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Khaleel has been ubiquitous on the Islamic media domain for years. From captivating us with his powerful graphic designs, singing harmonious melodies in the background of top nasheeds and producing audio masterpieces, there are few places you can go without seeing his name.  Best known for his innovative audio play 'The Adventures of Hakim' and providing the backing vocals to songs by Yusuf Islam and Zain Bhikha, Khaleel is far from just a nasheed artist. He is an accomplished designer, voice-over artist, as well as prolific writer, producer and Workshop leader. In 2005 Khaleel travelled to Malaysia to record his second album 'Dhikr of Life' with world renowned Abu Bakr of nasheed group Raihan. Whilst there, he also filmed 4 music videos. One of the leading exponents of nasheeds - Islamic songs in praise of Allah SWT and His Prophet Muhammad (peace & blessings of Allah be upon him) - singing in English, Arabic and Urdu. Based in Birmingham, they are the UK's leading nasheed group.  Hundreds of live performances and thousands of album sales later, the group's passion for their sacred art, by the grace of God, remains undimmed. Nazeel's mother was always a source of inspiration for him to pursue creative ways to do good for himself and others. For the last several years, she suffered from a rare illness.  Nevertheless, she continued to encourage him to use his talent in reciting and singing to uplift souls including his own, alongside his other duties. When she was abroad on medical treatment, there was a period of time when Nazeel was not able to be with her and take care of her. A close friend suggested that he record a song and send it to her as a gift. Nazeel jumped to the idea and recorded one of her favourite songs and sent it. On hearing it, she was deeply affected, and moved to tears. After returning to the UK for further treatment, she would often ask Nazeel to sing the song to her while she rested, even as she approached her final days. Nazeel’s mother passed away just over a year ago. Soon more of his close friends listened to the song, and several were moved by the track. Eventually, they persuaded Nazeel to do something more so that others might also benefit in the way they did. Dunya, Nazeel’s debut album is a powerful collection of songs and recitals about life as a ‘seeker’ aspiring to be at one with the world of God. Hamza Robertson was born in Lancashire in the North-West of England. Since school through college, he involved himself in music and the performing arts. He was a part of the local theatre workshop where he wrote music and acted in plays. He took part in a variety of bands beyond college, playing a variety of instruments and writing music. He still produces his own unique pieces.  Through his early academic career, Hamza played the keyboard and performed vocals and as such played in several bands, later becoming lead singer, keyboard player and guitarist in a band he formed with his friends. Hamza has undertaken a series of solo performances. He studied Performing Arts Popular Music for three years. In working with Awakening, Hamza aims to take part in a new dynamics in calling to God, or 'dawah', in a new world, through producing songs with a positive message. He feels that too many people know too little about Islam and the beauty of its essential values, values which bring about harmony between people, as opposed to discord. Hamza believes that music, being a powerful source of energy, can be employed to influence people toward either good or bad. He feels there is too much 'negative music' in the world giving people the wrong message, and bringing about within them the desire to do things which are against their inherently pure nature, i.e their 'fitrah'. Mecca2Medina consist primarily of four core members, Abdul-Karim Talib, Dawud Saifullah, Ismaeel Yasin and Rakin Misbah. In addition to the existing members, there are also two Percussionists, Nuradeen Hussein, and Umar Toure, and various vocalists who the group call upon regularly to either sing or guest rap. In 1996, Mecca2Medina was launched; the very first release being an EP entitled “Life after Death”; favourable reviews and interviews from many mainstream magazines followed and the rest as they say is history. Since those early days, they have appeared on numerous television programmes. They have been on all the UK terrestrial channels and also several satellite channels. They have done radio interviews on BBC World Service several times after they had received several positive responses from an initial interview in 1999. They have appeared on GLR and Choice FM, popular London based radio station, and numerous Community Stations Nationwide.  To date Mecca2medina have released 5 EP’s and 4 Albums, 2 of which are Nasheed albums. These Nasheed albums have been specifically released to cater for the Muslim Community. The Muslim Community remains their biggest supporters and contributors aside from Allah (SWT) without whom none of this could have happened. Truthful Movement was born out of the aggravation of youths displaying an inappropriate image of themselves, be it on a public transport! Truthful Movement consists of two members, Truth better known as Masrur and Emperor better known as Kaiser. They are two British Bengali rappers and producers straight from the heart of East London. Their intentions with music are pure giving an insight from the eyes of a youth. Trying to educate the youth is difficult; trying to make them aware of situations is difficult, therefore, they use music as a form of communication. Mecca 2 Medina are a true inspiration for Truthful Movement. Masrur and Kaiser have high respects for Rakin, Ishmael and Abdul Karim as they are guiding them on this long journey that they have embarked upon. Masrur and Kaiser together wish to give the youth of today something positive to listen to. Prince Abdi is a talented young comedian from south London. He is the only comic who hails from Somalia. His personality and energy makes everyone indulge to his character. Only 23 years of age, Abdi has only been on the comedy circuit for 6 months, but has already made his name heard performing in places such as Hackney Empire, Comedy cafe and Comedy Store to name but a few. He challenges the stereotypes that is seen in Somalians and shows the humorous side of things. His upbringing in a traditional Somali family alongside his encounters with his Indian, Jamaican, Nigerian and Cockney mates and local Chinese restaurant worker, are sure to make his comedy appeal to everyone. Up and coming muslim comedian, sure to bag a ton of laughs. |
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