Musicians and music lovers across Bahrain are mourning the loss of popular DJ and drummer Ali Abdulrazzaq Jalal, a member of the Kushari Band and a founding member of the Bahrain Musical Bands Society (BMBS).
The 40-year-old Bahraini percussionist, lovingly known as ‘El Bongo’, died on Friday and was buried in Muharraq cemetery.
He passed away in hospital after being treated for an unspecified illness.
Condolences continue today at Sabika Al Ansari Mosque in Isa Town for men, and in Kanoo Hall in Zayed Town for women. He is survived by brothers Nawaf and Khaled, sister Jehan, father Abdulrazzaq and uncles Jalal and Saleh.
Kushari Band guitarist and singer Ahmed Al Abyooki, known simply as ‘Abyooki’, told the GDN about his late friend, who he founded the band with in 2018. “Ali is known as ‘Bangoo’ or ‘El Bongo’ referring to his talent for playing the bongos,” the 32-year-old said. “He was also a great singer, and would jump at the opportunity to play any musical instrument including guitar, bass, keyboards and drums.
“He was a master of Latin music, reggae and any other musical genre you can name. Ali had a humorous style and loved performing and entertaining the crowd.”
He added that his bandmate not only performed at large events but also played shows in schools and for the local community. The late musician had previously collaborated with the renowned Brothers Band, added Mr Al Abyooki.
BMBS co-founder and board member Nasser Junaid told the GDN about Mr Jalal’s career as a drummer, having started several bands like ‘Ravens’ and ‘Montana’.
“Ali started of his journey in the Montana band, but went on to make his own name and perform solo events,” his former bandmate in ‘Montana’ added.
“He played with local Bahraini bands, but was also part of musical acts abroad. He was crucial in establishing BMBS in 2015.”
Germany-based DJ, Paul Mark Adams, described the late Mr Jalal as ‘humble and absolutely passionate’ and a ‘fantastic positive spirit’.
“It was my honour to share the stage with you so many times,” said Mr Adams in an Instagram post dedicated to the musician. Bahraini jazz star Ahmed AlQasim also mourned him, stating in a comment that Mr Jalal’s death was ‘a loss for our small music community here in Bahrain’.
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