BNP Paribas honour for Bahraini musician

A LOCAL musician, recognised as an up and coming talent in the region, has been honoured with the prestigious BNP Paribas Emerging Artist Award.

The BD5,000 cash grant was presented to Ahmed Al Qasim by BNP Paribas head of Middle East Africa Jacques Michel on the sidelines of Bahrain Jazz Fest at the Royal Golf Club last Friday.

Mr Al Qasim, who has played the bass guitar for more than 18 years, leads a show called AQ’s Jazz Experience and is also part of popular local band Likwid.

Besides featuring at the Bahrain Jazz Fest, he has also performed at the Cairo Jazz Festival, the Spring of Culture in Bahrain and a number of concerts in the Middle East.

BNP Paribas, also the title sponsor of Bahrain Jazz Fest, developed the award to recognise and support a local artist in his or her quest to progress in a music career. 

The bank also supports jazz music globally through the BNP Foundation in Paris.

Source: http://www.gdnonline.com/Details/428221/BNP-Paribas-honour-for-Bahraini-musician