Crowd of 4,000 roars on the Pakistani and Indian singers who rocked Camp Ka Champ
▶ Workers each win Dh35,000 in cash and gold prizes at talent contest
There were roars of delight as a Pakistani collection agent won the first prize of Dh35,000 in cash at the annual Camp Ka Champ talent contest in Dubai.
Ijaz Khwaja, 30, who works for Majid Al Futtaim, was named singer of the season at the competition.
He captured the hearts and minds of almost 4,000 who had been bused in from across the UAE for the show on Thursday at the Nuzul Property workers’ compound in Jebel Ali.
“I feel incredible. I rehearsed every morning and didn’t feel any pressure until I was singing in the final,” said Mr Khwaja, who had the crowds on their feet dancing throughout his performances.
“I am honoured and humbled to win this award and it is such an amazing feeling.”
Mr Khwaja was not alone on the winners’ podium.
Two Indian colleagues walked off with Dh35,000 worth of gold for their success in the antaksahri competition.
The contest tested knowledge and speed, as well as their singing talents.
The two winners were teleclerk Suheb Abdulrazak, 25, and pipe maker Krishna Devkumargond, 25, who work for Emirates Stevedoring in Ras Al Khaimah.
“This is the best moment of my life,” Mr Abdulrazak said. “I am a singer and I have been working here for the past four years.
“But I could never have dreamt to have a stage like this in front of so many people.”
He and Mr Devkumargond put their success down to the efforts of their colleague Ahamed Sulaiman, a welfare and corporate social responsibility officer with Emirates Stevedoring.
They described Mr Sulaiman as their coach and mentor.
“He kept the pressure on us and showed us the way,” Mr Abdulrazak said. “It has certainly paid off now.”
Rupa Vinod, managing director of event organiser Right Track Advertising, was delighted with how the evening unfolded and said it was a privilege to organise.
“It means so much to the people to be able to show everyone they have dreams and aspirations too,” Ms Vinod said.
“We wanted to showcase their talent to the world and I think we have done that tonight.”
I have been working here for four years but I could never have dreamt to have a stage in front of so many people SUHEB ABDULRAZAK Joint gold prize winner