Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Serving up a softer, more contemplative side of their signature Afro-Khaleeji sound, Bahraini fusionists Majaz have released the fourth single from their upcoming EP.
Titled Aini, the song dropped on July 25 and introduces a sonic shift for the group, which is known for its energetic, upbeat rhythms.
Built around the term of endearment ‘aini’ which translates in Arabic to ‘my eyes’ or ‘my beloved’ and is commonly used across Khaleeji dialects, the track embodies compassion and empathy.
“This song reveals a different side of Majaz,” the band’s guitarist Hameed AlSaeed told GulfWeekly.
“It highlights the more chill vibe of our Afro-Khaleeji sounds.
“Musically, it stands in contrast to the rest of the EP, which is much more energetic.”
The lyrics in Aini serve a dual purpose.
On the surface, they appear as a heartfelt conversation with a loved one.
But beneath that is a broader commentary on the gradual erosion of deep human connection in the digital age.
The double meanings throughout the song make it relatable on multiple levels, whether listeners interpret it as a love ballad or a reflection on modern disconnection.
“The song sheds light on the importance of human connection in a world where real, deep human interactions are becoming increasingly scarce, gradually losing their significance and weight amidst the ever-evolving ways through which the age of information shapes the way we communicate,” Hameed explained.
In keeping with the band’s commitment to preserving and evolving Khaleeji musical heritage, Aini incorporates ‘Sawt Shami’, a rhythmic pattern rooted in ‘Fann As-Sawt’, an urban art form that has played a significant role in Gulf music for centuries.
While the band often experiments with Khaleeji rhythmic foundations, the use of ‘Sawt Shami’ in this track signals a deliberate nod to ‘one of the timeless pillars of Khaleeji musical heritage’, repackaged in a modern aesthetic.
“The song was written in mid-2022 and we have also played it live in many of our shows, where it got shaped into the final version,” bassist Salah Alawi added.
“The challenge was testing the song couple of times in front of the audience before hitting the studio.”
The single follows Ya Lala (a vocable commonly used in Khaleeji culture and music as a display of joy and care-free sentiments), Heila Hei (a generational Bahraini phrase with no particular linguistic meaning), and Ala Wain (Arabic for ‘to where’), which have received praise for their creative fusion of genres.
Like its predecessors, Aini will be part of Majaz’s upcoming and as-yet-unnamed five-track EP, which is expected to be released by the end of 2025 or early 2026.
Made up of Bahrainis Hameed, Salah, cellist Jehad Al Halal, and Saudi percussionist Abdulla Faisal, the quartet is currently planning shows across the region.
Aini is now streaming on all major platforms.
Follow @majaz_music on Instagram for announcements.
