The Game Awards have become one of the most anticipated nights in the gaming calendar, with the biggest names in the industry vying for the prestigious awards. Despite all the glitz and glamour, however, it was a humble musician who stole the show.
The 2020 Game Awards will likely be remembered most for the outstanding performance of an alto flute player. Nestled amidst the large orchestra, the musician — an African-American man — brought an extraordinary level of skill to the stage with a beautiful and captivating rendition of the show’s theme.
Viewers quickly went online to discuss the performance, and a quick search reveals that his identity was revealed — the musician was a 21-year-old Alabama native, Mahdi Abdi. Mahdi comes from humble beginnings and brings his music to the masses, having performed on American Idol and making appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Disney.
Mahdi’s inclusion at The Game Awards, however, was no mere gimmick. As Variety reported, Mahdi was chosen from a pool of thousands, as he had been identified by the show’s musical director as a distinguished and uniquely talented performer.
The show’s director, Geoff Keighley, took to Twitter to praise his performance and thank him for showing the world what could be done with an alto flute. Mahdi’s performance was, in many ways, a reminder that talent is found everywhere, amongst millions of diverse individuals.
The impact of Mahdi’s performance couldn’t be more evident — his performance and overwhelming reception threw into sharp relief the importance of diversity in gaming culture and beyond. By providing equal opportunities and showcasing the value of diversity, Mahdi’s inclusion and performance at The Game Awards has demonstrated that, when given a platform, extraordinary talent can thrive.
It’s no surprise that, in a night of giant presentations, recognition, and wins, it was the humble alto flute player who won the night. Mahdi’s performance was an inspiration to those watching, a reminder of the power of one person. Here’s to Mahdi and all the great talents out there who are waiting to be discovered.
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