SABAH CHAMPIONS AT NASYID FESTIVAL

WINNER ......Zara Group, winner of Modern Nasyid Category and Best Overall Group Performance for 22nd edition of National Nasyid Festival.

By : M. IZHAM B. HASHIM

SABAH nasyid group, Zara emerged champions for the modern nasyid category, while Zinnirah from Selangor won the traditional competition after both teams showcased a stunning display of talent during the 22nd National Nasyid Festival in Kota Kinabalu, recently.

A total of 10 finalists with 5 teams each competing in the traditional and modern categories were the main highlights as nasyid contestants presented a dazzling array of performances before a lively home crowd who gathered to watch the competition at Dewan Saadah, Wisma MUIS.

Champions from both categories each received a RM10, 000 cash prize, trophies and certificates awarded by the Sabah Head of State, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin who was also the guest of honour at the event.

Sabah nasyid teams presented a strong performance throughout the competition. Strong local favorites, Zara captivated the home crowd with their song “Destinasi“ which also won the Rm3,000 cash prize for the best group performance.

Another local group, Muhammad emerged runners-up after Selangor who were champions for the traditional nasyid category. Winners from the statewide ethnic nasyid competition which included KadazanDusun and Bajau nasyid groups also made a special appearance and performed two songs in their own languages.

“Firstly, we are grateful to Allah for delivering this victory and also none of this is possible without the commitment and support coming from our families, organizers and our own team members,” Zara team member, Santiana Ramli,20 told reporters during a press conference after the event.

This year, Sabah hosted 22nd edition of the national nasyid festival for the first time, which was traditionally held in the national capital.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Jamil Khir Baharom, Minister in the Chief Ministers Department Datuk Seri Nasir Tun Sakaran, Director-General of the Malaysian Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM) Datuk Othman Mustapha and Director of Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAINS) Datuk Amri Suratman were among the dignitaries who attended the event at Wisma MUIS. (Insight Sabah)