Ala Ghawas EPK (English)

Ala Ghawas

From his unforgettable English debut in Boston as a Bahraini Fulbright scholar in 2007 to his remarkable homecoming fifteen years later with the release of his first Arabic album, Ala Ghawas has forged an extraordinary bilingual career in music that resonates deeply with a generation of millennials in Bahrain as they navigate adulthood and complex identities.

His music reflects the tension between East and West, showcasing a unique sound that seamlessly blends traditional Arabic influences—such as Fairouz and Khaled Al Sheikh—with the craftsmanship of Western rock songwriting, drawing inspiration from artists like Jackson Browne and Jeff Buckley. This fusion is underscored by evocative and literate lyrics that oscillate between pessimism and provocation while remaining consistently compelling.

Celebrated as one of Bahrain's most influential artists of his generation. Ghawas has headlined every major music festival Bahrain and captivated audiences at prestigious venues across Cairo, Kuwait, and Dubai. With a remarkable twenty-year career, he has released six studio albums and four live albums, including his 2021 release, "Brouvat Mout," which stands as his most critically acclaimed and commercially successful work to date.

Biography

2007–2011: Debut trilogy of EPs

Ghawas recorded and released his debut EP, "Hums," in 2007 during his time as a Fulbright Scholar in Boston. The EP was well-received by the Bahraini media upon his return and led to the release of two more critically acclaimed EPs: "Whispers" in 2008 and "Screams" in 2009. Following a series of performances at music festivals, Ghawas held his first solo concert on November 19, 2009, at the prestigious Shaikh Ebrahim Center in Muharraq.

The concert recordings were later released digitally in 2011 as "Ala Ghawas: Live from Muharraq".

2012–2016: 'Armor' and partnership with Likwid

Starting 2012, Ghawas dedicated nearly two years to writing new material for his debut LP, "Armor," and collaborated with the Bahraini band Likwid for the recording process. He also worked with Bahraini composer Mohammed Haddad to arrange live string sections for four of the album's tracks. "Armor" was released in November 2013 and followed by a series of live performances with Likwid to promote the album in Bahrain, Dubai, and Cairo. In 2015, Ala Ghawas invited Likwid for a live concert recording and documentary at his home, aptly titled "Ala Ghawas & Likwid: Live from Allston," honoring the Boston neighborhood where he lived in 2006 and 2007. The film was produced and directed by Bahraini filmmaker Saleh Nass.

2017–2019: 'Tryst' and 'Live from Grace'

Ghawas' fifth studio album, "Tryst," came out in November 2017, entirely written and produced by him and engineered by Abdulla Jamal. The cover artwork was created in collaboration with Bahraini artist Abbas Almosawi. In 2019, he filmed and recorded his third live album, "Ala Ghawas: Live from Grace," featuring collaborations with friends and fellow artists such as Ahmed Alqasim, Fawaz Alshaikh, Ali Alqaseer, Abdulla Haji, Isa Najem, Eman Haddad, and Hassan Haddad. This live album included twelve original renditions of songs from his earlier releases.

2020–2023: Return to Arabic and 'Brouvat Mout'

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ghawas engaged his fanbase by rediscovering one of his childhood idols, renowned Bahraini musician Khaled El Sheikh. His admiration culminated in a cover of Khaled's beloved song "Makan Aamin Lilhob." On November 24, 2021, Ghawas released his sixth studio album and first-ever Arabic album, "Brouvat Mout," which is widely regarded as the pinnacle of his musical career. Written by Ghawas and co-produced with Bahraini musician Isa Najem, the album showcases his artistic evolution. On February 21, 2022, he was invited by the Bahraini Authority for Culture & Antiquities to perform at the prestigious Spring of Culture festival, and this performance was later released as a live album, "Ala Ghawas: Live from Spring of Culture."

2024–Present: Fatherhood and 'Reimagined'

In 2024, Ghawas celebrated a personal milestone with the release of a special single, "Fe Hedhen Ellail," to commemorate the first birthday of his son, Jubran. In early 2025, he released a highly collaborative EP titled "Reimagined," featuring remixes and renditions of his songs produced entirely by various Bahraini artists, including Isa Najem, Hind Dito, Maxeem Ghawas, The Relocators, Eman Haddad, and Esam Hammad.