The hunt is on for the Middle East's latest singing sensation. The stakes have been raised for this year's Zee Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and the challenge is set to be fierce.
Who is going be the next Amanat Ali from this region? Last year, when Zee Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Middle East Challenge 2007 extended its regional participation to Pakistan, nobody imagined that they would unearth the exceptional Pakistani singing talent Amanat Ali, who not only won the competition in Dubai but went on to become a household name in India and ended as second runner-up in the Zee Sa Re Ga Ma Pa World Challenge.
Now, the Zee Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Middle East-Pakistan Challenge 2008 is back for its third edition in this region, in the hunt for the region's next singing sensation.
This musical talent reality show is one of the most popular programmes in the region. Zee TV conducted auditions in five countries and the response was overwhelming.
'Amazing response'
It even included a participant making it from Yemen, which is a first for such a musical show. Aspiring singers performed their best, but only 24 will then take to the stage. These participants will be groomed and rigorously trained on their singing skills.
"There has been an amazing response to the latest Zee Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Middle East-Pakistan Challenge 2008 as there are very high expectations from this region after last year's winner Amanat Ali, who turned into a world-class singer and stamped his class all over," says Rajeev Kheror, Head of Programming for Zee TV Middle East.
"The winner from this region participates in the World Challenge in 2009 and all are eager to know the singing talent that is going to be unearthed from this region.
High standards
"We have set very high standards this year by opting for a lesser number of participants, but quality singers. In fact the quality of singers is so good this year that we had to reject some good singing talent."
Participants included young students, budding talents, professionals, elderly housewives and an Omani national. Each participant had his or her own tale to describe their journey to the Zee Sa Re Ga Ma Pa competition, but they will never forget the experience whatever the outcome.
"I am very excited to be selected for this show and I hope to see myself reach the finals. That would make me really proud," says Asma.
If the participants were excited, the audience was equally enthusiastic about having the opportunity to see themselves on TV when the show is aired.
The sets were colourful as usual, with excellent lighting and a fantastic troupe to provide lilting music.
Making a mark
"I believe that the region is equipped to have its own set of talented performers who have gone on to make a mark of their own. This year's auditions and grooming sessions are proof of the quality of the singers that will enthrall the viewers," said Manoj Mathew, Vice-President of Marketing and Corporate Communications for Real Media — Zee Network
The show has a new host, Hasan Raja, the runner-up in the Zee Sa Re Ga Ma Pa World Challenge 2007.
Raja suffered initial nervousness when he hosted the first episode, but quickly got the hang of it and got better with each succeeding show.
The initial episodes have Aadesh Srivastav and Suresh Wadekar as the judges and they will be joined by Richa Sharma and Pandit Jasraj in subsequent episodes.
The shooting of the 16 episodes started on March 14 and will continue until Friday, at Ajman Independent Studios. So, if you want to be part of the excitement of this musical show, you know where to be this weekend. Zee Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is an ideal meeting point for singing talent and music lovers alike.
