TV Weekly

Mustafa has 'something different' up his sleeve

March 17 - 23, 2010
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DRUMMER Mustafa El Hajj will strum a unique beat during his live performance in Talent Trail 2010 screened tonight on Bahrain TV's Channel 55.

The 14-year old St Christopher School pupil is hoping to enthrall viewers with sounds from his Arabic tabla or traditional drums.

He said: "No one else I knew was playing the tabla in the contest. I feel the judges and voting viewers will be able to witness something different ... something that I am sure everyone will enjoy."

'Tufa', as he is endearingly called by family and friends, feels his passion for drumming is the result of his father's love for football.

He said: "I remember as a child watching my father beat on the tabla while watching a game, shouting in glee and supporting his team.

"This is what inspired me the most to take a deep interest in tabla and percussions at large. My mother tells me that as a child I used to strum on just about any surface I found."

Four years ago, Tufa took the hobby to a more serious note by participating in competitions.

Born in England to Lebanese parents, Ali El Hajj, 49, McDonald's fast food general manager, and Manar, 42, a housewife. The family now live in Jannusan and Tufa has a sister Zainab, 12.

The drummer boy took the 'best percussionist' award during the recent Young Musicians of the Gulf competition. His school music teacher came up from the audience on to the stage and hugged him when first place was announced. "Mr Wong came up to me and said 'you made me proud'. It was the best moment in my life!"

Tufa also told how his father, who was travelling on the day of the competition, managed to rush back in time to give him a surprise present. "He got me the drums from a renowned store in Lebanon where he had been and told me 'here you go, now go win!'"

Tufa has also performed at school functions and charity fund-raising events.

GulfWeekly has joined up with the English language station of the nation to undercover the kingdom's most promising entertainer.

We will highlight every contestant invited to appear on the Talent Trail 2010 segment of presenter Krazy Kevin's Music Mania chart show. Readers and viewers will be able to vote in a special final edition of the programme and the contestant who receives the most cast will walk away with a prize trophy.

A panel of invited judges will be invited to comment on the recorded performances ... but it will be your email vote that counts.

Catch the show at 8pm. It will be repeated on Friday and Sunday at 9pm too. Presenter

The contest is open to all nationalities and ALL ages, you simply have to be a resident of Bahrain and be a solo act.

If you can dance, sing, perform magic or tell a few jokes email krazykevin@hotmail.com for your chance of stardom.







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