Gaza refugee tipped to win Arab Idol

Mohammed Assaf has had messages of support from Palestinian president and prime minister.
The golden voice of a young man from a Gaza refugee camp has enchanted viewers of Arab Idol, broadcast weekly to huge audiences across the Middle East, making him a favourite to win the final of the television singing contest.
Mohammed Assaf, 22, has won massive support from viewers enthralled by his rendition of traditional love songs and laments for the Palestinian cause. He has also succeeded in uniting Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank and the diaspora behind his efforts to win.
Assaf, who often performs wearing a traditional black-and-white chequered keffiyeh, is one of 12 finalists in the competition, broadcast by the Saudi-owned MBC1. Last year's winner secured a lucrative recording contract and was presented with a car.

Source: https://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/may/26/gaza-refugee-arab-idol?INTCMP=SRCH