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Bahraini wordsmith Mahmood Al Hayki proudly represented the kingdom at a prestigious international music and arts festival this month, inspiring countless young talents to overcome physical disabilities in pursuit of their dreams.
The 34-year-old singer-songwriter, who has a bone disability, was among 150 talents who performed at the Side by Side Festival gala held in Yerevan, Armenia, on December 3.
The event took place at the National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet and coincided with International Day of Disabled Persons – a global observance promoted by the United Nations since 1992 to advance the rights, well-being and inclusion of more than a billion people with disabilities. This year’s theme is ‘Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress’.
The concert showcased the participants’ creativity as they put on musical and dance performances with famous artists and groups, as well as individually.
Mahmood presented a song combining traditional Bahraini styles with modern influences. Part of the track was in the Armenian language, which he learned for this performance.
In an Instagram post, he thanked lyricist Lusya Karapetyan, whom he met at a previous edition of the festival, saying, ‘Thank you, Lusya Karapetyan. For the beautiful lyrics, your patience, and for teaching me the correct Armenian pronunciation. Proud of this special collaboration in Armenia’.
Mahmood said the experience was ‘truly special’ and that he is proud to have represented Bahrain yet again and share his message of peace.
“This was the first time I performed a song which is partly in the Armenian language,” Mahmood told GulfWeekly.
“The piece combines Bahraini traditional style with modern influences, and it felt meaningful to deliver a message of unity on an international stage. Compared to last year, I felt more confident, more prepared, and more connected with the audience,” added the front office agent, who works at the Hilton Garden Inn Bahrain Bay.
The hotel sponsored his participation at the Side by Side event this year as well.
Last year, the social activist sang his single Shine, which embodies his life message that ‘God created everyone for a reason’.
The track, according to the social activist, is meant to give people, especially those with disabilities, a message of hope and encourage them to find their purpose – a motto that Mahmood himself has lived by all his life.
Mahmood was born with a debilitation resulting from a fall his mother had when she was pregnant with him. Despite a challenging childhood, he had big dreams of becoming a singer and actor, which were short-lived due to his disability and limited opportunities. However, that never stopped him from living a fulfilling life.
In fact, Mahmood committed to supporting other differently abled people as well and has worked with various local social groups dedicated to the cause. He envisions a world where those with disabilities feel valued and have the freedom to chase their goals, while being accepted as equals.
Last year, he organised an inclusive talent show which saw the participation of 15 people of determination, who displayed their skills in poetry, acting and singing.
Not one to rest on past laurels, the go-getter is determined to do more in the coming year.
“My goal for the New Year is to grow artistically, build international collaborations, and continue spreading messages of peace, inclusion, and hope through my work,” he added.
