Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Soulful singer Seal serenaded the kingdom’s music lovers, showcasing his sultry voice alongside killer dance moves as he shimmied on and off the stage.
Roads were choked with traffic as fans headed to the show and I was left with no option but to abandon my car miles away and run to the venue.
Having grown up listening to the British star’s records on the radio, I never dreamed that I would ever be able to see him up close and personal. Yet there he was, parading around in a full black ensemble and white high-top sneakers. The 53-year-old father-of-four shared the inspirations for his songs in between sets, belting out one hit after another.
He had the crowd wrapped around his fingers and under his musical spell, clapping and singing on command.
I was particularly moved when I spotted an elderly couple dance near the stage to his romantic ballad, Love’s Divine and weaving through the audience, he had everyone on their feet with an upbeat My Vision.
The Grammy Award-winner belted out timeless classics and hits from his new album 7 too like Redzone Killer and Monascow but his popular hit Kiss from a Rose proved to be the show-stopper. As soon as he started, screams filled the arena and fans burst into song to accompany him.
The night ended with chart-topper – Fly like an Eagle – and a funky number to help the fans dance their way home. By that time I had made it to the front of the stage alongside a group of fanatical females. However, he only had eyes for a little girl who was sitting on her father’s shoulders and insisted on high-fiving her twice before taking ‘selfies’ and bidding the crowd farewell for good.
The singer departed, blowing kisses and rushing away to catch his flight. His performance deservedly received Bahrain’s seal of approval.
–Mai Al Khatib-Camille.
