Abdulla Mahmood AKA Whatsmahmood has kicked off 2025 with a creative shake-up, announcing his latest release, Furjaan Al Bahrain, set to drop on 31st January. But this isn’t just another music launch—the Bahraini artist is taking his craft to the next level by pairing each of his monthly songs with a short film. This ambitious new direction marks a significant shift in his artistic journey, pushing him beyond the realm of traditional music videos into a space where sound and storytelling go hand in hand.
“I’m done creating superficial music videos,” Whatsmahmood shares. “Now, I’m focusing on giving the audience a little more value with the films I create.”
This fresh approach comes with its own challenges, but for Whatsmahmood, it’s all about breaking creative boundaries. His first venture into this hybrid storytelling format is a comedy short film, in which he not only plays the lead role but also takes on multiple responsibilities behind the scenes. From writing and directing to co-filming and editing, the artist has fully immersed himself in the process, wearing more hats than ever before. The film follows a washed-up detective who hasn’t solved a case for 13 years—a concept that allows Whatsmahmood to explore humour, satire, and visual storytelling in a way he hasn’t done before.
The project has been a labour of love, taking three months to complete, and it hasn’t been without its hurdles. “The process was stressful, and I made many mistakes—but I learned from them,” he admits. “Most importantly, it was an incredibly fun experience, especially working with my right-hand man, Moayyed. This was our first big project together, and I couldn’t have done it without him.”
Adding to the film’s creative depth is the song Furjaan Al Bahrain itself, produced by one of Bahrain’s most recognised musical talents, Sean Aaron Fernandes, also known as Monsoonfortwo. Known for his keen ear for blending sounds, Monsoonfortwo has infused Furjaan Al Bahrain with a groovy yet nostalgic feel, merging electronic rhythms with retro influences. The track is bound to strike a chord with listeners, offering a sound that complements the film’s quirky narrative.
Whatsmahmood’s bold decision to merge film with music raises an interesting question: is this the beginning of a new trend in Bahrain’s indie music scene? While music videos have long been the standard for visual storytelling in the industry, this approach takes things a step further. Instead of simply accompanying a track with a standard video, Whatsmahmood is opting for immersive, narrative-driven experiences that give audiences something deeper to connect with. It’s a move that reflects his evolving artistic identity—one that refuses to be boxed into conventional formats.
For those unfamiliar with Whatsmahmood’s work, his music is often described as a fusion of heartbreak, romance, and self-exploration. The artist, sometimes referred to as the “funk maverick,” has made a name for himself by blending atmospheric synths with funky bass lines, creating an evocative sound that sits somewhere between nostalgia and modernity. His previous singles, Goosebumps and Feel Alright, both released in 2024, set the tone for his evolving style. Thematically, his songs delve into human complexities, love, and introspection—ideas that remain constant throughout his work.
With Feel Alright, for instance, Whatsmahmood encouraged listeners to embrace the full spectrum of human emotions, layering his signature synth-heavy sound with groovy undertones. His ability to weave emotional depth into feel-good rhythms has made his music resonate with a diverse audience. Now, with the introduction of film into his artistic repertoire, he’s poised to offer an even more multidimensional experience.
As 31st January approaches, we’re keeping an eye on Furjaan Al Bahrain to see just how well this bold experiment unfolds. One thing is certain—he’s giving his audience something fresh, bold, and unfiltered, and that alone makes Furjaan Al Bahrain a release worth watching.
