Rashed Al-Majed

Rashed Al-Majed, born on July 27, 1969, in Bahrain to a Saudi father and Bahraini mother, began his musical career at the age of 15. His talent was recognized by his teacher, Hamad Al-Hamad, who composed melodies for his early songs. His first song, “Hilwa Ya Al Bahrainiya” (You Pretty Bahraini girl), aired on Bahrain TV. Al-Majed released his debut public album, “Aah Ya Qalbi” (Oh My Heart), in late 1984, which included five songs, primarily co-produced with Al-Hamad. The album featured “Al-Barha” (Yesterday), used as the opening theme for the show “Nimr Bin Idwan.” In 1986, he released his second album, “Lee Bint Aam,” with its title track gaining significant popularity in the Arab States of the Persian Gulf.

His career saw a turning point in 1987 with the release of “Khal Al-Taghali,” an album that heavily featured Oud sounds. In the same year, he was selected to perform at the Ginadryah festival in Saudi Arabia, presenting a 45-minute performance orchestrated by Al-Hamad, which blended folklore and contemporary Arabian melodies. From 1988 to 1989, Al-Majed released three more albums, including hits such as “Jatini Taqoli” and “Sayyad Al-Ghawani.” The 1990s continued to mark significant growth; “Tal Intithari” was released in 1990, followed by “Hoob Al-Watan” (Love of Country) which coincided with the Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait and was praised as one of his notable works. This album was also the first to be released by Aljazeera Arts and Productions, a company Al-Majed later acquired.

In 1993, Al-Majed achieved widespread recognition with the release of “Adunya Hathooth” and “Allah Kareem,” albums that garnered numerous music awards and became widely broadcast. He briefly experimented with acting in the TV series “La Lilzawjat” in the same year. His fame increased further with the albums “Shartan Al Thahab” (1994), which achieved significant sales, and “Aghla Habeeba” (1995). In 1996, he released the patriotic album “Safwat Malook Al-Arab” in collaboration with Mohammed Abdu and Prince Khalid bin Faisal Al Saud, coinciding with King Fahd of Saudi Arabia’s recovery. The same year, “Al-Musafir” became his highest-selling album, selling approximately one million copies and featuring the hit title track. Between 1999 and 2001, he released “Ala Meen Tel’abha” and “Weily,” further solidifying his distinct musical style under the supervision of Kuwaiti producer Mishal Al-Arouj. In 2002, “Mashkalni” introduced an Emirati flavor to his music, a style that became more prominent in his subsequent releases. He also holds significant business interests, owning the Art Jazeera channel and a 50% stake in Platinum Records with MBC Group.