The power of music knows no bounds. It has the ability to unite people from all walks of life, break down barriers, and transcend language and cultural differences. For a group of individuals who call themselves the “Ravens,” music is not just a hobby or profession, it’s a way of life. They believe that the sky is not the limit and that together, they can soar to new heights and unify the world through their art. The mission of Ravens is simple but ambitious: to use music to unify the eastern and western world and show that, together, there is no limit to what we can achieve.
A UNIQUE musical treat is in store this week for the people in the kingdom, as the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam (BKS) gears up to host the debut performance of Ravens, a Bahraini band.
The six-member band will perform on Monday (May 8) at the BKS Diamond Jubilee Hall as part of the second Indo-Bahrain Dance and Music Festival 2023, a celebration marking 50 years of Indo-Bahrain bilateral relations.
Member of Ravens, the only Bahraini presence at the festival which also marks the 75 years of Indian Independence and 75 years of BKS in Bahrain, spoke to Bahrain This Week, about their excitement of being part of a history festival.
“This is our first time performing at BKS and we look forward to sharing what we have with our new and beautiful audiences, who we are sure, will be amazing,” said band manager Fahad Alkhaja.
“We truly appreciate the BKS initiative and their attempt in bringing entertainment and art under one roof – music is one language and it is a great emotion – we are so happy that a such a festival is happening.”
Ravens set up in 2011, is a unique fusion band that combines traditional Bahraini music with contemporary sounds. The band is made up of talented musicians who are passionate about their craft.
“We are a group of local Bahraini passionate artists that came together with the vision of spreading and sharing the art to those who appreciate it,” added Mr Alkhaja.
“We are called the ‘Ravens’ because we believe the sky is not the limit. We fly together as a unit to unify the eastern and western world and break boundaries with music as our tool.”
The other members of the band are Wajeeh Hassan (drummer), Bassim A Karim (guitarist), Hassan Alshaikh (guitarist), A Razzaq Awadh (bassist) and Ammar Jumaa (keyboardist). The team also brings in professional singers onboard based on the requirement.
“Bahrain started having a wider vision when it comes to art and culture, which is a great move – it would help in building a creative nation and a talented youth for tomorrow,” said Mr Alkhaja.
The Indo-Bahrain Dance and Music Festival 2023 kicked last Friday (May 5) with a Bharatanatyam performance by iconic Indian dancer Shobana, followed by carnatic recital by veteran Indian vocalist Sudha Raghunathan, yesterday (May 6). Tonight (May 7) it is the Agam Band led by celebrity Indian singer Harish Sivaramakrishnan. Lined up in the coming days are bhajans by Indian child prodigy Sooryagayathri on Tuesday (May 9), Hindustani vocals by the maestro Ustad Rashid Khan on Wednesday (May 10), ghazal night by legendary Pankaj Udhas on Thursday (May 11) and classical musical concert by renowned Indian singer Aruna Sairam on the finale day, Friday (May 12).