November 2008 Issue

HalaBahrain Magazine | November 2008 1

HalaBahrainHalaBahrain MagazineMagazine Lifestyle - Technology

Entertainment - Events

Your Local Bahraini Guide!

Nov 2008 - Volume 1 - Issue 5

Events & Events &

HappeningsHappenings We cover the V8’s races, We cover the V8’s races,

parties, and events parties, and events

around the island!around the island!

Local TalentLocal Talent Meet the soon-to-be R&B Superstar, May

Places to Go

Things to Do

Restaurants

Fashion

And much more!


HalaBahrainHalaBahrain MagazineMagazine Lifestyle - Technology -

Entertainment - Events ©

Cooling Down..Cooling Down.. Dear Readers, Whew! Last month was quite a busy one, with a lot going on all over the country! The Wailers Concert at Coral Beach was crazy (check out the photos), the V8 races which just finished were fun fun fun, and many other events meant we haven’t had a chance to sit still! November looks set to be almost as busy, if not more so, so check out the upcoming events and things to do around the island. The weather seems to be clearing up quite a bit, and we’ve finally managed to get a bit of a cool breeze, and a little rain, too (well, a light shower). Good weather means it’s time to start moving out from the malls and doing more and more outdoor activities, so Bahrain is set to look more lively as we start to approach the cold months. We’ve also done a full interview with May Alqasim, an upcoming R&B singer with a bright future ahead of her, take a look, and check out BahrainTalent to listen to her music. Again, we would love to hear from you about anything; send us your emails with thoughts about the magazine, letters, ideas, and let us know what you’re thinking! Till next time, Ammar Al-Aradi

Editor In Chief

The Team

Editor-in-Chief

Ammar Al-Aradi

Creative Director

Fardan Raffi

Public Relations

Amal Fareed

Copyright Information © All Rights reserved. This publication may not be

reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher. Liability: While every care has been taken in

the preparation of this magazine, the publishers

cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the

information herein, or any consequence arising it.

HalaBahrain is a fully registered online publication with the

Bahrain Ministry of Information, under registration number

EQHBH210

HalaBahrain is published

monthly; to view the magazine, for a free subscription, or to download a copy, please visit www.halabahrain.com. For advertising and all enquiries,

please contact [email protected]

www.HalaBahrain.com

[email protected]

Editorial



Global Peace Concert Location: Marina Club Timing: Doors open 7:00pm

Contact: +973 - 36695933 [email protected]

Bahrain Snooker Championships Location: Bahrain Exhibition Center Timing: 7:30pm

Entrance: BD3

News, Events &News, Events &

HappeningsHappenings Quite a lot going on this month, with the Bahrain International Music Festival starting things off; every night starting from 8pm, there will be different concerts by global and local artists; definitely something to visit. The Snooker Championships are also coming along, so visit the Exhibition Center if you’re into the sport! Party animals; get ready for the Global Peace Concert! Featuring Above And Beyond, Kirsty Hawkshaw, Marice, and many others, this looks set to be one of the year’s biggest parties. More of a food person? There’s a chef competition going on in Seef Mall, bringing together the finest cuisine from around the country. Red Bull Street Style is also coming your way near the end of the month; a national freestyle football competition, to find the best freestyle footballer in the world! We’ve also got Elham’s 15th gathering, with an outdoor evening of music and film by local talent (for more information, go to www.elhambahrain.net).

8-15 November

6-9 and 12-15 November

13 November

Bahrain International Music Festival Location: Cultural Hall (near Museum) Timing: 8:00pm

Upcoming

ChefMaster Bahrain Location: Seef Mall Timing: 6:00pm


16 November

Red Bull Street Style Location: City Center Mall Timing: 5:00-8:00pm


27 November

Elham’s 15th Gathering Location: Albareh Art Gallery Timing: 7:00-9:00pm

Contact: [email protected]

30 November


Got something to say? Anything specific you’d like to see in Got something to say? Anything specific you’d like to see in

the magazine? Or maybe you just love our magazine? Hate it? the magazine? Or maybe you just love our magazine? Hate it?

Or just need someone to talk to? Whatever it is, let us know, Or just need someone to talk to? Whatever it is, let us know,

email us on: email us on: [email protected]@halabahrain.com

————

FROM: Ahli Fan SUBJECT: NICE! Love the new format!!! It fits much better on my screen & just makes the magazine so much easier to read!! You are amazing! My photo is in the Amr Diab concert as well!!! Thanks for the mag and keep up the amazing work!!! Although we do appreciate

people getting excited

about our ‘mag’, we still

think you put one too many

exclamation marks in there.

————

FROM: Hisham SUBJECT: Tradition You mentioned putting in traditional topics? I don’t see much of that in the last issue? You’re right, but there’s a lot

more in this one! Enjoy!

————

FROM: Stephanie SUBJECT: Lol You guys are hilarious. Great for a laugh. We’re glad you feel that

way!

————

FROM: Sobha SUBJECT: Subscribe Free Subscription? Uhh… Yeah?

————

FROM: Jigga Man SUBJECT: Bahrain Talent That was an excellent review something that Bahrain needs badly! Keep that part up, totally lovin’ it! Definitely! The Bahrain music

scene needs a really good

push, so we can hopefully

help out! Check out this

month’s interview with May,

an upcoming R&B superstar

with amazing talent you’ve

got to hear to believe!

————

FROM: Dave Canderham SUBJECT: Good Job Impressive magazine, me and my wife thoroughly en-joyed flipping through it’s electronic pages. Looking forward to your upcoming issues, keep up the great work. PS. The downloaded version is a little heavy and slow to read. Thanks Dave; we’ve been

working on a lighter format

for our PDF. Try it this month,

and let us know your feed-

back!

HalaBahrain MailHalaBahrain Mail Mail


Desert 400 V8 RacesDesert 400 V8 Races The second biggest international event at BIC, right after the Formula One, is the Australian V8 races. Crowds flocked to the BIC from 6-8 November for a load of fam-ily fun and entertainment, with live music, games, and much more, all engulfed in the roars of the mighty V8’s.

Events


Events


ElhamElham Elham’s 14th monthly gathering was hosted by Cocoon Lounge; crowds visited to witness different talents including poetry by Carla Labitoria, a screening of photography by Ali Riffai, Loredana Montello and Carla Saliba, and original music created for the event by producer Tarik Omar.

Events


The Grand Opening of Aqua Fuego was held on the 6th of November; Aqua Fuego isn’t a nightclub, and it isn’t a lounge; it’s an entertainment venue with a difference. Inspired by the theme of fire (Fuego) which transforms to water (Aqua) later at night, the venue hosts

different types and styles of music, entertainment, and pushes the VIP experience to another level. Check out Aqua Fuego at the Days Inn Hotel, Exhibition Road, and make sure to catch the transformation (around 11:00pm).

Aqua Fuego LaunchAqua Fuego Launch Events


Reggae legends, The Wailers, performed at the Coral

Beach Club on the 30th of October. After a few warm up acts to get the crowds started, the Wailers came in with their classic reggae tunes. The music brought the crowds together as they

swayed to hits like ‘One Love’, ‘No Woman No Cry’ among others, and danced on through the night, faced with a cool sea breeze, a chilled out vibe, and a great night out for all! The event was hosted by B-Music Live.

Wailers ConcertWailers Concert

Events


Events


True, there are quite a number of places that serve good sheesha (hubbly bubbly). However, if you’re looking for a more ‘authentic’ atmosphere while you smoke, there’s no better a place to head for than Beirout Coffee Shop, deep in the heart of Old Manama. Forget the fancy surroundings of modern sheesha coffee shops - the people who come here don’t come for the decorations; they come for the sheesha. Beirout is set right next to a busy road, and although there are tables inside,

most prefer to sit outside in the breeze and watch people go by, while playing cards (usually a game called Koat, which usually gets the players very involved as tensions rise!). Hungry? The surrounding restaurants offer amazing local food; we recommend a plate of tikka from BuHussain grill right opposite. To find Beirout, head towards American Mission Hospital from the Ministry of Interior roundabout, and take the first main side-road to the right.

Eating Out


Muharraq Club, the oldest club in the Gulf,

returned home after winning the Asian Football Confederation (AFC Cup), 5-4 versus Al Safa Club of Lebanon. This is the first International Tournament win since the club was founded in 1928, and also a first for Bahraini Football. The team's road to glory ended in a display of skill as Muharraq were playing with a home win of 5-1, and thus already had the advantage in

their away match in Beirut. Leandson De Silva (Rico) put away 3 goals and local rising star Mahmood Abdul-rahman (Ringo) scored 2 goals. The 2 stars were also awarded top scorer of the AFC Cup & Most Talented Player of the AFC Cup respectively. Muharraq Club and Al Safa Club will now be eligible to compete in the AFC Champions League where big teams from Saudi, Iraq, Japan and Australia compete for the title of Best Club in Asia.

Sports



Arad FortArad Fort

When you think about it, most tourists to Bahrain have no idea where to go to see

historic sights and so on. Most of the history has been wiped out to make way for new roads, business centers and shopping malls, but whatever history is left isn't really promoted well; when a tourist asks where to go, they're usually guided to Seef Mall, Bahrain International Circuit, and a bunch of other modern creations that really don't show any of our past, which is actually very rich with culture and history.

Arad Fort is a 15th century fort (exact date of construction is not known) built by the Portugese. It is located in Muharraq, very close to the airport, so it is probably the first sight you will see on your visit to Bahrain. The fort isn't very big, but it's definitely something to see. Make sure you wear a good pair of shoes (no high heels!) especially if you're planning on walking up the stairs, and take a camera along! But the visit isn't free; entrance is a whopping 200 fils, so make sure you pass by the bank first!

Culture



May AlqasimMay Alqasim

Many of us love to listen to internationally renowned artists and musical legends from all over the globe. If you browse through people's iPods, you rarely find music that is close to home, and many of us don't even know that there are many extraordinary talents out here. As part of Bahrain Talent and HalaBahrain’s initiative to focus on local talents, we shed some light on one of Bahrain's leading R&B artist, May Alqasim. Listening to her angelic voice, powerful lyrics and intense performance, it is extremely hard to believe that all that comes out of an ordinary 17 year old school girl; upon knowing her, how-ever, you would come to realize that she is far from ordinary.

Born on January 31, 1991, into a humble Bahraini family, May grew up in a multicultural environment, forming her own thought and blossoming into an adolescent with a strong independent personality and a divine gift, which was nurtured since early childhood. With a strong passion for poetry and music, May started to write her own songs at the young age of 13, and later joined the Outlaw Production team, which broadened her horizons and placed her on the music scene. Starting with her first officially recorded track "Holding On", May is truly destined to fly on angel's wings to high ranks of stardom. In this issue we would like to share with you a very interesting chat we've had with this promising artist.

Local Talent


- Who is May Al-Qasim? I must have thought about this question for at least fifteen minutes before coming up with something, but I think I found a sentence that would sum it up; May Alqasim is a flower waiting to blossom. - When did you first discover your talent and realize that you were more than just a shower singer? I really didn’t think I had a talent at first. Slowly I would receive compliments here and there, until eventually it got much more intense. Shortly after, I met DJ Outlaw (who is now my producer) and he said I had something, then I met the crew and they all said the same. That’s when I thought, ok, there must be some-thing there. After a while I started putting away all my negative thoughts and started seeing it for myself; with time you’ll get to a point where you’d rather take criticism than compliments, because it helps you improve so much more. But don’t get me wrong, you can never have enough compliments!

- I believe the reason there are many hidden talents out there is because those people underestimate their potential, and lack the required confidence. What pushed you to pursue your talent further? I agree. But the reason people do underestimate their potential in the first place is because they aren’t given a chance to show it. In this part of the world, it seems impossible for someone to even think about ‘getting out there’ so why bother, right? Ironically, it is the same reason that limits people from acquiring their passions that drove me towards trying to pursue them. Challenge only makes people work harder, and the outcomes of that lead you to being better at what you do. If you can get past thinking narrow mindedly, you can do anything.

Local Talent


- How did your family take it? And how did society react? My family has always been supportive with what I do. As long as I’m happy, and know right from wrong, they are more than happy to stand by me. Living in an Arab society, I do understand that some things are seen differ-ently most of the time; I have to be careful that I don’t give out the wrong kind of messages. But I know that I’m not doing anything wrong and as long as that is the case, honestly, I don’t care. Society shouldn’t have an impact on a person, but rather, the person should have an impact on society. - As a 17 year old school girl, what kind of impact does your music have on your daily life? I must say, balancing between doing my A-levels and my music is extremely tough. Some days I feel like I want to throw every-thing out of the window and just sleep. After a while though, I found that my music has become my stress relief instead of being another burden to deal with. After a long day at school, or a hard exam I find the best

way for me to unwind is through my music. Whether it’s singing, playing the piano or even just listening to music I love, it helps! - Do you believe there is more to your music than just a talent? Is there a purpose that goes beyond just singing just to sing? Of course! The way I see it is that music is a way to convey emotions and messages in a more meaningful way. You have to find ways to convert your energy or emotions through your talent; instead of crying or shouting about something, I’ll write or sing instead. After I’m done, it feels like I have cried or shouted without literally doing so, and that’s when I produce the best stuff! I’m sure it’s the case for people with other talents too. My underlying themes are those that reflect the wonders of teenage life, that makes me responsible to touch upon all the aspects of them in a way that makes my music some sort of tool to help get through some-thing. I will always try and give positive vibes to people through my music. Clothes: New Look

Photography: Fardan Raffii


Local Talent

How does your music reach and impact other people's lives?

If my music represents me, and I represent a growing teenager, then I believe that I could be a pigeon hole in society, symbolizing the thoughts and feelings of what it’s like for an adolescent going through the stages of growing up. What I really try to express to people, who are at the same stage as me, is that they aren’t alone. But my targets aren’t just the people of my generation. I wouldn’t limit myself. Even older generations can listen to my music and think: “I remember”. I need people to really feel what I’m saying, I don’t want my music to be something you just “listen to”, If that makes sense… Being a young Arab female singer, do you think that this poses more challenges on you than a male singer? Or do you think that both male and female artists face the same obstacles along the way?

Unfortunately, and I really wish this wasn’t the case, It is harder for females. In this part of the world, as I said before, you really have to be careful with how your image is portrayed; that in itself is a huge obstacle. Other than that, these days I feel as though they have completely messed up the interpretation of talent. For some odd reason, people these days judge you not just based on your music but for the whole package i.e. your looks or your confidence. It’s also the case for males,

but sadly, more for females. So many of the top artists these days really cannot sing but they have the “looks”. I really don’t agree with it but I guess this is what it has come to. Is May Al-Qassim free? And how much more freedom would you require to achieve an ideal life?

She’s free enough. Freedom is in your hands and I know that I am the only person who has the power to captivate myself. Even when there are limits (which is evident in my case), break them. If you can’t, find ways around them. It is tougher than just sitting back and accepting it but at the end of the day, you have to ask yourself - which one would end up more rewarding? The three most useless phrases to me are “should have”, “could have” and “would have” followed by the “if it wasn’t for…” speech - If you were free enough, these sayings wouldn’t exist in your dictionary.

In your opinion, what do you think is the one characteristic that makes you stand out as a singer? What makes your music unique?

I’m real. Everything I say or do is real. If people don’t like it then it really isn’t my problem. I’d rather be a no one for being me than be a some one who isn’t me. That’s unique these days. It’s twisted, I know.


At the risk of sounding cliché, let me ask you this, why did you choose R&B as a genre? And are there any other genres you have or would like to explore? I chose R&B simply because it is my favorite field, and it is what I am best at, but my music is not limited to R&B per say. I do have a fusion between that and a bit of “something else” in there too. I’m not so sure what it is, but you’ll understand if you hear my stuff. As for wanting to explore other genres, I would really love to conduct or somehow be a part of a huge gospel choir one day, or a musical in a huge theatre somewhere in London. That’s actually where my passion started. How did your affiliation to Outlaw Productions contribute to your success as an artist? The people in Outlaw Productions are more than just the team I work with, they are like my family. On a professional level, it has actually helped me grow as an artist; I didn’t know I had it in me before that to be honest. With them I’ve done shows around the Gulf, and with them I found myself working with other artists and producers on different continents. On the personal level, the actual relationship between us creates a

really nice environment to work within, not to mention all the talent that they have; watching them do their thing is a really amazing experience. We know that each song you write and sing has its own circumstances and set of intense emotions and feelings. But which of those songs of yours is dearest to your heart and why? Holding on. That song is my baby… It all started when I was feeling low, went and found some random keys on the keyboard and started singing. I happened to record it; most of it sounded like gibberish at first, and I was about to just delete it until I played it back and heard the lines "holding on to the angel's wings", realized how much sense it made, and went uphill from there. Soon after, Outlaw produced a beat that I really liked, and it all fit together.

Clothes: New Look Photography: Fardan Raffii


Your greatest ambition Simply to be heard. Your craziest dream Being able to fly! Your hopes To always be free, successful and happy Your worst fears Death, snakes and big fat spiders. Your strength My mind. Your weakness When my heart takes over my mind Your guilty pleasures Nacho’s…yummy. Your favorite pastime (besides music of course!) Hanging out with my friends and the people who I love the most, and who take me for being me!! Your greatest musical influences Keyshia Cole, Alicia keys, Ryan Leslie, Whitney Houston, Tony Braxton, India Arie… Come to think of it, all talented people, even outside the music field. Who do you look up to My mother and father. What do you like about yourself My philosophical thinking What would you want to change about yourself Nothing. Your favorite place to be By the beach! Your favorite song of all times I can’t choose! Anything by Keyshia Cole Your worst song of all times I don’t really have one. Favorite artist Keyshia Cole Worst artist All artists have at least something on their side. I don’t have a worst artist. Things you cherish most in life Life in itself is what I cherish the most. The smallest wonders of life make me happy, things like a nice view of the sunset or clouds in the sky do it for me! Things you despise most in life Fake people and how twisted some things seem to be. Biggest regret I don’t believe in regret. Biggest accomplishment This, right here... what I’m doing wit myself now. As a young Bahraini, what is your opinion about the youth of this generation? I believe that we are so advanced and so much more aware than we seem. I think this is the leading generation; we should

be the ones who rule the world. It seems that this generation is less concerned with the wars and political incompetence that seem to be going on. The youth just step back and watch history repeat it self. We are living in a world where pizza is at your door before the police, it is almost funny. I think I speak for us all when I say: Just stop it! Do you believe in compromise? If so, when can you compromise and what are the things that you can never compromise? I do believe in compromise. I would compromise with certain things like, what sounds good and what doesn’t. As soon as something that involves changing who I am and what I do comes up, that’s where the compromising stops. To me that’s like telling me to write with my left hand when I’m right handed! I won’t even try because I know my left hand would never even come close to writing like the other.

What changes would you like to see in your community, country and the world? And how do you participate in achieving that? Changes? No changes, just improvements. That’s different… If you change something, it wouldn’t be what it is- this is what makes it my home. I just wish people would chill out – the riots that go on and on a larger scale; all the war and hate out there, there is no need for it! I guess the only way of participating is by continuing to try and spread awareness, and that’s where the youth come in. And again, music comes into it…If you won’t lis-ten to us speak, we’ll sing it! The role of music is underestimated; It is such a powerful mechanism that people brush off a lot of the time. Didn’t people stop to think why they enjoy listening to music so much? I know people that won’t even get into a car that doesn’t have music in it. If this is the case, this only shows how powerful music really is. My role as an artist is to somehow be a part of this. It may not change anything, but small things working towards improving the way of life will eventually make a difference!


Clothes: New Look Photography: Fardan Raffii


On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being the best), how do you rate yourself musically, and why?

5. I know that might seem shocking but, if I rate myself lower, it would make me strive harder to get up there. This is just the beginning! When do you feel most fulfilled when it comes to music?

After all the frustration and effort of getting something right, and finally getting there with it sounding good. It’s a natural high. Give us a sneak peek on your agenda; what are your upcoming plans in the near and far future?

As of now, Outlaw Productions is in the middle of their debut album, "History in the Making", which features a few of my songs. At the same time I am also starting to work on my own solo album, to be completed sometime in the near future. On top of that, a few other songs will be released on several mixtapes, such as “Middle East Invasion Volume 2” coming out shortly. Other then that I’m pushing myself through media.. More interviews coming my way. What is your advice to all the young talents out there dreaming to get out there?

Just go, do it! And never let anyone make you think that you can’t do something. Let them say it, but prove them wrong. No body said it is easy, but that’s what makes it so fulfilling at the end of the day. Anything you'd like to add?

I just want to make it clear that when I say that I’m trying to pursue my goals, it does not mean that I’m doing all this for fame or to be a ‘famous singer’. I have to be realistic; this is just my passion, and I’m only sharing what I love because I wouldn’t want to waste a gift given to me. Whatever happens, happens.

Shout out to Outlaw Productions, Army Of One from Kuwait (who opened even more doors for me), Ali Dawood for pushing my songs on the radio, my friends and family, and all the people who stay by my side and believe in me. Big thanks to the HalaBahrain team for letting me ramble on! We love it! To read more about May and listen to some of her music, take a

look at her profile on www.BahrainTalent.com


Documents

November 2008 Issue