Bahraini music at heart of Expo 2025 Osaka
Manama, Sep. 14 (BNA): Since the dawn of the civilisations that flourished on the land of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the sea has been its lifeline and source of connection with the world. It was a key factor in the development of Bahrain’s economic and cultural relations and left a clear mark on the local culture. Music emerged as one of the most important expressions of the people’s relationship with the sea, and over time it became an integral part of the national identity and collective memory, reflecting the history of society and its connection with its surroundings.
Today, the Kingdom of Bahrain carries this rich musical heritage to a new global platform through its participation in Expo 2025 Osaka. Its Pavilion, Connecting Seas, creates a space that combines authentic cultural elements with innovation and distinctive design.
Music features prominently in the Connecting Seas experience through the works of Bahraini artist and researcher Hassan Hujairi, who presents sound installations across different areas of the Pavilion inspired by traditional Bahraini arts, particularly the art of Fjiri. Reinterpreted in a contemporary form, these works interact with audiences and open new horizons for understanding Bahraini culture. Music here is not limited to a single artwork but represents a central part of the Pavilion experience, where it integrates with architecture, visual arts, and food to offer visitors a comprehensive picture of Bahrain’s cultural identity. It also highlights how the arts, especially music, can serve as a bridge for communication and understanding with diverse international audiences.
Preparations continue at the Bahrain Pavilion in Expo 2025 Osaka for the National Day celebration, to be held on September 18, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
On this occasion, the Expo will host between 17 and 20 wide-ranging cultural programmes led by Bahraini music, with live performances that showcase the diversity of Bahrain’s musical scene. The events will bring together traditional music and contemporary styles with the participation of leading Bahraini bands and musicians. Through this diversity, Bahraini music engages with the global Expo audience, affirming its role as a bridge of human connection and cultural openness.
For more information, visit the Bahrain Pavilion website at Expo 2025 Osaka www.bahrainpavilion2025.bh and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities website at www.culture.gov.bh. You can also follow the Authority’s social media account @CultureBah and the Bahrain Pavilion account at the Expo @bahatexpo.
