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Happy New Year!
Saturday 31 December 2011 at 17:42
Dear all,
I don’t wish to make this long. 2011 has been an extremely exciting year. Historic events that many could never have dreamed of have unfolded and changed the world forever. With change, of course, come new challenges.
Amongst all the turmoil and problems surrounding us, let us not forget to love and to have mercy on each other. Let’s pray for patience, lasting stability and freedom for all people.
Happy New Year! Look out for 2012! We have GREAT things planned
Peace and love to you all,
sami
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“Forgotten Promises” – Sami Yusuf and WFP
Thursday 15 December 2011 at 18:13Greetings to my dearest Spiritique supporters How are you all? I mentioned to you awhile ago about an upcoming surprise... Well, it's arrived :) I’ve been given the privilege of working with the UN World Food Programme in campaigning for aid for the drought-hit Horn of Africa and the surrounding regions. The culmination of this project, I’m proud to say, is my new single, “Forgotten Promises” a song that for the very first time (to the best of my knowledge) incorporates full human body percusion. "Forgotten Promises", I'm proud to say, will be released on the 17th of December. All proceeds will be donated to the WFP in support of their humanitarian operations in the Horn of Africa. I thought it fit to share a few thoughts here, given that this song not only concerns its listeners but also those who will be benefiting from us listening to it. Every so often, if one is truly fortunate enough, destiny brings along a rare gift. I see the LiveFeed campaign as not just 'another' charity project, but as a lifetime pledge to help bring awareness at the very least, and end hunger at most in the Horn of Africa. I sincerely, from the bottom of my heart, request you ALL to join me in this effort by not simply dedicating but committing a moment of your time to those less fortunate. I urge you all to purchase this song. With a mere $0.50, a life can be saved. Our brothers and sisters are waiting. We have no excuse. Please share this campaign with everyone you know. With love and thanks. Sami Read More
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One-year anniversary of “Wherever You Are!”
Thursday 3 November 2011 at 07:28
Only a year on and the Wherever You are album has already united so many hearts around the globe! In celebration of Wherever You are and the Spiritique genre's 1st year anniversary, SYO gave away wallpapers with designs ranging from the Howa Honak calligraphy to You Came To Me stills --- all HD -- for subscriber's personal use!
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WFP, Surprises and more…
Monday 31 October 2011 at 17:49Peace and blessings everyone & dear Spiritique lovers, It's been a while since my last blog. I thought I'd catch up with you all. As you know, the UN's World Food Program has selected us as its Celebrity Partner. Of course, to say "I'm honoured" would be an understatement. From as far as I can remember, all my life I have wanted to somehow do 'good' and throughout my professional life I've had the honour of working with various entities who work extensively to provide relief and aid to those less fortunate around world. I have to say, working with the WFP is probably among the greatest of such honours. The WFP is "The World's largest Humanitarian agency fighting hunger." To be able to help people is in itself a great privilege and honour, but to be able to help through such a platform as the WFP is a true gift. I hope my humble contributions can in some way provide hope to those less fortunate -- A big thanks to the WFP for allowing me to be part of their extended family. BTW, check SYO out in the coming days -- you're in for a treat. ;) Now... Moving on to the surprises :) We have a number of surprises that will hopefully be launched imminently -- starting from tomorrow :) Great announcements coming your way very soon -- including a brand new competition :) Last but not least, I'd like to wish you all a very blessed 10 nights of Dhul Hijjah. Much love to you all. S Read More
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9/11
Saturday 10 September 2011 at 20:21Today marks a truly sad day. It's the day when the world, as we know it, changed forever. I still vividly remember 10 years ago today. I left my house early morning to head towards my recording studio, which was at that time based in Manchester. I remember walking up the stairs to open the door to my studio located on the top floor (third floor) but was forced to stop midway when I found my landlord jaw-dropped watching the TV. I went towards him and found myself in exactly the same situation! I saw scenes of the first plane colliding into one of the twin towers. In absolute shock and disbelief, we were left numb. I remember thinking initially, "What a horrific accident!" How could this happen!?" Then, the moment no one expected - a second plane hit the second tower. It was a rude and shocking realisation – this was no accident. One of the first things I did was to ring a friend and ask him what he thought was going on. I was panicking. At one point I remember clearly hearing from my friend "…I don’t know what’s going on Sami. But I just pray to God that Muslims have nothing to do with this!". There was silence in the call. I had tears in my eyes knowing what would/could happen IF Islam/Muslims were indeed implicated in some way. September the 11th was a dark day in history and, I believe, IF there were to be any martyrs on that day it would have to be all the passengers, firemen, civilians as well as the countless good-hearted human beings who sacrificed their lives to protect their fellow citizens and NOT the brainwashed sick few who crashed the planes into the Twin towers! The people who hijacked the plane on September 11th also hijacked our Muslim faith. Though a truly dark day, what was to come was much darker. The invasion of Afghanistan, the illegal war on Iraq and toppling of the government, the so-called War on Terror which not only cost trillions of dollars but an unimaginable millions of lives but this doesn't end. Thousands are still being massacred through drone attacks and bomb blasts on a daily basis. If only all these dollars were used to fight hunger, poverty and illiteracy instead. The real question is, when does this all end? When does the hate end? When is the arrogance and superiority complex going to end? Aren’t ALL lives sacred? Aren’t all people the same? Or are some lives more valuable than others? Until we learn to love one another -- unconditionally -- without pretense and respect each other in the spirit of equity and brotherhood it may, I'm sorry to say, never end. I'd like to end this blog with a few lines from a song I wrote called Salaam I pray for day when there'll be Justice and unity When we put aside our difference Fighting makes no sense Just a little faith To make it a better place We're here for a day or two... Let me show my way Salaamu alaik, Salaamu alaik, Salaamu alaiokom (Peace with you, Peace be with you, Peace be with you all). Sami Read More
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“Never Forget”
Monday 11 July 2011 at 07:15"Bosnia has witnessed many atrocities throughout her history. Yet she keeps forgiving and forgetting…” These compelling words of a Bosnian friend struck a chord within: You should forgive, but NEVER FORGET. I can never forget the genocide that took place in Bosnia some 16 years ago. I have tried, through my own humble efforts, to be vocal about it throughout the years. However, it saddens me beyond words to admit that not many know about Europe’s worst war crime since World War II. It is my hope and wish that this small initiative helps in educating people about the reality and the truth, the truth of the genocide committed in Srebrenica (Bosnia – Herzegovina) 1995. This atrocious ethnic cleansing should be taught as a part of every school curriculum, just as we are taught about the Holocaust against the Jews. I believe that through our collective efforts we can make it happen so that, God-willing, we never relive such days. I would like to thank Jasmin fazlagic for his relentless efforts and support. Also, a big thanks to Sanjin Manov for working tirelessly to edit and direct this simple, yet poignant and evocative clip in such a short space of time. Photos courtesy of the editorial staff at Dnevni Avaz Newspaper -- Big thanks for the support. Bosnia is truly beautiful. Sarajevo, even more. Her people, forgiving. Forgiving shall only be a virtue if they never forget, when we never forget. Hvala and God bless you all. Trans. Bosnian Lyrics (Written and translated by Nihad Sladic) Through the pearl of cities, put to fire and sword, May the rivers of life now start to flow. It is fate: the tear has learned to know, On this day the pain and sorrow Should hide no more. This is the moment of remembrance A prayer to the heavens A call to each and every heart, Be forgiving; pave the way to Light, My Sarajevo Read More
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Greetings, announcements and more!
Saturday 2 July 2011 at 15:40Peace, blessings and love to you all. It’s been a long time since I last wrote a blog. A lot has happened since then including: touring Europe; First International concert in post-revolution Egypt and of course the launch of the SYO Shop! One of the highlights of the year for me had to be the Egypt show where not only did I have the honour of being the first international artist to perform in post-revolution Egypt, but I was also given an enormous welcome and reception by the media – not to mention a rare 2 hour platform on one of the most watched programs (Parts 1, 2, 3 and 4) to clarify some points regarding the ‘fake’ 2009 album, introducing Spiritique and my latest album/music. I am truly grateful to all in Egypt especially the media and especially Al Haya Channel for their warm reception and generously allocating so much time. Europe was incredible – highlights for me were Paris & Barcelona ☺ A big ‘Thank You’ to all those who attended the shows and I really hope to revisit Europe soon. I am truly grateful for all the blessings in my life: not only do I have a truly amazing support base; but also the blessing and luxury of being creatively and artistically “FREE”, i.e. to make the music I WANT and not succumb to the ‘needs’ of a market or group (this is particularly true post-2008). I am independent and not answerable to no one save my conscience and my Creator. A little message to my younger brothers, sisters and friends and fellow musicians (note: the following content was inspired by an email I received a few years back from dear friend): I’m quite concerned by what I see taking place in the “Islamic Pop” music industry. I am worried about other artists with other companies who are not being allowed to direct their own music. More than ever, it’s extremely important to note that "longevity" is the key to a fruitful career in music. i.e. building trust from listeners and love with them and ‘album to album’ is not sustainable. Artists must be allowed to grow individually and grow with their audiences. Music that is formulated works for the record companies, but the artist get chewed up and spit out as audiences are fickle and en mass want a new face every five years. By the grace of God - I have a devoted support base. Al Muallim was honest and from the heart because it came from my heart before I met any ‘Record company’. God-willing, people will continue to remember and always love it. But the key is honesty and openness. The music should speak for itself. We got the ‘ball rolling’, but now the real Sami can shine and my best music is yet to come ☺ Btw. Big Announcement: We are coming to Indonesia on the 28th September! Extremely excited. Be there ;) With endless love and gratitude. God bless you all Sami Read More
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