The Dream Players is officially declaring the rappers Khalipha + Ayman B as the winners of their sixth season of the popular grass-roots talent competition. The duo performed four original hip-hop songs and were joined on stage by their friend Ahmed Mekki. All three are students from the American University of Sharjah, who perform and create music in their spare time.
The Dream Players, which took place during the first ever Abu Dhabi International MotorBike Show, organized by iProduction, featured 14 competitors, of which nine were female singers, three were male singers, and two were groups.
Khalipha + Ayman B won the competition, which was scored based on judges decisions and public votes, with their performance of three original hip hop songs. Contestants were chosen after an audition process that took place weeks before the show.
The Dream Players has staged six competitions since the talent platform was established in 2011 by BrandMoxie, a leading marketing company based in the UAE. The Dream Players aims to recognize emerging talent and provide a stepping-stone for performers to progress their careers professionally. Sana Bagersh, CEO of BrandMoxie and Executive Producer of Dream Players reiterated the importance of recognizing and nurturing local talent, “We were impressed with the calibre of talent this season. I believe that the vocals from the women singers were exceptional this season, and we were delighted to see some of the talent creating their own songs. We hope the Dream Players provides a grass roots impetus for creativity, in all its forms, to flourish.”
Judging was conducted by Eve, radio presenter for Dubai’s 104.8 Channel 4; Michelle Nickelson, Managing Director of MENA CineFinance, SPC; Sadiece Holland, Founder and Executive Producer of How We Flex; and Nerses Sanassian, a professional audio engineer. The show was emceed by local DJ Paul “D” Dorian.
“The Dream Players is a much needed platform in the UAE. Like The FLEX it gives emerging and aspiring talent a change to express their creativity and share their talent with the potential fans. I was pleasantly surprised with this years talent and set up,’ said Holland. Sanassian said of the show, “The competition truly was a platform for musicians of all ages and backgrounds to showcase their talent. Each act brought great showmanship to the stage beyond the level you would expect from amateur musicians. It was a wonderful forum to discover new music and musicians of Abu Dhabi. Well done!”
“It’s always fun to be involved as a judge and see the up and coming as well as established talent here in the UAE. Some amazing lady singers from the US Southern states. I thought the level of talent was very good,” said returning judge Nickelson. The winners are awarded four hours of studio recording time from sound studio White Cube, a professional resume by BrandMoxie, and other prizes.
THE WINNER- Khalipha + Ayman B feata
The winner: Khalipha + Ayman B feat. Ahmed Mekki
