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Sami
Yusuf and photographer Peter Sanders at a panel discussion in Cairo on
British Muslims |
The
touching "Mother," the second single taken from My Ummah,
speaks of the heartache of one who has lost his mother. After her death, Yusuf
is filled with remorse for the pain he had caused her while she was alive.
Yusuf's soft voice resonates with guilt and repentance as he speaks to his
deceased mother, making the song a real tear-jerker:
Now
I'm alone filled with so much shame
For all the years I caused you pain
If only I could sleep in your arms again
Mother I'm lost without you
You were the sun that brightened my day
Now who's going to wipe my tears away
If only I knew what I know today
Mother I'm lost
without you…
Your pardon mother, forgive me.
A
personal favorite of mine, is "Free." It speaks about the trials and
tribulations experienced by veiled women in the West:
What
goes through your mind?
As you sit there looking at me
Well I can tell from your looks
That you think I'm so oppressed
But I don't need for you to liberate me
My head is not bare
And you can't see my covered hair
So you sit there and you stare
And you judge me with your glare.
To
view the music video of Ya Ummi click here. |
|
The
significance and sentimental value of the veil and what it means to women who
wear it is beautifully encapsulated in the following verses:
So
don't you see?
That I'm truly free
This piece of scarf on me
I wear so proudly
To preserve my dignity...
My modesty
My integrity
So don't judge me
Open your eyes and see...
"Why can't you just accept me?" she says
"Why can't you just let me be free?"
At
26, the British singer of Azeri descent has conquered the hearts of the Muslim
mainstream. Since his debut album, Al
Mu'allim, released three years ago, Yusuf has become the star of
Muslim nasheed festivals, the poster-boy of cassette shops in the Middle East,
and a regular on MTV. Praising Allah in every interview and in almost every
song, Yusuf is an inspiration for musicians who seek to combine a serious
message with fine art.
Ever
since Al Mu'allim, Yusuf's music has evolved from dealing with strictly
religious sentiments to subjects pertaining to world suffering and general
issues. As he takes his lyrics to new levels, Yusuf has also moved musically
from singing soothing, nasheed-like melodies to hip-hop and catchy tunes.
Nevertheless, his music seems to be highly influenced by oriental compositions
and instruments.
Loved
by Muslims fans around the world, Yusuf has capitalized on a niche in the Muslim
music market. With his musical virtuosity and touching lyrics he has also now
carved a place for himself in the popular music scene, with his songs being
aired on most Arab as well as Western music channels.
Here
in Egypt, ring tones featuring Sami Yusuf's songs go off through busses and the
underground subway and are even blasted from scooters. Just like coming out of a
rejuvenating-soul spa, listening to My Ummah is sure to leave everyone
tapping their feet with an energized mind and soul.
**
Lamya Tawfik is a freelance journalist and a journalism instructor based
in Cairo, Egypt. She's currently pursuing a doctorate degree at the Institute
for Postgraduate Studies in Childhood, Ain Shams University. She can be reached
at lamyatawfik@islamonline.net
