al Shayeb, the Jordanian munshid who secured second place in the contest’s 2016 edition, joined this year’s ‘Munshid’ by performing live at the ceremony ahead of the grand finale.

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi accompanied by HE Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of Sharjah Media Corporation, honoured the contest’s sponsors and supporters, including, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; Sharjah International Airport, Fast Building Contracting Company; Sharjah Cooperative Society; and the Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort and Spa.