16 April 2022 www.bahrainthismonth.com interview MAN ON A MUSICAL MISSION Music has long been known to be an international language that is capable of inspiring change. Bahrain-based burkinabè musician Bino.Bah has a conversation with Farah Baig, about his will to bring about positive change through his music. The Kingdom of Bahrain has a long-standing history of welcoming people of all cultures and religions to its shores. The island has proven be a safe haven for every community, with its welcoming nature and diverse society proving to be a source of inspiration for many. The result is a melting pot of creatives including musicians and artists that find Bahrain to be a creative muse of sorts. Last month, Alliance Francaise Bahrain held an event to celebrate the French language while acknowledging and celebrating cultural differences between Frenchspeaking countries. Ahead of the event, we met with Moussa Kouasso Badolo, better known by his stage name Bino.Bah, a talented musician hailing from the West African country of Burkina Faso who would be representing his country. Where It All Started Recounting his journey as a musician, the young burkinabè shares that his childhood was marked by the daily harsh realities of Africa, which propelled him towards an untypical course for an artist. “I have been immersed in music since I was just a child, starting my musical journey at church when I was six. Over the years, I attended several musical and vocal development workshops through the church which developed my skills as a musician,” explains Bino.Bah. “Professionally, I dreamed of becoming a doctor and was attending scientific studies but had to give up on this dream,” he says gently. In 2010, Bino enrolled in the police academy where he ultimately moved towards Sports, Arts and Culture of the Police – a step that would lead to him being an established musician in his native land. “I had reestablished the police orchestra and filmed educational music videos for civilians to encourage civism and raise awareness,” he explains. Bino.Bah’s love for music found him delving into a range of genres that were supported by his African roots. “However, being a musician at heart, I decided to go on leave for two years so I may travel the world, meet more people and broaden my horizons. Music is my life and so I had to go,” he quips. New Beginnings Having first visited Bahrain in November 2019, Bino was moved by the warm welcome of the Bahraini people and soon found the inspiration for his first solo album, AURORE, which translates to ‘sunrise’ – an album which would signify the ray of hope and renewal presented by every morning. “When I visited the Kingdom, I felt a deep connection with it… and I’m not just saying that because I now live here. It’s peaceful and you form a bond with everyone you meet. It’s safe, you do not find people fighting and it’s just one of those places that you could hear plenty about but ultimately have to experience for yourself to truly understand it,” he elaborates. Since establishing himself in the Kingdom, Bino.Bah has performed at the outdoor venue Wagalag among others to crowds that have grown to enjoy his music, which is quite new to Bahrain. “The genres covered in my album include blues, African blues, reggae and Afro Mandingue – an unusually peaceful and healing genre of music which originated in Mali,” he states. Addressing Tough Topics While pursuing his passion for music has proved to be fulfilling, the burkinabè singer, guitarist and composer highlights that he is on a mission to raise awareness about his country and pressing societal issues. “The inspiration for my music comes from my daily life – problems that we deal with, conversations that we have and real issues that have to be brought to light,” he says. Most people would find the topics that Bino addresses in his music to be uncomfortable, or perhaps unapproachable. “I sing about social injustice, access to education, female genital mutilation (FMCG), Picture by: Summer Ameen
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