A Bahraini Voice Beyond Borders

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Presence

Mahmood Al Haiki stepped onto an international stage carrying more than melody and rhythm. At Armenia’s Side by Side Festival, the Bahraini artist delivered an artistic statement shaped by identity, resilience and human connection, turning performance into a powerful act of cultural representation.

Expression

His work blended traditional Bahraini elements with a contemporary global sound, seamlessly weaving Arabic and English influences into a single musical language. It was not designed to impress through technique alone, but to reflect Bahrain’s openness, diversity and cultural confidence, expressed through sound, emotion and intention.

Connection

The defining moment came when Al Haiki performed a segment of his work in the Armenian language for the first time. The choice was deliberate and symbolic, offered as a gesture of respect to the host nation and its people. The audience responded with visible warmth and enthusiasm, transforming the performance into a shared emotional exchange and reinforcing music’s ability to bridge cultures.

Strength

Behind the spotlight stood a story of determination. Living with a physical disability meant confronting challenges far beyond the stage, from accessibility limitations to the physical demands of international travel. Through preparation, resilience and trust in others, Al Haiki overcame these barriers. He speaks openly about learning that asking for help is not weakness, but an essential form of strength.

Creation

A central force behind the festival performances was producer and maestro Signechor Vybez, whose creative vision shaped the sound and energy of Al Haiki’s English-language works. The collaboration brought structure, depth and international polish, elevating the performances to a global standard.

Direction

With the support of Hilton Garden Inn Bahrain Bay, the Side by Side Festival team and his family, Al Haiki looks ahead with renewed purpose. He aims to continue blending Arabic identity with global soundscapes, represent Bahrain at major international festivals, and advocate for greater inclusion of artists with disabilities. From Bahrain to the world, his voice continues to travel clear, confident and unbound by borders.