The Sound of Music

Ammar Al Fardan is a young Bahraini singer who owns Ammar Band. He sings in all kinds of parties in the Kingdom and other GCC countries. He is the son of popular traditional musician Ahmed Al Fardan.

The theme of Al Fardan’s songs is mainly love and the warmth of good human relationships. Here the singer shares his thoughts with Eman Shabib, BA Mass Communication student of University College of Bahrain.

 When did you start singing?

My father worked in the field of music as a traditional (folklore) musician and artist. He used to play an instrument called Qanoon. My cousin was an artist as well. Because of that, many artists from different fields used to visit our house including singers, composers and poets. I used to play the electric piano at school, maybe in 1988, and I formed my band in 1993.

How was the Ammar Band formed?

Along with some of my friends and relatives, we started playing at my house for most of the time and during family weddings. Actually, at first the name of band was not Ammar Band. It was Alkawakib Band – translated as Planets Band – one of the most famous bands in Bahrain. Many famous signers such Ahmed Alhurmi, Abdullah Mohammed and others were members of that band and I was the youngest of all. Some of the band members retired, others got married while the rest left the music field.

Later in 2003, we went to a concert in Kuwait. The Kuwaiti producer suggested me to change the name of the band to Ammar Band as all the previous artists have left while many new members have joined the band. So, the band was renamed Ammar Band that year.

What are the difficulties that you have encountered?

In the beginning, we were students at the school and we couldn’t go to the concerts except only during the weekends. We didn’t have the equipment and we were forced to borrow or rent most of them. We created an album in 1996, but the issuance of the album had to be validated and documented in court. Besides it required a lot of official papers to be filled and approved. The officials didn’t accept, as we were aged below 18. Legally, there must be a sponsor and so my father came forward and sponsored us.

Was there anybody who supported and helped you?

Yes, my father as well as my family encouraged me to sing during family weddings.

Do you have problems with members of the band?

No, no problems at all. Every time the band will introduce new members. Actually, no one stayed with me permanently since 1993 until now. They left because of marriage or some other reasons, but without problems.

Do you remember the first concert?

Yes, it was in Muharraq Grand Garden.  Organisers arranged entertainment programmes and we introduced ourselves. That was our first concert.

Have you learned the skill from your father?

I didn’t learn from him directly. My father plays the Qanoon, while I play the electronic piano. However he influenced me profoundly.

What are the difficulties in your business?

Staying all night, travelling and staying away from family are some of the difficulties that I face in my field. I couldn’t meet my family on many special occasions including Eid and New Year.

How many concerts do you hold per month?

Earlier, I used to have around 20 to 21 concerts per month. Now, it is barely seven to eight concerts.

Why is it less now?

Because, before 2002, only bands were deployed during concerts; there was no DJ. However, later, DJ became popular and people preferred it, as the price is less.

Which GCC country has the majority of your participation in concerts?

Qatar.

Do you receive any request from fellow artists to join them?

Yes, I have worked with Ahlam, Nawal, Khalid bin Hussain and even Hussain Aljassmi before becoming famous.

Which are your favourite concerts?

Nothing special, but I love concerts that are open to all people like a New Year’s party where all people join together in happiness.

Are you working on anything right now?

Yes, we are working with a studio to record songs and upload it directly on the social media.