Kuwait, 3 March 2024 : In celebration of Kuwait National Day, Burgan Bank announced the release of “Beladona Helwa”: a new song and accompanying video paying homage to Kuwait and the deep-rooted love for the homeland. Performed by a group of young and aspiring artists, the song was part of the modern re-imagining and reprisal of “Al-Sindbad Al-Bahri” (Sindbad the Sailor), the much-loved classic children’s play and the first play of its kind in Kuwait and the region. In the decades since its first release, “Beladona Helwa” has become an iconic song: a cultural landmark and a symbol of national pride that still lives on today as a reminder of the golden days. 

In the first hours of its online release, the video for “Beladona Helwa” generated high traffic, with over 12 million views across various streaming platforms. The song also reached number one in streaming on Anghami in Kuwait. Commenting on this runaway success, Mrs. Kholoud Redha AlFeeli, Deputy General Manager - Marketing and Communications at Burgan Bank, said: “There is simply no place like home, and no stronger sense of belonging than that of belonging to the homeland. As part of our National Day celebrations, we are proud to unveil our reimagining of “Beladona Helwa”, which we dedicate to everyone and their love for our beloved Kuwait. The song becoming a hit nationwide, including hitting the top spot on Anghami, is a testament to its emotional value and staying power. We are simply delighted to be able to keep this song alive for future generations.” 

Adding: “Since its debut in the 70s as part of “Al-Sindbad Al-Bahri”,, “Beladona Helwa” has become a touch stone in Kuwaiti culture. The play presented so many important values and educational messages, especially about the importance of loving one’s homeland. Therefore, as part of our revival of “Al-Sindbad Al-Bahri”, we made sure to also introduce “Beladona Helwa” in its new, modern-take performed by an ensemble of  young artists, dedicated from Burgan Bank to the Kuwaiti people as a token of appreciation to Kuwaiti art.”

Al Feeli added: “I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this work of art, including our partners, Trend Productions, for their cooperation and commitment, starting with the elaborate details that went into the modernized performances of “Al-Sindbad Al-Bahri”, which was met with a feel of nostalgic warmth and enthusiasm. We also thank them for their efforts in producing the new “Beladona Helwa” TVC, in celebration of Kuwait National Day. We would also like to extend our thanks to the talented director and multi-disciplinary artist, Bader Al Shuaibi, as well as the exemplary artists, including Yagoub Abdullah, Talal Sam, Mansour Al Bloushi, Talal Bassem, Shaikha Al Aslawi, Al Ghaliyah, Khaled Al Kandari, and many more who stood behind the great success of the play and our National Day video.”

On his part, actor and lead singer Talal Sam said: “I would like to express my sincere thanks to Burgan Bank for this special experience. It was my pleasure and honor to be selected to play Al-Sindbad Al-Bahri, which is a central and vital role in the play, alongside my peers who represent some of the finest young artists in the scene. I was also delighted to perform the most iconic song of the play, “Beladona Helwa”, which perfectly captures the nostalgia of the past as well as the celebratory vibes of Kuwait National Day – an iconic song that occupies a special place in the hearts of many Kuwaiti generations, myself included.”
“Beladona Helwa”, written by the esteemed late poet and journalist AbdulAmir Eissa and composed by Ahmed Al-Babtain, was first performed in 1978 during the debut performance of the pioneering children’s play “Al-Sindbad Al-Bahri”. The original play featured a wide range of megastars, such as Abdulrahman Al-Aqel, Istiqlal Ahmad, Khaled Al Obaid, Huda Hussein, Raja Mohammed, Mohammed Al Saree’, and Mohammad Al Mesbah.