Zippo Encore Arabia winners announced

Kicksound and Jad Ghazal declared winners on 14th May at Mo*Vida gig

Dubai 15th May 2014: Zippo Encore Arabia, the exciting search for unsigned musical talent in the UAE, culminated at a live gig at Mo*Vida on the 14th of May declaring the band Kicksound as the English winner, and Jad Ghazal as the Arabic winner. The two winners have also been announced on www.zippoencorearabia.com.  The judges were also blown away by Josh Monteath and gave him a special mention at the end of the gig as best live performance of the night

20 exciting finalists made the cut and performed live in front of influential members of the media and the music industry, along with the judges who were thoroughly impressed with the quality of entries.

“I have worked with many aspiring musicians in the UAE and it’s wonderful to see all these talented individuals come forward to show off their original music. This is a great way to get their music heard and encourage other amateur musicians to put their music out there.” said Elvis Garagic, one of the judges and Music Producer at Soundstruck Studios, Dubai.

Soul singer Rouba said, “It is always a challenge to get your music heard by others especially if you don’t have the right platforms or good mentors to guide you. Zippo Encore Arabia has provided these talented young musicians with an incredible opportunity to be heard.”

The prestigious panel of six judges comprising David Warfel, Global Marketing Director of Zippo; Niktoin, the UAE rock band who won last year’s Battle of the Bands; Colombian music sensation Fatiniza; Lebanese soul singer Rouba; Radio One DJ Dany Neville and local music producer Elvis Garagic of Soundstruck Studios were all present for the crowning of the eventual winners.   

Judges Nikotin, Rouba and Fatiniza also put up exciting acoustic performances that entertained guests and inspired the finalists.  The event was attended by dozens of Dubai’s music influencers, including producers and event organisers, along with a wide variety of local media titles.

Kicksound and Jad Ghazal will now have their performances broadcast on the Zippo Facebook page and YouTube channels where thousands of people will get to watch their creative musical talents.