LOCAL artists are being showcased at this year’s Spring of Culture, as Bahraini band Likwid prepares to take to the stage at Bahrain Bay.
The four-member band comprising Ahmed Alqasim, Khalid Alshamlan, Ahmed Abdulaziz and Abdulrahman Malallah will perform on Saturday accompanied by a number of local artists.
Though the full list is being kept under wraps, Likwid lead vocalist and bass guitarist Ahmed Alqasim told the GDN that Bahraini singer/songwriter Ala Ghawas will join them on stage, along with Abdulla Haji on saxophone and Noor Al Awadhi on miscellaneous percussions.
Likwid also announced on social media this week that popular Bahraini singer Khalid Fuad will join the band on stage.
“Each guest will be joining us for one track or two at most, with the exception of Noor Al Awadhi who will be performing numerous tracks with us just as he did in our most recent shows,” said Alqasim.
He said the band, which released its debut self-titled EP in October 2016, was proud to perform on such a large stage at home.
“It’s certainly a great feeling to be recognised in your home town by being given a slot on the main stage of the biggest annual festival in the kingdom,” he added.
“We’ve worked hard for many years and have been recognised and praised regionally, so we definitely feel grateful and blessed for getting this opportunity.
“We’re going to play our original tracks from our debut EP, one of our new unreleased songs which will be on our upcoming second EP, along with covers that we have never performed before.
“Even our fans who usually attend all our shows will have something to look forward to.”
The band is now working on its second EP which is set for release this summer.
“It will include new original songs, and most probably (we will) make a video clip for one or two of these songs, which we have never done before,” added Mr Alqasim.
“We’re almost done with our brand new professional recording studio, Likwid Studios, which should be up and running very soon and we’re also very happy to announce that we will have several major appearances in Bahrain and the region.
“One of the major upcoming events is the Second Bahrain Jazz Festival in October 2018.”
Meanwhile, Economic Development Board (EDB) executive director Vivian Jamal said the Spring of Culture was proving to be a festival that nurtured local talents.
“We are proud of the Bahraini talents, from musicians to artists, and look to provide an ideal platform for them to showcase their talents to a wider audience,” she said.
“The music scene has significantly evolved in the kingdom over the years, and Bahrain is now home to many talented musicians playing various genres of music and touring the world.”
The show, called Likwid and Friends, organised by the EDB, will be held at Bahrain Bay on Saturday from 8.30pm and entrance is free.
Visit www.springofculture.org for further information.
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