BOSNIA: Artists from Iraq, the UAE, Jordan and Kuwait prepare to participate in Sarajevo's first oriental music festival

Record ID: 868945

  • Title: BOSNIA: Artists from Iraq, the UAE, Jordan and Kuwait prepare to participate in Sarajevo's first oriental music festival
  • Date: 29th September 2005
  • Summary: THREE SINGERS FROM KUWAIT PASSING BY SOUVENIR SHOPS IN OLD PART OF SARAJEVO TRIO FROM KUWAIT LOOKING AT SHOP WINDOWS (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) MESK, YOUNG SINGER FROM KUWAIT, SAYING: "Whoever wins, wins. We hope everyone does well. Even if we do not win, we wish those who do all the best of luck.." (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) SHOUG, SINGER FROM KUWAIT, SAYING: "..so it does not matt
  • Embargoed: 14th October 2005 13:00
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  • Topics: International Relations,Arts / Culture / Entertainment / Showbiz
  • Reuters ID: LVADP3Y29SUHG0031EYXLYWERKKR
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  • Story Text: Artists from 18 countries have gathered in Sarajevo to participate in the first 'World Oriental Music Festival' which will be held on September
    The young talents, which include artists from Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait began arriving in the city on Tuesday (September 27) to do last minute rehearsal ahead of the competition.
    Rayan, an Iraqi singer who will be performing at the festival, said that for him the festival represents hope for his own country which has been hit by violence since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion to topple Saddam Hussein.
    "The objective is not winning. I am here to represent my country, Iraq, in a festival which is taking place for the first time in this country since the end of the war. We hope, God willing, to see the same positive change in our country, and we will congratulate whoever wins," said Rayan.
    The festival aims to combine oriental and western music, creating a unique mix of tunes, from singers, musicians and dancers from around the world.
    "The festival links western and eastern cultures in a place which is located in the Middle of Europe," said Dina Abu Hamdan, Choreographer for Jordanian singer Amer Al Khaffash.
    A jury will be present at the festival and with the help of TV-voting, a winner will be picked.
    But most artists said they were simply delighted to be in Sarajevo.
    "This is the first time that I participate in this. I am happy to be in Sarajevo," said Adel Al Khomais, singer from the United Arab Emirates.
    "Whoever wins, wins. We hope everyone does well. Even if we do not win, we wish those who do all the best of luck.." said Mesk, part of the Kuwaiti trio performing at the festival.
    "What is important is that we met everyone and that we saw Sarajevo," added Shoug, another one of the Kuwaiti trio.
    The festival will be broadcast to all countries whose representatives will participate in the contest. Organisers say that more than 300 million people are expected to watch the event live on television.
    Other countries participating include Bahrain, Iran, Tunisia, Lebanon, Indonesia, Pakistan, Serbia and Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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