Morocco’s Hamza Labyad wins the latest edition of ‘the Voice Kids’ on MBC1 and ‘MBC Masr’
Hamza Labyad from Morocco has been named the winner of 2018’s ‘the Voice Kids’, in an edition of the entertainment programme on MBC1 and “MBC Masr” that has garnered high television ratings and generated a large following via social media. Aged just 10, Labyad - who was coached by singing superstar and one of show’s judges, Kadim Al-Sahir - captivated the hearts of audiences all over the region since his first appearance on stage. Iraqi singer, composer and songwriter Al-Sahir has now enjoyed mentoring two winning contestants, two seasons in a row after also emerging victorious in the series debut in 2016.
Six talented contestants made up Season Two’s grand finale: Nour Wissam and Achrakat Ahmad - part of Egyptian singer and judge Tamer Hosny’s team; Loujay Almasrahy and Georges Assi - part of Lebanese singer and judge Nancy Ajram’s team; and of course, Labyad, along with Mariah Qahtan on ‘Team Kadim’. The three coaches praised all the contestants who took part in this series, with a special acknowledgment to those who made to the semi-finals and finals.
Following his win, Labyad has walked away with several prizes, including a VIP family trip to Disneyland(r) Paris, where he will be shooting his very own music video for the new Disney Princess song, “Eish Al-Hekaya”, given the English title: “Live Your Life”. This is part of an exclusive partnership between ‘The Voice Kids’ and Disney.
He’s also received a SR 200,000 scholarship; a family trip to London courtesy of WEGO and a contract with Platinum Records.
Live finale
Televised live from MBC Group’s studios in Beirut, Lebanon, the six finalists performed a number of songs, including “Eish Al-Hekaya”, as part of a special partnership with Disney.
There was also a special appearance by ‘the Voice Kids’ Season One winner, Lynn el-Hayek, who performed her brand-new song “Aam Bekbar” [I’m Getting Older].
All three coaches praised the finalists for their efforts throughout the competition and that they were all walking away winners. As per the public votes, Egypt’s Ahmad and Saudi Arabia’s Almasrahy were named the runners-up before Labyad was crowned the winner.
Press conference
Following the live finale and crowning of the winner, “MBC Group” held a post-event press conference at its Beirut studios. Joining the three coaches - Al-Sahir, Ajram and Hosny - was Mazen Hayek, MBC Group’s Official Spokesman, along with Labyad and his parents, who thanked the programme for the “wonderful experience” their son has taken part in.
On his part, Al-Sahir - who oversaw the coaching of Labyad from the beginning of the season - expressed his joy at one of his team members winning for the second consecutive season, stressing that all the contestants are winners.
“Our children [in the Arab world] are immensely creative,” he said. “We need to continue discovering their talents and culture - despite our current turbulent times in the region. “I started my career as a school teacher and therefore consider working with children both fun and an important responsibility. It reminds me of my early days in the art and entertainment world.”
Meanwhile, winner Labyad told the attending media that he was hoping for a win since the beginning of the programme, even though the remaining finalists had “very strong and distinctive voices”. He went on to thank AlSahir for his commitment on the show, especially for responding for his desire to meet the iconic Syrian tenor singer Sabah Fakhri. Additionally, the 10-year-old winner thanked fans of the programme and those who voted.
“Children should be able to be taught and study [the Arts],” noted Labyad. “Programmes like this offers the opportunity for them to choose.”
A message of hope
During the conference, Mazen Hayek stated that the second season of ‘the Voice Kids’ has garnered more success than the previous season, stating: “The exceptional talent made it impossible to predict who would emerge the winner, in addition to the fact that the first season was somewhat of an introduction to the programme in the region.
“For Season Two, viewers have been following it from the very beginning.”
He also went on to state that the programme goes beyond just a singing completion for children in a region that’s affected by wars, displacement and insecurity.
“These kids are doves of peace amidst a storm of war, extremism and human suffering,” he continued. “I urge that we use platforms like that of ‘the Voice Kids’ to spread love, tolerance and peace - and not racism or divisiveness. We need to bring hope to our children.”
Superstar Coach Kadim Al-Sahir scores his second victory in a row
Star coaches congratulate contestants
Lebanese singer Ajram praised all the young contestants for their participation, commenting: “I wish that life in the Arab world was like that of the experiences on ‘the Voice Kids’ because it is innocent and pure. The goal of the show is to bring happiness to the participants and viewers.”
Meanwhile, third coach Hosny confessed he knew Labyad was a hot favourite to win, stating: “He has a fantastic voice. And I have been saying this from the very beginning. “The programme teaches kids the meaning of will and ambition, and strengthens their sense of challenge, which we need more of in the region. But most importantly, we train them without losing a sense of fun, despite it being a competition.”