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instep
overview
The sound of moderation
British born Sami Yusuf proves that you don't need elaborate
graphics or raunchiness to be a popular singer. As long as your
voice is sincere, a simple video that is true to your message can
suffice.
By
Jazib Zahir |
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The
camera pans over the vast expanse of a desert and zooms in on a shot
of our resplendent sun. From the glories of nature, we shift to a
wonder built by man: The Taj Mahal, resting serenely in the distance.
Now emerges a young man of wheatish complexion donning a crisp black
suit. He twirls through crowded streets while exchanging pleasantries
with others. He draws charts and busies himself in meetings at the
office. He courteously gives up his seat for a lady on the bus. After
work, he unwinds by joining a group to practice playing music. All
the while, the smile never leaves his face and his thoughts are always
on his Lord, his faith and his duties. |
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This
is a fairly accurate sketch of a video for a song by Sami Yusuf, 'Hasbi
Rabbi'. He proves you don't need elaborate graphics, raunchiness or
synchronized dance troupes to be a popular singer. As long as your
sounds are appreciated, a simple video that is true to your message
can suffice.
And what a message it is. Sami Yusuf is a British Muslim of Azerbaijani
origin, gaining popularity in an age when being Muslim is unfortunately
synonymous with extremist to undiscerning western eyes. Sami is a
vocal preacher of moderate Islam, a message he hopes to communicate
through his lyrical trade. And he acts out his message through the
videos of his songs. He opts for a stylish yet sober close-cropped
beard and though considers himself devoted, he also leads a regular
and healthy life. |
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Political
and spiritual meaning aside, Sami Yusuf is popular primarily because
his music sounds good. It meshes nicely with the symphonies of violinists,
flutists and sitar players. The beats and choruses are just as catchy
as the most popular pop songs of the age. Arabic is distinguished
by its poetic qualities; Sami capitalizes on this virtue by dressing
familiar supplications into musical tones. Actually, his talents are
not limited to the Arabic language. This maestro casually alternates
between Farsi, Urdu and Turkish verses within his predominantly English
verses, a veritable linguistic mosaic that has no contemporary parallel.
Sami's popularity is primarily in the West. His official website indicates
that he has embarked on a voyage across the United States this summer
to treat his legions of fans to live performances. He has his share
of admirers across a cross-section of races with eclectic taste, but
his most devoted following is among the Muslim diaspora. |
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| Sanah
Parvez is a Pakistani residing in the United States who has developed
a fondness for Sami Yusuf's tunes. She explains, "My parents
listen to naats in Urdu but the naats don't have the same amazing
spiritual effect on me as Sami Yusuf. I listen to his songs for apolitical
reasons - in the U.S., all I hear about Islam is politically saturated
and to get some relief from this, I listen to him." |
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While
we can all share the spiritual joy of Sami's videos by the wonders
of YouTube, they have scarce presence on Pakistani broadcasts. With
some luck, you might be able to find a local store that stocks his
two albums to date, but he has indicated no plans to visit Pakistan
to share his music in person.
Jahanzeb Akbar is an engineer working in Lahore who was first introduced
to Sami Yusuf several years ago. "A naat attributed to Sami was
playing on the television," he explains. "It enchanted me
so much I looked up additional samples online and have been hooked
ever since. I like the music itself and also appreciate its special
meaning for me as a Muslim." |
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Indeed,
Sami has composed songs and videos about celebrating Islam. These
are all simple themes that resonate with Muslims but have just never
found a way into our music till this point. Shoaib Mansoor has broken
the barrier in cinema and it's great to see the Muslim youth with
that same dedication towards music.
A large cross-section of the Pakistani population remains oblivious
of Sami Yusuf's existence. Is there a particular reason for this?
"Given that he sings mostly in English I could see why our masses
would not be able to warm to him," Jahanzeb suggests. "Hearing
someone glorifying Islam in the format of a pop song might also not
be appreciated here."
Skimming through some of the forums frequented by Pakistani music
lovers, you will find many people appreciating Sami's music, message
and personality. It seems like he has cultivated a place in the hearts
of our most devoted music fans. It would be wonderful to see him make
a push to garner popularity here. Many of us might be able to appreciate
the message of making moderate Islam a part of our daily lives. |
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