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Voices for Change Kicks Off in Tampa!
MAS Youth Voices for Change marked the start of its six-city national concert tour Friday night in Tampa. The event was a smashing success in bringing Tampa youth together, offering them quality entertainment along with a message of activism and social justice.
“I have never experienced an event like this in our community,” said a Tampa youth on Friday night. “It has been inspiring to see so many young people from around Tampa coming together to contribute to this.”
The evening’s audience at the Sun Dome at the University of Southern Florida filled the atmosphere with cheering and energy as they listened to winning performances by Raef Band and D-Clique, the national and local finalists of the MAS Youth Talent Competition. The evening’s main attraction was the award-winning hip-hop band Outlandish, performing in the U.S. for the first time under the MAS Youth Tour. The audience also learned about the MAS Youth movement and the message it is bringing to young people. More than just entertainment, the concert tour seeks to convey a sense of social responsibility and encourage young people to be the change they hope to see. That message hit home with the audience in Tampa and many were highly motivated and encouraged by the positive messages of the evening’s lyrics and presentations, said organizers.
“The Voices for Change concert has mobilized young people from the greater Tampa area to come together and express themselves in a positive manner,” said Sana Elmesky, Tampa’s Tour Director.
Event production was excellent and the evening’s fast-paced lineup, riveting performances, and powerful messages kept the audience engaged and impressed even the organizers. Tampa’s event was the first live performance produced and stage-managed by the MAS Media Foundation. MAS Youth organizers said the event was a successful, exciting opening to Voices for Change, which will be touring the US in the next two weeks.
Visit http://masyouth.net/vfc to find out how to be part of concerts coming to Detroit, Chicago, New York, Dallas, and Los Angeles. To contact MAS Youth about the Voices for Change Tour or with questions, please call 1-800-MAS-7521 or email vfc@masyouth.org
VFC Media Coverage
See the below links and videos for media coverage of the Voices for Change Tour!
Hip-hop with spirit, Al-Jazeera
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/1B57F0D7-2216-4153-890C-50937ACD1C88.htm
Muslim Rap Duo Have A Message: ‘Morality, Peace And Unity’, Tampa Tribune
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/jun/05/me-muslim-rap-duo-keeps-it-positive
TBO Entertainment (go to 2:19 to see)
http://www.tbo.com/entertainment/bot/
MAS Youth ‘Voices for Change’ Concert Tour Brings Positive Music and Messages to Chicago, MSNBC
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24876126/
True Talk for VFC, WMNF 88.5 fm (Tampa)
http://sound.wmnf.org/sound/wmnf_080509_110000_truetalk_256.m3u
Muslim Rap Duo Have A Message: ‘Morality, Peace And Unity’
Read below article from Tampa Tribune that highlights MAS Youth’s Voices for Change Talent Competition (D-Clique were the southeast winners) and the Outlandish Tour which begins in Tampa tomorrow, June 6th! Buy tickets at ticketmaster.com or at the Sun Dome box office.
Source: Tampa Tribune
TAMPA - Jawad Fayiz and Akbar Qayum, both 18, go to college, work in sales for a telecommunications company and recite their Islamic prayers five times a day.
And in their spare time? These Muslim teens rap.
“Positive hip hop,” Fayiz says quickly. “Not the bad stuff.”
They say their inspiration comes from their Islamic faith. Of the dozen or so songs they’ve written — some posted on YouTube — the lyrics speak a clear message.
“Morality, peace and unity,” Qayum says. “I know it sounds kinda cheesy, but it’s the truth. Things are changing, and music is the best way to spread that word. If we can influence things, that’s all we’re asking for.”
On Friday, the duo — who call themselves D-Clique — get to make that statement in their largest forum yet. After placing first out of nine entries in a regional talent competition sponsored by the Muslim American Society, they were selected to open for Outlandish, a popular European hip-hop band whose music also takes a positive approach.
Tour Part Of ‘Values Movement’
The Voices for Change concert takes place at the University of South Florida Sun Dome. Tampa is the first stop in a six-city tour for Outlandish. The award-winning trio includes two Muslims and a Christian.
The tour is meant to empower and inspire young people, says Omar Atia, vice president of MAS Youth, a branch of the society. He called it “a night of entertainment with no controversial lyrics, no profanity and no references to drugs, alcohol and violence.”
‘On Fire!’ Workshop pt. 2
Dr. Isra Salehmohd, licensed psychologist, is back to give part 2 of her popular Conference workshop: “On Fire! A look at the sparks of Anger and how to put them out.” Joined by her colleague Dr. Aarti Mathur (licensed psychologist), Dr. Isra will explore anger, its causes, and practical suggestions for alleviating its impact. Presentation includes interactive sessions geared toward parents and spouses. Don’t miss valuable insight into strengthening the quality of your relationships.
This workshop is FREE if you RSVP by June 6th! Otherwise, admission is $5 individuals/ $8 couples. To RSVP, click here.
Refreshments will be served.
What: “On Fire! A look at the sparks of Anger and how to put them Out”
When: Saturday, June 14th, 10am to 2pm
Where: USF Marshall Center, Campus View East
RSVP: By June 6th for FREE admission
To see full-size flyer, click here.
Job Announcement
The Islamic American University is looking to hire an Arabic instructor for Arabic/Non-Arabic students.
Location: Tampa, FL
Compensation: DOE
Starting: June 2008
To apply, send resumes to office@mastampa.org
Outlandish’s Opening Act Announced!
The Voices for Change Talent saw a great turn-out by local fans and supporters. We enjoyed spectacular performances by all our submitted talents. We’re pleased to announce the winners of the talent search: D-Clique. They will open for Outlandish at their June 6th concert right here in Tampa!
Tickets are on sale and available through Ticketmaster and the USF Sun Dome Box Office. For the best rates, buy your tickets from the MAS Youth Center or any of our participating youth volunteers. Pictures from last Saturday’s event will be posted soon so be sure to check our website this weekend for some great footage!
MAS Tampa Messenger 2008 Issue 1
We are excited to present our first MAS Tampa Messenger issue of the 2008 year. This newsletter recaps the events that have happened within the last few months and things to look forward to.
Click here to view the pdf newsletter. (Please give time for it to load as it includes many photos)
VFC Talent Show!
Who will open for Outlandish???
Join us for the Voices for Change Talent Show next Saturday, May 17th from 3pm to 6pm at the USF Marshall Center Rm 101.
Watch the top finalists of the nationwide talent search compete for a chance to open for Outlandish.
Open mic will be available for non-competitors (please register by emailing vfctampa@gmail.com.
Click here for fullsize flyer.
Competitors include: Real Life, Silent K, 3ilm, ebraHIM, B.A.$.E., and D-Clique.
Voices for Change Tickets now ON SALE
Tickets are now on sale for the Voices for Change Tour featuring Outlandish. Tickets can be purchased at the MAS Youth Center (9am-1pm), through local youth representatives, and ONLINE at the Voices for Change website.
Tickets will also be available next week on TicketMaster.com and the USF Sun Dome. But get them soon, prices go up starting May 17th!
