Profile: Mujahid Bakri – Pianist

Compiled by Nada Dirar

This episode of our documentary series on musical and dramatic arts introduces a young artist, Mujahid Bakri, whose musical journey began in the city of El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan. Born into a culture deeply connected to the rhythm of mardoom, a local tribal dance, Mujahid’s love for music was nurtured from a young age. He was inspired by the songs of Ibrahim Musa Abba, Abdel Rahman Abdullah Sadiq Abbas, and other renowned artists who resonated throughout greater Kordofan.

Mujahid’s passion for music grew during his primary and secondary school years in El-Obeid, where his talents drew the attention of his school community. He became a beacon of creativity, which led him to the College of Music and Drama, where his outstanding academic performance earned him a place in the piano department. There, he was mentored by the late Dr. Hawa Al-Mansouri, who recognised his exceptional potential and personally oversaw his development until he graduated with honours in piano. He gained the trust of the college administration and was appointed as an assistant instructor.

Mujahid’s journey in music was marked by his unique approach to musical instruments. He entered the world of music with a distinct style, earning a license to practice the profession early in his career. His talent led him to collaborate with various artists, including Nadi Al-Qalaa, Amjad Bagheera, and Al-Dardiri Al-Doun. He also took on the role of supervising choirs, a testament to his versatility and passion for music.
Along with fellow graduates from the College of Music and Drama, Mujahid founded the Hero Band, which produced original musical works with distinctive arrangements.

Mujahid Bakri also ventured into new media by establishing an educational channel for piano instruction and creating a modern studio for recording traditional music works.

In addition to his musical career, Mujahid has taught music at primary and secondary schools. He continues to teach at the Nilofar Arts Center and primary schools in Saudi Arabia.

Mujahid’s belief in the potential of Sudanese music is unwavering. He envisions a future where Sudan’s rich rhythmic diversity and music take center stage on the global platform. His words, ‘Sudan is rich in rhythmic diversity and music, which could put it at the forefront of nations if it were properly notated and produced professionally,’ inspire a sense of pride in our cultural heritage. His journey, despite the challenges, is a testament to the power of faith and perseverance.