LIVE CHAT JULY 2009

July 2009, Live Chat Answers!

Q: When will you release your new album?

A: It is no secret that for the past couple of years I have failed to release an album. Part of that reason has been due to a lack of ‘inspiration’ and other reasons have included me not feeling that I’m adding any more ‘value’. I could’ve easily released ‘another’ “al-Muallim” or “My Ummah” style album that would have, probably, sold in the millions but I chose not to because I am and will always be, God Willing, an artist who stays true to his heart and message. I can’t just release and album because there happens to be demand, I’m not a businessman ☺ The new official album I’m working on is a compilation of personal experiences I’ve gone through in these 6 years, particularly the past 2 years. Subjects such as betrayal, hurt, frustration, Forgiveness and the Love of God and His messenger Muhammad SAS and how His love and Mercy is what has kept me going… In a nutshell, the album is much more intimate, and reflects me in 2009!

Q: What are your current/future projects?

A: Wow, I’m involved with a lot of things at the moment but the one project I’m most proud of is being the Global Ambassador for Silatech (http://www.silatech.com/en/section/who-we-are), an entity formed by the First Lady of Qatar with the aim of creating employment in the MENA area. It’s something we so desperately need in our time – Sound and Wise leadership focusing on ‘helping people help themselves’. It’s a real honour to be part of it mA. I’m also proud and honoured to be receiving my Honorary Phd from Roehampton University next week iA! Just days away ☺

For the long-term, I think I will be setting up my own charity iA. Something focusing on Domestic Violence or Women trapped in horrendous situations! Unfortunately, a lot of the time they go to their local Imam only to be told that they should have “Sabr.” No one should have to live through such moments – even if were just a ‘moment’.

What I’m most excited about these days (other than my album of course) is to set up a new Record Company I’m hoping to establish soon that focuses on developing talent and getting real, pure and honest art out there to the public iA.

Q: Do you think the whole Islamic Music scene has been over commercialized?

A: Absolutely, and I, unintentionally I must add, played a part in creating this. I would argue that it’s not just the Music Scene, but some of us as Muslims commercialising (albeit, most of the time unintentionally) Islam in our own ways . In my case, I was a ‘guinea pig’ of some sort. A ‘test’ in a laboratory paving the way for future ‘tests’ (artists) to arise. In retrospect, the whole ‘Wow’ factor was in many ways unhealthy because it was being done in the name of Allah SWT and His messenger. I have been very fortunate because of my background and years of training to have been able keep my sanity and humanity intact. If it would have been anybody else, God knows what would have happened to them! They could be on Drugs, have severe depression etc. I have seen with my own eyes, what the dangers in creating some kind of utopian ‘perfect’ image can bring. I saw people who started to pray but then simply stopped or girls who wore the Hijab but then removed it ALL because they felt ‘let down’ by certain self-righteous individuals who presented themselves as ‘super-human’ when in fact were more human than we could ever imagine. I think religion (ISLAM) is sacred/holy and people should think twice before choosing to make it their business to contantly make others feel they’re ‘not worthy’ or even worse ‘they’ll never be worthy’. No one is perfect, and we are all on our own individual journeys. We have to make sure that our antennas are ALL in tune and in line with Him first and foremost before some of us, God-Forbid, appear ‘holier than thou.’ What is the conclusion one may I ask? The conclusion is that rather than thinking how we should ‘Islamize’ one another, let’s focus on becoming the BEST in our fields and contributing to Humanity and the Ummah through our fields. We shouldn’t rely on being ’pious’ alone to save us from our terrible situation. We need people to be the best in their fields and to work become assets to humanity and our Ummah – AND be faithful at the same time. Hence, “I’m an artist then a Muslim.” ☺ ‘Islam’ shouldn’t be the ingredient that’s selling YOU or ME, it should be our skills and the value we can add to Humanity and the Ummah at large.

Q: What would you say to Awakening if you saw them? What about Bara, wasn’t he your friend? Didn’t you grow up together?

A: I’m afraid I’m not at liberty to discuss the details of our dispute here. However, I will say that I cherish the good memories I had with the ‘brothers’ – not any specific company. I would be lying if I said I was not hurt by the release of this unauthorised leaked Mp3 demo album. They were either 100%: (a) work in progress (b) demos (c) unfinished material (d) sketches. The release of this album truly hurt me and has brought much harm to myself and I’m sure to all of you – my supporters! The damage has been done, and nothing can change that. All we can do is ‘move on’ and make sure we learn from our mistakes.

Q: Awakening say they paid you in full? Is that True?

A: As I mentioned earlier, I’m not at liberty to talk about the details of our dispute, but since this was a public assertion made on their part, I will also publicly say this is NOT True. With the utmost of respect, I no longer wish to talk about this chapter of my life. I wish nothing more but to move with my life iA. It’s been a difficult 2 years but I’m very excited about the future iA.

Q: Is it true there’s a campaign aimed at keeping you out of the spotlight?

A: I’m not aware of any specific campaign, but I do know that my former company is requesting TV channels not to air my Music Videos. Also, removed most of my videos off Youtube. I was so proud that as a Muslim artist I had, by the grace of God almighty, accumulated a collective viewership of 30 million hits through my Music videos. Unfortunately, ALL those videos were removed and subsequently uploaded again which reset the counter to Zero. It’s not the end of the world though, God is most just and kind ☺ I’m very hopeful and excited about the future.

Q: Have you been influenced by MJ?

A: Michael Jackson has influenced EVERY single Artist in the 20th and 21st Century – at least on some level. Those who deny this are simply being unfair! May he RIP.

Q: Which Songs are closest to your heart?

A: The songs that are closest to my heart are the ones that are deeply personal: “al-Muallim”, “Mohammad SAS” and definitely ALL the new songs in the upcoming album!

Q: Would it be right to say assume that you have accumulated lots of wealth?

A: I remember having a light-hearted chat with a friend about a year ago, and he said “Sami, when your name is mentioned, people think you’re a billionaire!!” I was literally on my knees laughing ☺ I feel like a millionaire or better yet, a “Billionaire” in Barakah and blessings ☺ Whether it’s the countless duas and kind messages I receive on a daily basis or just being able to inspire others to reach their dreams – Praise be to God for everything ☺ However, in monetary forms I’m not ashamed to say that I’m a man who’s very much in debt. Look at ALL the established artists around the world, during the first 5-10 years of their careers they earned virtually nothing – or very little. I have earned virtually nothing from my album sales and 100% nothing from ringtones, videos being aired, Publishing, sponsorship payments etc. What is seen on TV is not reflective of the Truth. All the flare/hype is very much part of Show Business ☺. What I have earned has been through my concerts (which don’t happen very much as I’m selective). Unfortunately my brothers and sisters, what started out with a pure intention to serve my faith, the Ummah and humanity has now turned into a BIG lucrative business. It is THIS very business I’m trying to distance myself from. I will continue to make music with the same spirit I had when making Al-Muallim (SAS) until God takes me from this World iA.

Q: Dear Sami … Any news on your coming concerts ??

A: I hope to be starting a World Tour with the release of my official album. But currently, there are a few concerts lined up all of which can be viewed on my official website: www.samiyusufofficial.com

Q: Some rumours are circulating that “Sami Yusuf doesn’t sing about Islam anymore, he sings loves songs and he just cares about money etc…” Is this TRUE??

A: Wow, the price one has to pay when becoming famous ☹ Wallahi, This is why I always prayed to God to not make me famous because I saw at first glance what people had to go through – whether it was the musical environment I was involved in prior to releasing al-Muallim, or witnessing what occurred with the likes of Princess Diana and other famous icons. It’s a very cruel and hard life to deal with. I have to say though, it hasn’t been too bad for me, but you only have to have a ‘few’ disgruntled individuals with an agenda to spread horrible lies about someone and try to defame him/her for people to start believing the rumours. For the record, ALL of my musical compositions, lyrics and songs have come sincerely from my heart and are connected to God and/or His messenger SAS at some level. The problem is that I can’t make ‘religiously -orienated’ songs my business. I simply cannot and will not. I refuse to sing Devotional songs about our Nabi SAS purely for financial gain! I’d rather pack up my bags and never sing again! Unfortunately, my name has become a ‘brand’ and a lot of people have been ‘cashing in’ on it – not to mention misusing and abusing it. In a nutshell, I’ll continue singing about what I feel is worth sharing and what is TRUE from my heart . Whether it sells or not is not my concern ☺ I refuse to be part of any particular industry, and I refuse to sell my faith for a quick buck!

Q: in ur opinion, what’s the moooooooooost duaa’ that we ( MUSLIMS ) need nowadays ?

A: We need to beg for God’s Mercy and compassion, not only His Justice. If we were to rely on His justice alone then God knows where we would be now! We are in dire need of His Mercy.

Final chat message from Sami: My dear brothers, sisters and friends. Please forgive me for saying anything that may have caused offense. ‘Chatting’ like this is always ‘one-dimensional’ and can easily lead to misunderstandings and offense. Please accept/receive my humble thoughts with the spirit with which they have been sent, one of compassion, sincerity and earnest respect and love to you all. Regrettably not everyone could join us for this first chat due to the overwhelming demand. God Bless you all and looking forward to our next Live Chat – hopefully next time we can have a Video Chat.

The story begin : Year of 2007

Holy rock star: The voice of Islam

Sami Yusuf is the biggest name in Muslim music – anywhere. His albums sell by the million. Yet his own country – Britain – is hardly aware of him. But all that could be about to change.

By Jonathan Brown

Wednesday, 3 October 2007

For those who have never heard of Sami Yusuf, type his name into the YouTube website and prepare to see a pop video unlike any other. Glossy images of the Hagia Sofia mosque in Istanbul fade atmospherically into those of the Egyptian pyramids as swirling voices chant evocatively in the background. But, as the drumbeat kicks in, the viewer is transported dramatically from sweltering Middle Eastern bazaars to a workaday London street. A bearded young man wearing a tailored business suit strides on to a red London bus. "Oh Allah protect me and guide me, Oh Allah don't deny me from beholding your beauty," he sings, before getting up to offer his seat to a clearly delighted old lady.

Later in the video, the kindly Yusuf instructs wide-eyed children at an Indian madrassa, the scenes interspersed with him delivering a PowerPoint presentation to earnest colleagues of mixed ethnicity at a regional sales meeting. For many viewers, they are, perhaps, a confusing series of messages.

Model behaviour like Yusuf's is hardly the stuff of rock '*' roll legend but probably explains why the 27-year-old British singer is virtually unknown in his own country, at least among non-Middle Eastern music fans. Elsewhere in the world, in Turkey and the Gulf states in particular, he is one of the hottest acts around. The video in question was recorded to promote the song "Hasbi Rabbi", which translates from Arabic as "My Lord Is Sufficient". It is taken from Yusuf's second album My Ummah: God Is Cool – a record which sold at least one million legitimate copies but many times that number of bootleg versions and illegal downloads. The track is the most popular ringtone in the region, and can be heard pulsing out of mobiles from Istanbul to Riyadh. Yusuf is, according to Time magazine, Islam's Biggest Rock Star.

Yesterday, Yusuf was back in London, where he grew up, to promote a peace concert at Wembley Arena to highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Darfur. He appeared at a news conference alongside Baroness Vadera, the International Development minister, having just returned from the troubled Sudanese region on a fact-finding trip backed by the Government.

He urged his fellow Muslims to face up to the genocide being perpetrated by the Islamic regime in Khartoum against minority black African pastoralists. "I saw the poverty. I saw the destitution of the people, the orphans. I saw grief, agony and pain – people in desperate need," he said. "It is all very well seeing it on the news but it is nowhere in comparison to being there and witnessing it with your own eyes. It is like torture."

The Darfur concert, organised by the charity Islamic Relief, is already being described as the Muslim Live 8 and comes amid growing concern over what some have described as the "shameful" response of Muslims in Britain and elsewhere to the events in Sudan.

Joining Yusuf on stage for the event on 21 October will be Outlandish, an Islamic-Christian hip-hop group from Denmark, and Kareem Salama, an American-Muslim country-and-western star who has sung about, among other things, the pressures facing US soldiers sent to Iraq.

Yet while Yusuf has evoked comparisons with such Western chart-toppers as Robbie Williams – at least in terms of popularity and the devotion of his millions of fans – he has turned his back on the bad behaviour associated with many rock stars. He prays five times a day and is currently fasting for Ramadan. "Every grandmother would be proud of me. I am the perfect grandson," he admits.

But while his fans' parents are clearly impressed with his impeccable morality – his audiences transcend the normal generational divide – he says his music should concern people rather than his religion. "I never intended to be a clean-cut singer, a Muslim singer or a religious singer. All I ever wanted to do was make good music. I have an issue with being labelled a religious singer," he says. "I see myself as an artist who is versatile and who sings about whatever inspires him."

Yusuf prides himself on his musical adaptability – drawing on Middle Eastern tradition as well as hip-hop and even Western classical music. He says he would even one day love to sing with Bono or Sting.

His life story makes him perfectly placed to draw on such diverse cultural strands. Born in Tehran, where he lived until he was three, he is an ethnic Azeri. His grandparents left Baku in Azerbaijan when it was recaptured by the Bolsheviks after the First World War. The family arrived in Ealing, west London, in the early 1980s and settled well.

"British society is among the most tolerant, open, liberal, multicultural and inclusive in the world," he says. "For me, home is the UK, home is England, home is London. I went to Azerbaijan recently. I got a big presidential welcome but I still felt like a stranger."

Growing up in a musical family – he was taught by his father who was also a composer – Yusuf eventually studied composition and piano at the Royal Academy but left after only eight months. He now continues his studies at Salford University and still considers himself a student despite his international pop star status.

Having nearly given up music to pursue a legal career – he was talked out of it by a friend – he says he was "spiritually awakened" at the age of 16 and has studied Islam and Arabic in Egypt, dividing his time between Cairo, London and the home he shares in Stockport with his wife Maryam, a German-born convert to Islam. He remains fiercely protective of his private life. "Maryam didn't become a Muslim because of me. She did it by herself through her own research," he insists.

In 2003, he recorded his first album, Al-Muallim (The Teacher). The lyrics are sung mostly in English but also include Arabic, Urdu and Farsi, as well as some Turkish dialects. The album was an instant hit, charting in Turkey, Jordan and Egypt. His second album was an even bigger seller.

But with Yusuf's success came criticism. Some Muslims, including the British journalist Yvonne Ridley, who converted to Islam after being captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan, have questioned whether what he is doing, alongside the adoration and wealth he has at his disposal, is compatible with the teachings of the Koran. Others wonder whether music itself should be haram (forbidden).

Yusuf admits to being uncomfortable with the hysteria and hero-worship commanded by pop stars, describing it in an open letter to Ridley as "unhealthy and un-Islamic". But his concerts remain a million miles from the average Ricky Martin gig. In Saudi Arabia, he performs to segregated audiences of men only. Where women are allowed in, the excitement never spills over into mixed dancing. The Saudi crowds observe what one spectator has described as an "unspoken decorum".

He remains respectful of his critics but is always ready to argue his case. "Some people say a lot of things that many of us would not agree with," Yusuf adds. "But music is a universal language which has united people for thousands of years and will continue to keep doing so.

"Fame is not something that I crave and it is not something that drives me. It is nice being recognised sometimes but people like you for different reasons. Some want you as an idol on a poster in their room; others like the message. Others see you as a sex symbol it is true. I do get the occasional immature person saying they want to marry me. But in general the message I get from fans is one of respect for what I am doing."

Yusuf does not shy away from tackling controversial themes in his lyrics and videos. He has criticised Muslim rebels from Chechnya for the Beslan massacre and the French government for banning headscarves in schools, as well as singing out about the oppression of "our brothers and sisters in Palestine and Lebanon". But he accepts there is a minority of Britain Muslims who do not share his benevolent view of their adopted country. "The world we are living in is a very angry world, not just among Muslims," he says.

"Certain segments of the Muslim community do feel there is an onslaught on their faith and culture but I don't think that is the vast majority. Each religion has a normative feel, be it Judaism, Islam or Christianity. The feeling in Islam is one of balance and the majority want to live their lives, get along with their neighbours and be good. The overwhelming majority of people in this world are good and goodwill will shine through."

wherever you are

Wherever You Are

Sami Yusuf has announced a new album called "Wherever You Are" Coming soon. Sami Stated: "After many years wondering and searching for inspiration; battling and overcoming loss hurt and betrayal; I am happy to say that my -- long overdue -- album is finally finished and out soon God-willing. It has been 5 years since my last official album... I can honestly say from the bottom of my heart, this is my finest work to date simply because you were all part of the whole creative process. You have inspired me more than you can imagine. Every single track on this album is deeply personal to me. God Bless you all and thank you for your incredible patience and support. Stay tuned :-)"