Voice of heritage

Bahraini bard Faisal Al Ansari is paying homage to the kingdom’s rich musical heritage with his upcoming performance as part of Muharraq Nights, writes Zainab Alasadi.

The rising musician, who appeared on Ahla Sawt, the Arabic version of popular singing show ‘The Voice’, has also put together a 48-strong orchestra to give local emerging musicians a platform from which they can soar to new professional heights.

Faisal will be performing this Friday at Qal’at Bu Mahir at 8pm, and to support local talent, has invited singers to reach out to him on Instagram for an opportunity to perform alongside the multilingual performer, who has a following of nearly 30,000 loyal fans.

“I am trying to build opportunities for local musicians by encouraging their presence in different events,” the 38-year-old from North Riffa told GulfWeekly.

His 48-piece band Fa Soul consists of professional instrumentalists, including bass, lead and classic guitarists, keyboardists, drummers, oud musicians, as well as acapella performers.

Faisal began his own musical journey after being influenced by his father Hasan and uncle Ahmed Al Ansari who were spiritual reciters and chanters of poetry.

“I was born in the middle of melodies, voices and music and was lucky to inherit a beautiful voice from both of them,” he added.

“I am blessed that I can follow in their steps, and I am grateful for the essential role they played in sculpting my musical career.”

Encouraged by friends and family who recognised his unique talent, he participated in public competitions during the late 1980s, all through secondary school.

His passion for music led him to pursue an academic major in music studies at the Higher Institute of Musical Arts in Kuwait. He later joined the first talent show organised by Bahrain’s Education Ministry Community Partnership.

In 2018, he participated in Ahla Sawt, the Arabic version of ‘The Voice’. Although he was eliminated from the show, he shot to fame and has continued to build on his success since then.

“My participation in ‘The Voice’ opened a new horizon, space and wider artistic expansion,” he reminisced.

In October, he released a single called Tala Khadek (Arabic for ‘Your cheek appeared’), an Iraqi song with a Khaleeji touch, which is now available on YouTube.

“Soon, I will be releasing new songs, including Ma’shar Al Eshaq (Arabic for ‘Lovers’ tribe’),” Faisal said.

As a Bahraini artist seeking global popularity, he sometimes struggles to maintain his Bahraini identity and culture while also keeping up with global trends.

However, by blending the two, he has stayed true to his heritage, while also creating his own unique style.

“I believe that the fundamental way to maintain balance between all art forms is to focus on passion and love, despite the time and effort required,” he added.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Faisal became the first Bahraini singing at Al Dana Amphitheatre and the first Arab artist to sing with the international maestro, ‘the King of Waltz’, André Rieu in his first experience in an Arab country – Bahrain.

For more details, follow @faisal_al_ansari on Instagram.