Sheffield Malaysian Students Association (SMSA)

United Kingdon & Eire Council (UKEC)

Malaysian Students Department (MSD)

The University of Sheffield

Champion: SheffOne from Sheffield

First Runner up: Munawwar from Galway

Second Runner up: SautusSalam from London

NEXT '08- Promo video

INTRODUCTION

Entertainment has become a part and parcel of life, especially for teenagers and young adults. The question goes whether is it possible to live an Islamic life whilst incorporating entertainment as part of the daily activities? The answer is yes indeed and thus we are triggered to bring forward Nasheed, which is one of the branches of Islamic entertainment. Nasheed, a genre once known mainly to the Arabs, has now taken its place throughout the world due to its uniqueness. Islam allows entertainment but within certain guidelines. This is what the Sheffield Malaysian Students Association (SMSA) is trying to realize through Nasheed Extravaganza (NEXT). SMSA also have decided to donate the money earned from the tickets sold to the people in need.

HISTORY

The first NEXT was held in February 2005. NEXT ‘08 is the fourth NEXT organized by SMSA. SMSA is the first and only Malaysian organisation in United Kingdom to come out with the idea to promote Islamic Entertainment for Muslims and Non-Muslims. It makes the event as our identity. We believe it will expanding and will become a ‘must’ for Malaysian in United Kingdom and Muslims in Sheffield base on it’s previous achievements.

NEXT also chose it’s theme every year as a reply to Islam’s current news and situation. The theme for the NEXT '05 was 'Brotherhood In Islam' as we promoting the true meaning of brotherhood according to Islam. In 2006, the theme for NEXT was ‘The Melody of Love in Islam’ as a reply to Muslim’s world which is fill with war and tragedy. While in 2007, the theme was ‘Peace and Unity’ according to Terrorism issue. In NEXT ‘07, SMSA tried to tell the non-Muslims that Islam is a peaceful religion and at the same time asking other Muslim to remain in peace and unity.

NEXT '08 THEME

‘Beyond the Norm’ will be the next theme for this event. In NEXT'08 we tried to bring up Nasheed as an entertainment for the world with various kind of music styles but yet have a great upshot in allowing people to do good deeds and hence creating a harmony world. We are expecting greater number of audience and hoping to donate a larger amount of money to those in need this year. List of organisations to donate had been listed but the final decision will be made depending on current situation next year.