Majaz bewitches DIFF 2018 with stunning show

For around an hour or so, the Bangladesh Army Stadium became an emblematic Arabian Peninsula, as Bahrain-based progressive fusion folk band Majaz left the audience of the second day of the Dhaka International Folk Fest (DIFF) 2018 spellbound. Majaz, meaning metaphor in Arabic, is forged by an unconventional blend of instruments: Jehad Al Halal on cello, Abdulla Faisal on percussions, Salah Sharakhat on bass guitar and Hameed Al Sayeed on acoustic guitar.

Their performance started with a brilliant instrumental piece, incorporating an immensely familiar Arabian-styled riff with a unique blend of bass-drifting and cello work. “We dedicate the next song to all the people who are oppressed by someone more powerful than them”, they had announced before starting their next song. The structural rigidity of the piece was broken up by Majaz's signature 5/4 beats occasionally. As time went on, the instrumental reached a drastic crescendo, pulverising the chilly atmosphere with ecstatic energy.

The final song came in the form of a folk sea-shanty, one which pearl divers from Bahrain sang before oil was discovered in the land. When the performance reached its crescendo, the entire venue resonated with the catchy tune that the crowd sang along with.

Majaz's performance, in essence, was what folk music is all about, bringing people together in awe and appreciating the heritage of their origins. As a listener who was amazed by the young prodigies from Bahrain, it would be an absolute treat to hear them at the DIFF again.