Biography
Maher Zain:
Singer & songwriter Maher Zain is the new star of Modern Islamic Music with his meaningful songs that aim to inspire and entertain people and send a message of peace and hope to the world.
Name: Maher Zain
Age: 29 years old
Nationality: Swedish (of Lebanese origin)
Education: BA in Aeronautical Engineering
Previous Job: Music Producer
Worked with in the past: RedOne (The Producer behind Lady Gaga, Akon etc)
Leaving behind a lucrative career in the mainstream music industry in New York wherein he worked with internationally renowned producer RedOne who has worked with chart-topping artists Akon, Lady Gaga, Enrique Iglesias and the late Michael Jackson to mention just a few, Maher chose instead to make music which reflects his roots of being both European, Arab and Muslim and he is working with Awakening Records (who launched the career of British artist Sami Yusuf) to inspire the youth across the world. In early March 2010, Maher's debut album Thank You Allah (released by Awakening Records) was the No.1 highest selling album on Amazon (in the world music section). Maher has already had concerts in Sweden, Canada, Australia, US, UK, France, Egypt, Algeria, and Bahrain to mention just a few. With his passion, incredible talent and unique style, the sky is the limit for Maher.
Maher’s first musical inspiration came from his father, who was a singer himself, performing locally in the beautiful Mediterranean city of Tripoli - Lebanon. Fascinated by the music and instruments, Maher got his first keyboard when he was only ten and ever since music officially became an integral part of Maher’s world. His family moved to Sweden when Maher was only 8, where he continued his schooling, and later entered university and got a Bachelors degree in Aeronautical Engineering. With things changing around him, one thing remained the same - his strong passion for music. He would spend late nights at school with his friends where they would sing, rap, compose and experiment with music in every way. It didn’t take him long to realize that music became an integral part of who he is.
After being involved for a while in the music scene as a music producer, Maher was introduced to RedOne, a gifted music producer who was fast rising in the music scene in Sweden. Maher started working with RedOne and later moved to New York. For a few years he was in the middle of the hot rush of the NY music industry, working with chart topping artists such as Kat Deluna on her debut album including smash hits ‘Whine up’ and ‘Run the Show’. Maher had what many would describe as a dream job for someone so young in such a glamorous business, but for Maher it felt like this was far from what he would call ‘the dream’, “I loved the music but I hated everything that surrounded it, it always felt like something wasn’t right”.
In January 2009, Maher Zain decided to work on an album that reflects his identity – Arab, Western and Muslim - and signed with Awakening Records. Maher’s debut album Thank You Allah reached the number 1 spot on Amazon’s World Music charts and number 9 on the R&B charts.
In January 2010, in a music competition organized by Nujoom FM (Egypt’s biggest music radio station) Maher’s track ‘Ya Nabi Salam Alayka’ was voted as the Best Song for 2009. Runners up included big names like Hussein Aljismi, Mohammed Mounir and Sami Yusuf. Maher has already performed at sold out concerts in Algeria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Egypt, England, France, Holland, Sweden, and the US amongst others and is fast becoming the ‘next superstar of Islamic music’.
Maher Zain’s album mixes the sounds of R&B with traditional spiritual, soul and contemporary pop music, not just updating spiritual music and inshad but fearlessly reviving it with contemporary flair. Maher’s debut album Thank You Allah is an instant classic of great power and timeless, unassailably intense spirituality.
Maher is fast becoming recognized as one of modern Islamic Music’s seminal voices after his ground-breaking single and animated music video “Palestine Will Be Free,” his music video “Insha Allah” shot on location in London and directed by famous British director Mike Harris who has worked with Coldplay and Madonna among others, and his latest video “The Chosen One” - about the life and the peaceful teachings of Prophet Muhammad - shot in Los Angeles. Maher Zain is clearly poised to take up modern Islamic Music to a new level. As a supremely gifted artist and producer, Maher brings his music to a wider audience not by watering down his message, but by making songs of supreme power, conviction, and glorious beauty, fusing elements of R&B, traditional spiritual music, pop, Arabic and Turkish music into daring arrangements.
After his experience in the Music Industry, Maher feels blessed to able to finally find the right way, put his talent to its best use, and produce music that is closer to his roots, and he feels like it’s his turn now to help others through his music to do the same: “If I had one thing I’d like to tell people out there it would be that it’s so easy to see the right way if we just open our eyes and look properly; that’s what happened to me.”
Sami Yusuf: |  |
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Sami Yusuf – A Messenger of Love
Sami Yusuf is a British singer-songwriter, composer, producer and an accomplished musician. Endowed with a strong cultural affiliation to music; privileged with a musical background and having studied music with several renowned composers, including those from one of the world’s most prestigious music institutes – the Royal Academy of Music in London, music is his destiny was unsurprising a prediction acquaintances would so confidently make.
Sami learned to play several musical instruments including the piano, violin, tar, tombak, santour, daf, tabla and oud to count a few, at a very young age. He bore the passion to etch a mark in the field of music, which he so indelibly did with the release of his groundbreaking debut album, Al-Muallim – an album composed, produced and sung by him.
A young, British-Muslim instantly became the talk of the town in lands as far and diverse as Egypt and Turkey. The album not only sold well over 3 million copies but also earned him a massive following in the Middle East, North African nations and South-East Asia.
Charmed by his good looks and manners so heart warming, the young amongst his fans would emulate what they saw in Sami, a leader. His fans wouldn’t shy away from admitting Sami’s music had changed their lives – for the better. Unheard of before, such an artist-fan tandem flourished with subsequent release of My Ummah, Sami’s highly acclaimed second album selling well over 4 million copies.
Sami was soon headlining CNN, the BBC, ABC, Al Jazeerah, not to mention, every mainstream TV channel in the Middle East and Turkey. Hailed by Time magazine as Islam’s biggest Rock Star and The most famous British Muslim in the World, by The Guardian, it was only a matter of time before sheer dynamism of what the media dubbed apopular act became the subject matter of think-tank studies. Transnational Broadcasting Studies, in two separate papers lauded Sami’s state-of-the-art music videos a beacon of positivity and substance; his music an alternative and competitor to the mainstream Western music.
His success was soon acknowledged by the University of Roehampton in south-west London, as a result of which, Sami became the first and youngest Muslim recipient of the honorary Doctor of Letters award in recognition to his extraordinary contribution to music. His music not only filled the airwaves of London and LA but also penetrated effectively in the conservative Arabian Peninsula. A staggering 250,000 people packed Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey to see Sami perform. He’s one of us, the crowds would claim proudly and sing along with Sami in his near-perfect Turkish. Sami has played across four continents, packing prestigious venues such as Wembley Arena in London, Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles and The Velodrome in Cape Town, South Africa – this by all measures being a humble recollection. His shows are grand and highly personalized. His performances are trim and tightly focused, complete with singing in English, Arabic, Turkish, Persian, Urdu, Azeri and Malay and performance on a multitude of both classical and ethnic instruments. His penchant for multilingualism teamed with simplicity of conduct makes his style a statement, and his shows an experience of a lifetime.
Sami however, dismisses fame and glory. For him, his position as an artist is a sacred trust, a trust best honoured in serving humanity. He was relentless in assuming his responsibilities as the first, global ambassador of Silatech, a Qatar-based initiative promoting entrepreneurial skills and open access to capital and markets for large-scale job creation. His Live8 concert in Wembley Arena raised millions of pounds for the victims of the conflict-laden region of Darfur, praised by the British government in appreciation and recognition of the efforts. Sami took the initiative to work in close tandem with the UN sponsored charity, Save the Children, to help uplift morale of the victims of 2010 Pakistan floods by sending a message of hope and undying support through his charity single, Hear Your Call. The single became the mouthpiece of awareness campaigns led by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, BBC and the CNN.
Sami is one of the UK’s biggest exports in the last decade. In the course of 7 years, he has masterfully navigated through unchartered waters – he has won over the hearts and minds of millions from across the Middle East, Europe, North America and North Africa. His compass, in principle, has been his self-coined genre – Spiritique. Manifested both musically and philosophically in his third album, Wherever You Are, Spiritique is a product of Sami’s identity. A proud British-Muslim, Sami is a passionate advocate of unity and is boldly committed to cross-cultural appreciation through promotion of universal values and celebration of the human spirit. The aim is to bridge the gap between perceptions and sense of incompatibility, and to foster spiritual autonomy so we may usher into a new era of cooperation and coexistence. When different races stand side by side, when young and old, pious or agnostic, male or female sing in one voice; that’s when Spiritique shines. An ambitious undertaking it may be to some. To many, it has already begun.
Contact: info@etminternational.com
Zain Bhikha:
Zain Bhikha has inspired fans the world over with his messages of hope and upliftment. As a singer, songwriter and through creative workshops and television, Zain is loved by young and old.
From the time that Zain recorded his first album in 1994, his experience as an artist has grown tremendously, increasing his exposure in his country of birth, South Africa, as well as globally. Zain remains a pioneer in the ‘Nasheed’ genre of music, where, as one of the first English Islamic singers, he opened the door for many other artists. His albums have been launched in many countries including the United Kingdom, North America, Malaysia, France, Turkey, Holland, India, The Middle East, and Australia. He has performed live in cities across most continents and has become a household name when it comes to spiritual music.
Over and above his individual endeavours, Zain has also collaborated with a long list of artists such as Dawud Wharnsby, Native Deen, Outlandish, Sami Yusuf, Raihaan, Khalid Belhrouzhi, Ahmed Bukhatir, Imad Rami, Ziryab, Khalil Ismail and not forgetting his mentor, Yusuf Islam. His songs are mainly self-written, driven by emotion and the need to reassure people that turning and submitting to the Almighty is the hope mankind needs for the core of our everyday questions and confusion. Many of his songs represent different times in his life and the lessons he has learnt through personal experience. Zain’s songs provide young and old with an alternative to mainstream music, carrying messages of faith and remembrance of God. His music promotes spiritual contemplation and encourages people to be proud of their beliefs, who they are and to work towards a better world.
Zain is extremely appreciative of the unconditional support he has always received from his parents and family over the years. He is proudly South African and having spent a short time in Dubai, Zain now lives with his wife, Zaheera and four sons in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Zain’s early years……
Zain Bhikha was born in 1974 in Pretoria, South Africa to Rashid and Mariam Bhikha. The only son, with three sisters, Zain was musically inclined from a young age and often commended for his melodious singing voice.
Zain did not receive any formal music training in his formative years but a natural inclination for writing and composing led him to what eventually changed the course of his life. In 1994, he entered and won a singing competition hosted by ‘702’- a local Johannesburg Radio Station. A simple song that he recorded on his home karaoke system, stood out amongst the thousands of mainly professional participants. After this great accomplishment, Zain was motivated to record a professional album. This materialized with “A Way of Life”, a compilation of basic Acapella Islamic songs, mostly in English, covering the various tenets of Faith. The album was released in South Africa in November of 1994, and received most favorably by an eager Muslim community.
A Way of Life……
“A Way of Life” sparked the beginning of further independent album releases such as “Praise to the Prophet (P.B.U.H)” (1996), “Fortunate is He” (1997) and “The Journey” (1998).
Zain Bhikha’s songs proved to be popular throughout South Africa, especially with young children who found the songs educational and inspiring. As the interest in Zain’s music increased, his albums began to soon filter abroad, and as fate would have it, eventually came to the ears of World Renowned Muslim activist, Yusuf Islam, better known as Cat Stevens.
At the time, Yusuf Islam was working on a momentous project entitled “A is for Allah” and believed Zain could contribute by lending his voice to some of the songs. In 1999, Zain flew to the United Kingdom to join Yusuf Islam’s Mountain of Light Studios to begin recording. This opportunity was a lifelong dream for Zain. What was even more exciting was that he was given the chance to perform in seven of the eight songs on the album. It was during the production of this album that Zain was brought on board as an artist under Mountain of Light’s cultural label, “Jamal Records. With the backing of Jamal Records, Zain stretched his wings further through the worldwide release of two compilation albums incorporating all material he had done thus far. These albums were entitled “Children of Heaven” and “Towards the Light”, featuring a number of remixed songs.
Faith….
Under the guidance of Mountain of Light and through the global distribution power of Jamal Records, Zain released “Faith” in 2001. The songs on this album deal with a broad spectrum of emotions from hardships to happiness, invoking a constant consciousness of the Almighty. The album also brought about collaborations between Zain and close friend and well-loved Canadian singer and songwriter, Dawud Wharnsby Ali.
Our World….
With his popularity rising and live performances around the globe, Zain Bhikha released “Our World” in 2002. This album is a portrayal of the diversity of mankind and the richness of all cultures, languages and traditions that are united through the Will of God. Zain’s eldest son, Rashid’s, melodic voice is introduced to us on this album. The title track of ‘Our World’ has been used by many production companies, for its universal prayer for a better world for all people, one free of prejudice and war.
Zain Bhikha Studios….
In 2005 Zain established a South African based production company called “Zain Bhikha Studios”. This company serves to house all of Zain’s present and future works in all fields; be it song, albums, educational projects through schools, workshops or theatre productions. Zain Bhikha Studio’s was also created with the intention of giving local and international artists the platform to gain exposure through Zain’s experience and resources in the industry.
Mountains of Makkah….
With the birth of his new company came the first album to be produced under the Zain Bhikha Studios label, “Mountains of Makkah” (2005). This album was inspired by Zain’s pilgrimage to Makkah in 2004. Both the content and composition of this album have been praised the world over for showing a maturity and a stronger definition of Zain’s unique voice. The lyrics are a reflection of his thoughts and feelings while partaking in this profound spiritual journey. “Mountains of Makkah” is still amongst the most popular Nasheed CD’S ever released.
Allah Knows….
Most of Zain’s songs are inspired, written and composed through personal experiences and feelings. This is especially true of the heartfelt lyrics that resonate throughout his album following “Mountains of Makkah”. “Allah Knows” was released in 2006 as a tribute to his eldest son, Rashid. It is dedicated to the journey of children into young adults and is an album for the young (and young at heart) “Allah Knows” features the musical talents of Dawud Wharnsby, Abdul-Malik Ahmad and Rashid Bhikha, in addition to introducing Naadira Alli and Zain’s second-born, Muhammad Bhikha who made his recording debut on this album. The album is a collection of songs to help the youth through the early mysteries of life and the social challenges that present themselves to much of them. “Allah Knows” has been praised as a ground-breaking approach to tackling the questions of a youthful mind and the innocent hearts of our children.
1415…..
In 2009, marking fifteen years since his first independent debut album, “A Way of Life”, Zain released “1415”. Earmarked by Zain’s recognisable mellow tones and accompanied by only drums and choral echo, 1415 pays tribute to Zain’s beginnings and offers 12 emotionally driven tracks including ‘Mum and Dad’, ‘I Remember your Smile’ and the ‘Prophets Faithful Friend’. The album also features a fresh new approach to classic songs such as ‘Fortunate is He’. “1415” further includes collaborations with Abdul Malik of Native Deen, an Urdu classic duet with Dubai-based artist Hoosain, and the gripping song, ‘Freedom Will Come’ “1415” is a true tribute to the work of Zain Bhikha in its profound messages, quest for peace and remembrance of God.
In 2009, Zain was also included in the book “Top 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World”, proving how the artist, who started with a passion for song, has gone on to influence Muslims across the globe with his melodies and messages of hope.
More than Song….
In addition to producing music, Zain has also written and directed theatrical productions aimed at invoking a spiritually uplifting message. One of his many successful productions, “An Orphans Tale”, which he produced in conjunction with a South African School, was a great success and brought a full house for all three nights that it ran in October 2003.
Zain has always been dedicated to the upliftment of young people. Although he has long been involved with projects for adolescents and young adults, in 2008, he designed a special course aimed at young people, wherein he motivates the youth to utilize their own creative talents for the benefit of society. Entitled, “ The Art of Creative Expression” these ground breaking one-day workshops began in South Africa, with over 1000 attendees nationwide in the first month. Workshops have since been successfully conducted in London (2009), in association with Dawud Wharnsby and the Redbridge Council, and Australia. Zain aims to take these workshops to countries throughout the world within the next few years.
You may contact Zain Bhikha on info@zainbhikha.com
From the time that Zain recorded his first album in 1994, his experience as an artist has grown tremendously, increasing his exposure in his country of birth, South Africa, as well as globally. Zain remains a pioneer in the ‘Nasheed’ genre of music, where, as one of the first English Islamic singers, he opened the door for many other artists. His albums have been launched in many countries including the United Kingdom, North America, Malaysia, France, Turkey, Holland, India, The Middle East, and Australia. He has performed live in cities across most continents and has become a household name when it comes to spiritual music.
Over and above his individual endeavours, Zain has also collaborated with a long list of artists such as Dawud Wharnsby, Native Deen, Outlandish, Sami Yusuf, Raihaan, Khalid Belhrouzhi, Ahmed Bukhatir, Imad Rami, Ziryab, Khalil Ismail and not forgetting his mentor, Yusuf Islam. His songs are mainly self-written, driven by emotion and the need to reassure people that turning and submitting to the Almighty is the hope mankind needs for the core of our everyday questions and confusion. Many of his songs represent different times in his life and the lessons he has learnt through personal experience. Zain’s songs provide young and old with an alternative to mainstream music, carrying messages of faith and remembrance of God. His music promotes spiritual contemplation and encourages people to be proud of their beliefs, who they are and to work towards a better world.
Zain is extremely appreciative of the unconditional support he has always received from his parents and family over the years. He is proudly South African and having spent a short time in Dubai, Zain now lives with his wife, Zaheera and four sons in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Zain’s early years……
Zain Bhikha was born in 1974 in Pretoria, South Africa to Rashid and Mariam Bhikha. The only son, with three sisters, Zain was musically inclined from a young age and often commended for his melodious singing voice.
Zain did not receive any formal music training in his formative years but a natural inclination for writing and composing led him to what eventually changed the course of his life. In 1994, he entered and won a singing competition hosted by ‘702’- a local Johannesburg Radio Station. A simple song that he recorded on his home karaoke system, stood out amongst the thousands of mainly professional participants. After this great accomplishment, Zain was motivated to record a professional album. This materialized with “A Way of Life”, a compilation of basic Acapella Islamic songs, mostly in English, covering the various tenets of Faith. The album was released in South Africa in November of 1994, and received most favorably by an eager Muslim community.
A Way of Life……
“A Way of Life” sparked the beginning of further independent album releases such as “Praise to the Prophet (P.B.U.H)” (1996), “Fortunate is He” (1997) and “The Journey” (1998).
Zain Bhikha’s songs proved to be popular throughout South Africa, especially with young children who found the songs educational and inspiring. As the interest in Zain’s music increased, his albums began to soon filter abroad, and as fate would have it, eventually came to the ears of World Renowned Muslim activist, Yusuf Islam, better known as Cat Stevens.
At the time, Yusuf Islam was working on a momentous project entitled “A is for Allah” and believed Zain could contribute by lending his voice to some of the songs. In 1999, Zain flew to the United Kingdom to join Yusuf Islam’s Mountain of Light Studios to begin recording. This opportunity was a lifelong dream for Zain. What was even more exciting was that he was given the chance to perform in seven of the eight songs on the album. It was during the production of this album that Zain was brought on board as an artist under Mountain of Light’s cultural label, “Jamal Records. With the backing of Jamal Records, Zain stretched his wings further through the worldwide release of two compilation albums incorporating all material he had done thus far. These albums were entitled “Children of Heaven” and “Towards the Light”, featuring a number of remixed songs.
Faith….
Under the guidance of Mountain of Light and through the global distribution power of Jamal Records, Zain released “Faith” in 2001. The songs on this album deal with a broad spectrum of emotions from hardships to happiness, invoking a constant consciousness of the Almighty. The album also brought about collaborations between Zain and close friend and well-loved Canadian singer and songwriter, Dawud Wharnsby Ali.
Our World….
With his popularity rising and live performances around the globe, Zain Bhikha released “Our World” in 2002. This album is a portrayal of the diversity of mankind and the richness of all cultures, languages and traditions that are united through the Will of God. Zain’s eldest son, Rashid’s, melodic voice is introduced to us on this album. The title track of ‘Our World’ has been used by many production companies, for its universal prayer for a better world for all people, one free of prejudice and war.
Zain Bhikha Studios….
In 2005 Zain established a South African based production company called “Zain Bhikha Studios”. This company serves to house all of Zain’s present and future works in all fields; be it song, albums, educational projects through schools, workshops or theatre productions. Zain Bhikha Studio’s was also created with the intention of giving local and international artists the platform to gain exposure through Zain’s experience and resources in the industry.
Mountains of Makkah….
With the birth of his new company came the first album to be produced under the Zain Bhikha Studios label, “Mountains of Makkah” (2005). This album was inspired by Zain’s pilgrimage to Makkah in 2004. Both the content and composition of this album have been praised the world over for showing a maturity and a stronger definition of Zain’s unique voice. The lyrics are a reflection of his thoughts and feelings while partaking in this profound spiritual journey. “Mountains of Makkah” is still amongst the most popular Nasheed CD’S ever released.
Allah Knows….
Most of Zain’s songs are inspired, written and composed through personal experiences and feelings. This is especially true of the heartfelt lyrics that resonate throughout his album following “Mountains of Makkah”. “Allah Knows” was released in 2006 as a tribute to his eldest son, Rashid. It is dedicated to the journey of children into young adults and is an album for the young (and young at heart) “Allah Knows” features the musical talents of Dawud Wharnsby, Abdul-Malik Ahmad and Rashid Bhikha, in addition to introducing Naadira Alli and Zain’s second-born, Muhammad Bhikha who made his recording debut on this album. The album is a collection of songs to help the youth through the early mysteries of life and the social challenges that present themselves to much of them. “Allah Knows” has been praised as a ground-breaking approach to tackling the questions of a youthful mind and the innocent hearts of our children.
1415…..
In 2009, marking fifteen years since his first independent debut album, “A Way of Life”, Zain released “1415”. Earmarked by Zain’s recognisable mellow tones and accompanied by only drums and choral echo, 1415 pays tribute to Zain’s beginnings and offers 12 emotionally driven tracks including ‘Mum and Dad’, ‘I Remember your Smile’ and the ‘Prophets Faithful Friend’. The album also features a fresh new approach to classic songs such as ‘Fortunate is He’. “1415” further includes collaborations with Abdul Malik of Native Deen, an Urdu classic duet with Dubai-based artist Hoosain, and the gripping song, ‘Freedom Will Come’ “1415” is a true tribute to the work of Zain Bhikha in its profound messages, quest for peace and remembrance of God.
In 2009, Zain was also included in the book “Top 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World”, proving how the artist, who started with a passion for song, has gone on to influence Muslims across the globe with his melodies and messages of hope.
More than Song….
In addition to producing music, Zain has also written and directed theatrical productions aimed at invoking a spiritually uplifting message. One of his many successful productions, “An Orphans Tale”, which he produced in conjunction with a South African School, was a great success and brought a full house for all three nights that it ran in October 2003.
Zain has always been dedicated to the upliftment of young people. Although he has long been involved with projects for adolescents and young adults, in 2008, he designed a special course aimed at young people, wherein he motivates the youth to utilize their own creative talents for the benefit of society. Entitled, “ The Art of Creative Expression” these ground breaking one-day workshops began in South Africa, with over 1000 attendees nationwide in the first month. Workshops have since been successfully conducted in London (2009), in association with Dawud Wharnsby and the Redbridge Council, and Australia. Zain aims to take these workshops to countries throughout the world within the next few years.
You may contact Zain Bhikha on info@zainbhikha.com
Masut Kurtis:
Vocal extraordinaire Mesut Kurtis is now being called one of the biggest stars of nasheed and Islamic Music. His unforgettable rendition of the Burdah and the music video for it have become modern‐day classics, and his new album “Beloved” has been a groundbreaking phenomenon in this genre of music across the Muslim world.
Mesut Kurtis was born in 1981 in Skopje, Macedonia to a family of Turkish origin. He found in himself a deep‐seated connection with music at a very early age. From there he went on to perform with groups in the local social clubs, mosques, and conferences. He went onto study at an College of Skojpe and then traveled to the UK to study for a degree in Human Sciences at the University of Lampeter.
Mesut’s first album “Salawat” was very warmly received by listeners around the world. His uniquely strong voice and soulful songs gave Mesut a large and loyal fan‐base which multiplied manifold after the release of his well‐known and much‐loved music video Al‐Burdah which was filmed on location in the islands off the coast of Turkey.
Mesut would describe his music as having a mix influences of Eastern and Western styles. He sings mainly about putting love into people’s hearts towards Allah and his beloved Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. He likes to send out a positive and hope‐filled message despite all the bad things that are happening in the world today. Mesut wants to share with his listeners a message of peace, harmony and love and to always look at the bright side of things.
Mesut has performed to sell out crowds in some of the most prestigious concert halls the UK, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Macedonia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait to mention just a few. His ringtones feature in the top selling ring tones in the GCC. Mesut recently launched his new album at the Virgin Megastore in Jeddah and was a guest artist / performer in the world’s biggest operetta on the Prophet’s life.
It is possible that there are singers alive today with more passion, conviction and beauty than Mesut Kurtis singing nasheeds today, but it's doubtful. Ever since the release of his debut album “Salawat” and his second album “Beloved” the glory‐giving soprano has built for himself a very wide fan‐base, being a favorite of listeners of all ages.
Mesut Kurtis was born in 1981 in Skopje, Macedonia to a family of Turkish origin. He found in himself a deep‐seated connection with music at a very early age. From there he went on to perform with groups in the local social clubs, mosques, and conferences. He went onto study at an College of Skojpe and then traveled to the UK to study for a degree in Human Sciences at the University of Lampeter.
Mesut’s first album “Salawat” was very warmly received by listeners around the world. His uniquely strong voice and soulful songs gave Mesut a large and loyal fan‐base which multiplied manifold after the release of his well‐known and much‐loved music video Al‐Burdah which was filmed on location in the islands off the coast of Turkey.
Mesut would describe his music as having a mix influences of Eastern and Western styles. He sings mainly about putting love into people’s hearts towards Allah and his beloved Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. He likes to send out a positive and hope‐filled message despite all the bad things that are happening in the world today. Mesut wants to share with his listeners a message of peace, harmony and love and to always look at the bright side of things.
Mesut has performed to sell out crowds in some of the most prestigious concert halls the UK, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Macedonia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait to mention just a few. His ringtones feature in the top selling ring tones in the GCC. Mesut recently launched his new album at the Virgin Megastore in Jeddah and was a guest artist / performer in the world’s biggest operetta on the Prophet’s life.
It is possible that there are singers alive today with more passion, conviction and beauty than Mesut Kurtis singing nasheeds today, but it's doubtful. Ever since the release of his debut album “Salawat” and his second album “Beloved” the glory‐giving soprano has built for himself a very wide fan‐base, being a favorite of listeners of all ages.
Yusuf Islam (aka Cat Stevens):
In “roadsinger,” the illuminating title track to Yusuf’s new album, he asks, “Where do you go in a world filled with fright? Only a song to warm you through the night.”
For decades, his has been the voice that has carried us through the darkness. One of the most influential and successful singer-songwriters of the last 40 years, Yusuf has provided the perfect salve for a troubled world—a beautifully nuanced, warm voice shielding us against harsh, turbulent times bringing songs of truth and hope.
Just when we need him most, Yusuf is back with roadsinger, an 11-song collection about the evanescent dreams of life and the promise that spiritual fulfillment brings for those who are ready to travel far enough.
“While writing these songs I was getting a new idea every day and every song said, ‘sing me’, Yusuf says, sitting casually on a sofa in a hotel suite in Los Angeles. “You don’t ‘make’ the music; you just interpret something that’s passing through you.”
The enjoyment that comes in being part of this process of creating music is palpable in every note on roadsinger. And Yusuf is certain that every step of his amazing journey has led him to this place. “Songwriting is a life vocation if you’re really serious about it,” he says. “And, therefore, it comes from your experiences and the times, tastes and troubles that make up your life.”
And what a life it has been. Born of a Greek father and Swedish mother in England, Steven Georgiou grew up in the shadow of the West End, London’s equivalent of Broadway. On one end of his street was a statue of Eros, the Greek god of love. On the other were theaters that brought some of the best music ever written within feet of his doorstep. “Almost from day one when I decided to get into music, I wanted to write songs for musicals,” he says. “I was so inspired by the great composers such as Bernstein, Gershwin, Rodgers and Hammerstein.”
A self-taught musician, yusuf always felt that, like these seminal men of music, he had a voice and something to say. “I just had to wait for other people to discover it.”
Of course, they did. As Cat Stevens, he sold more than 60 million albums. His tender-yet-passionate style became synonymous with the folk-based singer-songwriter movement of the ‘70s, although his music transcended any set place and time. Hits like “Wild World,” “Morning Has Broken,” “Father and Son,” “Peace Train,” “Oh Very Young,” and “Moonshadow” remain as relevant and inviting today as they did 35 years ago.
Always a seeker of enlightenment and universal wisdom, his searching led him to embrace Islam in 1977 after reading an English translation of the Qur’an. There is nothing too posh or pious about Yusuf. His faith is expressed most beautifully in the universal truths of “All Kinds of Roses” from roadsinger. There’s a stillness and deliberateness about Yusuf that comes from a place of serenity and surrender.
He smiles softly when he talks about picking up a guitar for the first time again in 2004. “It was that moment around dawn, morning time, when no one else was around. I decided to have a go and it felt so, so, natural. I could put my fingers exactly where they were 30 years ago (laughs) and yet it was so fresh. I think that was the most glorious of moments.”
That reentry into mainstream music’s atmosphere after a 28-year absence was the critically-lauded “An Other Cup” in 2006. People were relieved “that I didn’t sound like I’d gone through some Frankensteinian transformation which made me sound like something else,” Yusuf says with a laugh.
“An Other Cup” bridged his eastern and western sensibilities; whereas roadsinger is rooted firmly in the West. That shift happened subconsciously courtesy of a plane trip. “I remember listening to a playlist on a transatlantic flight of [music from] the ‘70s and that just captured my imagination. I said, ‘oh gosh, how great it was.’ It was Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, Carole King, James Taylor, Neil Young, Elton John. But it was more the L.A. stuff and that may have edged me toward doing that again.”
Yusuf traveled all over the world to record roadsinger including studios in London, Dubai, and others. He produced the album himself, with assistance on three tracks provided by producer Martin Terefe, best known for his work with Jason Mraz, KT Tunstall, James Morrison and Ron Sexsmith. Some of his musical friends—Michelle Branch, Gunnar Nelson, James Morrison, Terry Sylvester and Holly Williams, also chime in on backing vocals.
Much of roadsinger was recorded live with few overdubs, giving the album an organic, unpretentious feel. Yusuf says, “I borrowed from my own experience making ‘Tea for the Tillerman,’ I realized that some of the best tracks were all live so I went back into recording things live again.”
That adds to the immediacy and warmth of the tracks. “When you’re doing it live, it has something to do with life right now, which is much more powerful than ‘let’s try and overdub it again’,” Yusuf says. “Essentially it’s all done simultaneously and that makes it all more vital. The title track actually was a first take. I haven’t done that since 1967,” he laughs.
Yusuf also revisits his past on the compelling, lovely “Be What You Must” which opens with the lilting, delicate piano melody of “Sitting,” an enduring hit from Catch Bull at Four. Accompanied by a children’s choir, Yusuf bravely and boldly sings that in order to “Be what you must, you must give up what you are.”
On “roadsinger,” Yusuf praises love both divine and human. “Thinking ‘Bout You,” is a pure love song of sweet devotion to one who simply makes the world better by their presence.
While much of the album is dominated by Yusuf’s exquisite, tasteful guitar work, confident, layered arrangements punctuate the tunes, such as the horns on the lush “Everytime I Dream,” or the cellos and violins that provide “The Rain” with a gravitas as Yusuf sings of the world after an epic flood.
Similarly, the searing “World O’ Darkness” features some of Yusuf’s most plaintive vocals ever captured on disc, often pierced by his piquant guitar work. Just as he examines war on “Darkness,” on the yearning “This Glass World” he questions how we’ve isolated ourselves from others with our material possessions.
Both songs are featured in “Moonshadow,” a musical opening later this year constructed around his catalog of songs. “’World O’ Darkness’ acts as a prologue to the planet in which we find ourselves,” Yusuf says. “A world where only moon shines and there is no daylight. It becomes the goal of this one boy, who’s very much a dreamer, very much a rebel, perhaps similar to myself, who leaves the social treadmill to find the lost world of the sun.”
Like his best music over the decades, roadsinger is about a journey of love, after rejection; truth beyond illusion and, ultimately, hope from the opening track, “Welcome Home,” in which Yusuf invites “all seekers this way,” to the closing “Shamsia,” a gentle, meditative instrumental, where he sends us lovingly back into the world of musical sunshine.
But, luckily for us, Yusuf says his musical “seeking” is far from done so we can count on him to keep looking for the answers. “Seeking the perfect song is always the task of every songwriter and you never make it,” he says. “And that’s a great thing, that there’s always something more to write about, something more to sing out loud about.”
For decades, his has been the voice that has carried us through the darkness. One of the most influential and successful singer-songwriters of the last 40 years, Yusuf has provided the perfect salve for a troubled world—a beautifully nuanced, warm voice shielding us against harsh, turbulent times bringing songs of truth and hope.
Just when we need him most, Yusuf is back with roadsinger, an 11-song collection about the evanescent dreams of life and the promise that spiritual fulfillment brings for those who are ready to travel far enough.
“While writing these songs I was getting a new idea every day and every song said, ‘sing me’, Yusuf says, sitting casually on a sofa in a hotel suite in Los Angeles. “You don’t ‘make’ the music; you just interpret something that’s passing through you.”
The enjoyment that comes in being part of this process of creating music is palpable in every note on roadsinger. And Yusuf is certain that every step of his amazing journey has led him to this place. “Songwriting is a life vocation if you’re really serious about it,” he says. “And, therefore, it comes from your experiences and the times, tastes and troubles that make up your life.”
And what a life it has been. Born of a Greek father and Swedish mother in England, Steven Georgiou grew up in the shadow of the West End, London’s equivalent of Broadway. On one end of his street was a statue of Eros, the Greek god of love. On the other were theaters that brought some of the best music ever written within feet of his doorstep. “Almost from day one when I decided to get into music, I wanted to write songs for musicals,” he says. “I was so inspired by the great composers such as Bernstein, Gershwin, Rodgers and Hammerstein.”
A self-taught musician, yusuf always felt that, like these seminal men of music, he had a voice and something to say. “I just had to wait for other people to discover it.”
Of course, they did. As Cat Stevens, he sold more than 60 million albums. His tender-yet-passionate style became synonymous with the folk-based singer-songwriter movement of the ‘70s, although his music transcended any set place and time. Hits like “Wild World,” “Morning Has Broken,” “Father and Son,” “Peace Train,” “Oh Very Young,” and “Moonshadow” remain as relevant and inviting today as they did 35 years ago.
Always a seeker of enlightenment and universal wisdom, his searching led him to embrace Islam in 1977 after reading an English translation of the Qur’an. There is nothing too posh or pious about Yusuf. His faith is expressed most beautifully in the universal truths of “All Kinds of Roses” from roadsinger. There’s a stillness and deliberateness about Yusuf that comes from a place of serenity and surrender.
He smiles softly when he talks about picking up a guitar for the first time again in 2004. “It was that moment around dawn, morning time, when no one else was around. I decided to have a go and it felt so, so, natural. I could put my fingers exactly where they were 30 years ago (laughs) and yet it was so fresh. I think that was the most glorious of moments.”
That reentry into mainstream music’s atmosphere after a 28-year absence was the critically-lauded “An Other Cup” in 2006. People were relieved “that I didn’t sound like I’d gone through some Frankensteinian transformation which made me sound like something else,” Yusuf says with a laugh.
“An Other Cup” bridged his eastern and western sensibilities; whereas roadsinger is rooted firmly in the West. That shift happened subconsciously courtesy of a plane trip. “I remember listening to a playlist on a transatlantic flight of [music from] the ‘70s and that just captured my imagination. I said, ‘oh gosh, how great it was.’ It was Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, Carole King, James Taylor, Neil Young, Elton John. But it was more the L.A. stuff and that may have edged me toward doing that again.”
Yusuf traveled all over the world to record roadsinger including studios in London, Dubai, and others. He produced the album himself, with assistance on three tracks provided by producer Martin Terefe, best known for his work with Jason Mraz, KT Tunstall, James Morrison and Ron Sexsmith. Some of his musical friends—Michelle Branch, Gunnar Nelson, James Morrison, Terry Sylvester and Holly Williams, also chime in on backing vocals.
Much of roadsinger was recorded live with few overdubs, giving the album an organic, unpretentious feel. Yusuf says, “I borrowed from my own experience making ‘Tea for the Tillerman,’ I realized that some of the best tracks were all live so I went back into recording things live again.”
That adds to the immediacy and warmth of the tracks. “When you’re doing it live, it has something to do with life right now, which is much more powerful than ‘let’s try and overdub it again’,” Yusuf says. “Essentially it’s all done simultaneously and that makes it all more vital. The title track actually was a first take. I haven’t done that since 1967,” he laughs.
Yusuf also revisits his past on the compelling, lovely “Be What You Must” which opens with the lilting, delicate piano melody of “Sitting,” an enduring hit from Catch Bull at Four. Accompanied by a children’s choir, Yusuf bravely and boldly sings that in order to “Be what you must, you must give up what you are.”
On “roadsinger,” Yusuf praises love both divine and human. “Thinking ‘Bout You,” is a pure love song of sweet devotion to one who simply makes the world better by their presence.
While much of the album is dominated by Yusuf’s exquisite, tasteful guitar work, confident, layered arrangements punctuate the tunes, such as the horns on the lush “Everytime I Dream,” or the cellos and violins that provide “The Rain” with a gravitas as Yusuf sings of the world after an epic flood.
Similarly, the searing “World O’ Darkness” features some of Yusuf’s most plaintive vocals ever captured on disc, often pierced by his piquant guitar work. Just as he examines war on “Darkness,” on the yearning “This Glass World” he questions how we’ve isolated ourselves from others with our material possessions.
Both songs are featured in “Moonshadow,” a musical opening later this year constructed around his catalog of songs. “’World O’ Darkness’ acts as a prologue to the planet in which we find ourselves,” Yusuf says. “A world where only moon shines and there is no daylight. It becomes the goal of this one boy, who’s very much a dreamer, very much a rebel, perhaps similar to myself, who leaves the social treadmill to find the lost world of the sun.”
Like his best music over the decades, roadsinger is about a journey of love, after rejection; truth beyond illusion and, ultimately, hope from the opening track, “Welcome Home,” in which Yusuf invites “all seekers this way,” to the closing “Shamsia,” a gentle, meditative instrumental, where he sends us lovingly back into the world of musical sunshine.
But, luckily for us, Yusuf says his musical “seeking” is far from done so we can count on him to keep looking for the answers. “Seeking the perfect song is always the task of every songwriter and you never make it,” he says. “And that’s a great thing, that there’s always something more to write about, something more to sing out loud about.”
Contact:pr@yusuf.ae
Irfan Makki:
Nasheed artist and songwriter Irfan Makki’s songs offer up vibrant imagery with the innocence of a child-like observer and the wisdom of an elderly man, blended with world beat percussion, South Asian rhythms and a distinctive urban R&B vocal style. A sensitive songwriter with a humble stage presence, Irfan has performed all over the UK, US, and Canada, sharing the stage with such artists and friends such as Dawud Wharnsby Ali, Zain Bikha, 786, and the US based hip hop group Native Deen.
Born in Pakistan and migrating to Canada with his family as an infant, singer/songwriter Irfan Makki grew up within a community celebrating the diversity of cultures. Enchanted by dreams of utilizing his own voice in recitation and song, Irfan began to hone his own natural vocal talents. Throughout his teen years he immersed himself in the development of his unique musical style. The blessing of growing up against the multicultural city-scape of Toronto ensured that not only was he surrounded by a diverse Muslim community, but also encircled by a vibrant arts community.
Irfan recorded his first solo CD in 1997 “Reminisce”. In 1999 he was featured in the CD compilation “Light Upon Light”. His two songs “Light Upon Light”, and “When the Leaves Begin To Fall”, were met with high acclaim and were becoming the favourites of Nasheed listeners all over the world, especially in the U.K. and U.S. He released his second solo CD “Salam” in 2003. This was met with great anticipation and soon led Irfan to tour all over the UK and US.
It is the hope now that the coming together of the Awakening family and Irfan Makki will inshaAllah blossom into a beautiful bond
Born in Pakistan and migrating to Canada with his family as an infant, singer/songwriter Irfan Makki grew up within a community celebrating the diversity of cultures. Enchanted by dreams of utilizing his own voice in recitation and song, Irfan began to hone his own natural vocal talents. Throughout his teen years he immersed himself in the development of his unique musical style. The blessing of growing up against the multicultural city-scape of Toronto ensured that not only was he surrounded by a diverse Muslim community, but also encircled by a vibrant arts community.
Irfan recorded his first solo CD in 1997 “Reminisce”. In 1999 he was featured in the CD compilation “Light Upon Light”. His two songs “Light Upon Light”, and “When the Leaves Begin To Fall”, were met with high acclaim and were becoming the favourites of Nasheed listeners all over the world, especially in the U.K. and U.S. He released his second solo CD “Salam” in 2003. This was met with great anticipation and soon led Irfan to tour all over the UK and US.
It is the hope now that the coming together of the Awakening family and Irfan Makki will inshaAllah blossom into a beautiful bond
Native Deen:
The story of Native Deen is an inspiring one that began with three Muslim youth possessing unique talents and a passion to spread the uplifting message of Islam. Originally solo artists and active participants of their communities searching for creative ways to educate and inspire Muslim youth, today Native Deen has become a fusion of Hip-hop and R&B flavors, thrilling fans with their eclectic and unique combinations of lyrics, rhythms and sounds. The trio made up of Joshua Salaam, Abdul-Malik Ahmad and Naeem Muhammad came together in 2000 and has embarked upon a professional career in the music industry together in order to highlight issues confronting Muslims living in America.
These three young African-American men who were raised as Muslims in America have emerged as one of the leading Islamic Nasheed groups and have inspired an international fan base. Drawing their own inspiration from the message of Islam, Native Deen’s music calls listeners to keep the faith, to live better lives, and to NOT succumb to the pressures and temptations of modern society.
The band has inspired millions of Muslims and non-Muslims of all ages and ethnicities from around the world. Native Deen has toured more than 60 cities in America, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, promoting Islam. Native Deen’s decision to solely use percussion instruments in their music has lead to the creation of one of the most evocative audio efforts. With powerful beats and thought-provoking lyrics, their music will strike a chord with fans of hip-hop and R&B.
These three young African-American men who were raised as Muslims in America have emerged as one of the leading Islamic Nasheed groups and have inspired an international fan base. Drawing their own inspiration from the message of Islam, Native Deen’s music calls listeners to keep the faith, to live better lives, and to NOT succumb to the pressures and temptations of modern society.
The band has inspired millions of Muslims and non-Muslims of all ages and ethnicities from around the world. Native Deen has toured more than 60 cities in America, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, promoting Islam. Native Deen’s decision to solely use percussion instruments in their music has lead to the creation of one of the most evocative audio efforts. With powerful beats and thought-provoking lyrics, their music will strike a chord with fans of hip-hop and R&B.
contact: press@nativedeen.com