Sunday Sun:
Mar 21 2004
Sing praises of achievements
While his homeland struggles to find the path to a better future, the heavenly voice of Kazem Al-Sahir is finding an echo right here in the North of England.
Iraq's most popular singer was one of the stars of this year's BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music, which will raise the roof of the equally amazing Sage music centre on the banks of the Tyne next year.
The perfect setting for a prestigious international event, the Sage is well on its way to becoming another symbol of all that is great about our region.
Forward looking and bold, imaginative and practical, confident and reassuring. That is the story of the North, the region whose talent brings results everyone can be proud of.