The return of Sinbad of Arabic song after a long absence
After a three-year absence from live stages, the legendary Arab singer Rashed Al-Majed a powerful and dazzling return, writing a new chapter in his illustrious career. In three nights described as "fantastic" as part of the Riyadh Season events, Al-Majed proved that his absence only enhanced his brilliance and presence, igniting the enthusiasm of his audience who filled the Mohammed Abdo Arena to capacity.
The three concerts were titled “Rashid is Back,” a promise fulfilled under the supervision and vision of His Excellency Turki bin Abdulmohsen Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority. This return constituted a massive artistic and cultural event, the impact of which was not limited to the local scene, but extended to become a global trending topic on social media platforms for many hours.
Historical background and significance of the event
Rashed Al-Majed is a musical icon in Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Gulf, with a career spanning more than four decades during which he presented hundreds of works that have resonated with successive generations. His absence from public concerts since 2019 created a sense of longing and anticipation among his fans, making the news of his surprise return as part of Riyadh Season a major celebration.
These concerts come in the context of the major transformation taking place in the Kingdom’s entertainment sector as one of the pillars of Vision 2030. Riyadh Season is no longer just an entertainment festival, but a global platform that attracts top stars and offers exceptional experiences, and the return of an artist of Rashid Al-Majed’s stature through this platform confirms the season’s status as a major destination for major artistic events in the region.
Details of the three nights and their impact
The concerts were more than just musical performances; they were an emotional journey connecting the artist with his audience. Tickets sold out completely within minutes of going on sale, a clear indication of his immense fan base. Over the course of three nights, Al-Majed performed a selection of his most beloved songs, both old and new, from "Al-Musafer" (The Traveler), which deeply moved the audience and brought tears to the artist's eyes in poignant moments, to "Al-Hal Al-Sa'ab" (The Difficult Solution) and "Wahashitini" (I Miss You), among other masterpieces that the audience sang along to word for word.
The concerts witnessed a remarkable turnout of art and media stars, who were keen to share in Majid's joy at his return, adding significant media attention to the event. Many artists, such as Aseel Abu Bakr and Ayed Yousef, expressed their immense happiness at this return, emphasizing that the music scene had missed the voice and presence of "Abu Talal.".
The local and regional impact of the anticipated return
Domestically, Rashid Al-Majed's return boosted the artistic and cultural scene in the Kingdom, reaffirming that authentic Saudi art still retains its brilliance and strength. Regionally, these concerts reaffirmed the significance of Gulf music and its ability to compete and attract audiences from across the Arab world.
At the conclusion of his concerts, Rashed Al-Majed expressed his gratitude to his fans and the General Entertainment Authority, promising that he would not disappear again. This return was not merely a series of concerts, but a renewal of the bond between an exceptional artist and a loyal audience, and a reaffirmation that true art never dies, but rather grows in value with time.
