Celebrating UAE's Vibrant Talent: 'Camp Ka Champ' Season 18 Winners Announced In Dubai

On January 19, 2025, the Nuzul Accommodation in Jebel Ali, Dubai, became the stage for the grand finale of an eagerly awaited singing contest, Camp Ka Champ, marking a significant event in the UAE's entertainment calendar.

Since its inception in 2007, Camp Ka Champ has evolved from a mere competition to a significant empowerment platform for the UAE's worker community. It has enabled participants to discover and nurture their musical talents, achieving dreams that once seemed unattainable. Over 18 years, the competition has welcomed more than 30,000 contestants, becoming a cornerstone of community enrichment and cultural celebration in the UAE.

This competition, gaining momentum with each season, has become a pivotal platform for showcasing the singing talent within the UAE's vast worker community. With Western Union as the main sponsor and the unique mobile service alo, powered by du, presenting it, this event has successfully combined technology and corporate support to champion the cause of talent recognition.

The event saw Baljeet Kumar, a Civil Technician at EFS Facilities Management, earn the title of 'alo Singer of the Season', while Pratik Amar Singh, a Spray Painter, and MD Mubarak Ansari, a MIG welder from Eversendai Engineering, triumphed in the 'Western Union Antakshari' segment.

Their victories brought them grand prizes worth AED 30,000 in each category, a testament to the competition's commitment to rewarding excellence with substantial incentives. The competition distributed AED 100,000 in total prize money and drew over 3,000 spectators, highlighting its popularity and the community's engagement with the arts.

The process of selecting winners was meticulously designed to cater to the unique challenges of each category. Participants in the 'alo Singer of the Season' were judged on their vocal ability, stage presence, and impact, ensuring that the most talented vocalist emerged victorious. Meanwhile, participants in the 'Western Union Antakshari' were evaluated on their knowledge of melodies, lyric recall, speed, and teamwork, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in addition to individual skill.

This season's success was unprecedented, with over 65 auditions held across the UAE, including new venues in Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, and Abu Dhabi. The competition welcomed participation from over 24 companies, with more than 2,000 contestants vying for the titles, showcasing an impressive reach and engagement across the community. The substantial cash and gold prizes, totaling AED 100,000, underscored the competition's role in providing life-changing opportunities to the winners.

The contest's impact goes beyond individual achievement, fostering a sense of camaraderie, goodwill, and bonding among participants and the wider community. Rupa Vinod, Managing Director of Right Track Advertising, highlighted the initiative's growth and its role in bringing joy and smiles to contestants and audiences alike. Season 18, she noted, was a glorious showcase of the competition's essence, further cementing its place in the hearts of the worker community and the cultural landscape of the UAE.

Western Union's Regional Vice President for the Middle East, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, Hatem Sleiman, remarked on the significance of Camp Ka Champ, emphasizing its role in uniting people and providing a stage for hidden talents to shine. The record-breaking participation and exceptional performances of this season underscored the talent and passion that thrive within the communities, affirming Western Union's commitment to supporting these journeys of connection and celebration.

Baljeet Kumar expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase his talent and acknowledged the support from alo and the EFS management, which helped him achieve this milestone. Pratik Amar Singh and MD Mubarak Ansari also shared their appreciation for the platform that allowed them to overcome fears and gain confidence in their abilities.

Sponsored by Western Union and presented by alo, with support from Dubai Residential and Veesham Printing Press, and managed by Right Track Advertising, the competition continues to inspire dreams and transform lives, marking a significant chapter in its storied history.