Mohammed’s got good vibrations

Mohammed Mukith, with his children Inaaya (four, left), Diyana (two) and Ifmail (five)

A FORMER drug addict is using the power of music to keep youngsters out of trouble.

Oldham Mic Vibes — the brainchild of Mohammed Mukith (28) — is a music competition which offers those aged 15 and over the ultimate prize: the chance to make a professional music video, album recording and perform in front of a thousand people.

The father-of-five, a music producer, has organised the 13-round competition, which kicks off in the lounge of the Blue Tiffin restaurant, Royton, on February 15.

Mohammed, who battled drug addiction as a teenager, came up with the idea following a car accident in July in which he suffered a crushed spine, slipped discs and damage to his shoulder ligament.

He said: “I was lucky to come out of this alive. I only stopped using a walking stick a month ago.

“During the recovery, I thought that as I love music producing and expressing myself through music, it’s about time I gave the chance to take part in this to the youngsters in Oldham.”

Every two weeks the acts will perform in front of Mohammed and two guest judges.

Twenty entrants will battle it out with each other for one of the five places in the final. And a £50 prize will be handed to the best act in each round.

“A lot of the Government funding has stopped for youth activities so I decided to take up the initiative to set up a series of events.

“This gives artists the chance to work on music, it keeps them off the streets and builds their self confidence,” added the ex-Royton and Crompton High School pupil.

Mohammed said various organisations are supporting the project including Richard Branson’s Virgin Unite, a non-profit foundation which works to tackle social problems, Greater Manchester Probation Service and Macmillan Cancer Support.

The winners will perform at a concert, being organised by Mohammed, at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in November alongside British songwriter and producer Mumzy Stranger.

Entry to the competition costs £10 and more information can be obtained from www.mountedmedia.com.