’Plain schools take top honours at nasheed competition

Three Mitchell’s Plain schools took top honours at a praise singing competition.

Darul Arqam Islamic High School, in Eastridge, won first prize followed by Mitchell’s Plain High School, in Portland, who tied with Darul Islam Islamic High School, in Surrey Estate for second place in the 13th annual Fusion Inyameko Foundation SA nasheed competition boys’ competition at the Cape Town City Hall at the weekend.

A nasheed is lyrical poetry, which is either sung a cappella or with instruments, according to a particular style or tradition within Islam.

In the girls’ competition Darul Arqam Islamic High School won, followed by Ieglaasi Nieyah High School, in Beacon Valley, and Mitchell’s Plain High School in third position.

Darul Arqam Islamic High School took best soloists in both girls and boys’ categories – Ghadeejah Bassadien; Abdullah Leak – and Faiq Pregnelato for best drummer in the boys’ competition. Both groups also won crowd favourite.

Izra Killa, 10, from Ieglaasi Nieyah, which has both a primary and high school, won best drummer in the primary and high school categories.

Mitchell’s Plain High School teacher Ridhaa Charles said they were grateful for the opportunity, as a non-Muslim school to be able to showcase their talent.

He said it took a lot of hard work and hours of practice.

Competition co-ordinator Sadeka Abdol said seven schools participated in the weekend’s competition.

“Congratulations to all of our participating schools, principals, coaches, managers, parents and most importantly, our stars of the night (the pupils),” she said.