This issue of Tempo is full of stars, change agents and news-makers!
We’re pleased to feature CNN anchors John Defterios and Becky Anderson on the cover of Tempo. They are not only good friends, but inspiring leaders in our community and beyond. As someone who’s very first job was as reporter (I later on to become bureau chief of Gulf News and correspondent for international media), I jumped at the opportunity to cover Journalism Day at CNN for Tempo readers. It is my unwavering belief that no career grounds you for life, quite as journalism. It instills values such as fairness, ethics and social engagement, and builds professional skills such as research, accuracy and curiosity. I say, consider yourself blessed if you start your career as a journalist! Thank you Becky and John for giving insight and advice to journalism students, and thank you CNN for making Tempo part of the special day!
This month we met the incomparable Malala, a young girl with a giant persona. Malala perfectly embodies the power of one to make a difference; to shift social change and to make our world a better place. I was taken in by Malala’s energy; her eloquence and the mature way she embraces her role as global change-maker. Read also the review of the exciting new documentary by Image Nation that seeks to facilitate a powerful conversation on empowerment and education. Go see the film, it hits cinemas this month.
Another inspirational news-maker is Darin, the soulful Swedish popstar that we met at a private concert at the Swedish ambassador’s residence. What resonated with us was not his commercial success (when you hear his voice, you realize how inevitable that is), but his warmth and humility. We love his personal story: the son of Kurdish immigrants, the Swede speaks with pride about his roots, his family and his adopted country. Read about our encounter with him, and watch the video.
We loved interviewing Blue – who can forget the mega pop hit All Rise? – and are happy to be organizing a fan competition for their concert tickets this month. And speaking of involvement, we’re thrilled to have the UAE’s celebrity DJ Saif – of Saif and Sound – joining Tempo’s team, to present his perspective of the music scene. Welcome aboard Saif!
No issue of Tempo is quite complete without our amazing contributors, and our own social change makers. We have the Protect the Fighters brigade out of the American Community School, and our own Imagination Mike who is supporting artists through our new initiative ‘Art Love’ and launching a super-movement to get everyone making, creating and recycling.
Tempo is excited to be supporting the #WhyILoveUAE short film competition by Image Nation, that is powered by The Smovies and run in collaboration with VOX Cinemas. The short film competition invites everyone to shoot short films, one minute long each, on life in the UAE. If you haven’t already, start working on your film – you can even use your mobile phone to shoot it! Just get involved, and be part of the creative and social fabric of the nation – and show your love for the UAE!
Whatever it is, love what you do and do it well,
Spread kindness and harmony.
Sana Bagersh
