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| Background information | |
| Born | August 9, 1974 Pretoria, South Africa |
| Origin | Indian South African |
| Genres | Islamic Nasheed |
| Occupations | Singer-songwriter, Musician |
| Years active | 1990–present |
| Labels | Jamal Records/Mountain of Light |
| Associated acts | Yusuf Islam, Dawud Wharnsby, Rashid Bhikha |
| Website | ZainBhikha.com |
Bhikha may best be known outside of the Muslim community by his performance with a drummer and several backup vocalists who are most famous for being the African singers in the famous Disney cartoon movie The Lion King.[1]
Bhikha's music almost exclusively follows Islamic themes, with only voice and drums being used, since the use of musical instruments other than the voice and the drum is an area of debate in Muslim jurisprudence, considered harām, or "unlawful" by a portion of the Muslim community.
Contents |
Career Development
“A Way of Life” sparked the beginning of many more album releases namely “Praise to the Prophet” (1996), “Fortunate is He” (1997) and “The Journey” (1998). Zain Bhikha’s song served to be very popular throughout South Africa, especially for young children who found the songs educational and inspiring. Its popularity caused it to filter abroad and come to the ears of Yusuf Islam.Yusuf Islam was working on a momentous project entitled “A is for Allah” and believed Zain Bhikha could contribute by lending his voice to some of the songs. In 1999, Zain flew to the United Kingdom to join Yusuf Islam’s Mountain of Light Studios to begin recording. This opportunity was a lifelong dream for Zain. To top it off, he was given the chance to perform in seven of the eight songs on the album. Zain also gained much experience from Yusuf Islam as he had no previous formal music training. It was during the production of this album that Zain was brought on board as an artist under Mountain of Light’s cultural label called “Jamal Records. With the backing of Jamal Records, Zain planned the world-wide release of two compilation albums incorporating all material he had done thus far. These albums were entitled “Children of Heaven” and “Towards the Light”, featuring some remixed songs.
Under the guidance of Mountain of Light and the worldwide distribution power of Jamal Records, Zain released his first new album under the label entitled, “Faith” (2001). The songs in this album deal with a broad spectrum of emotions from hardships to happiness but always invoke a constant consciousness of the Almighty. The album also brought about collaborations between Zain and well-known Canadian songwriter, Dawud Wharnsby Ali.
With his popularity rising and live performances around the globe, Zain Bhikha released “Our World” in 2002. This album was a portrayal of the diversity of mankind and the richness of all cultures, languages and traditions that are united through the Will of God. Zain’s eldest son, Rashid’s, melodic voice is introduced to us on this album. The title track for his album is a prayer for a better world for all people, one free of prejudice and war. In 2005 Zain established a South African based production company called “Zain Bhikha Studios”. This company serves to house all of Zain’s present and future works in all fields be it song albums, educational projects through schools, workshops or theatre productions. Zain also began this with the intention of giving local and international artists the platform to gain exposure through his experience and resources in the industry.
With the birth of his new company came the first album to be produced under the Zain Bhikha Studios label, “Mountains of Makkah” (2005). This album was inspired by Zain’s pilgrimage to Makkah in 2004. Both the content and composition of this album shows much maturity. The lyrics are a ‘personal reflection’ of his thoughts and feelings while partaking in this profound spiritual journey.
A year later and Zain was at it again with the release of an album dedicated to the journey of children into young adults. A tribute to his eldest son Rashid, the album entitled “Allah Knows” (2006) this album was for the young (and the young at heart). 'Allah Knows' featured the musical talents of Dawud Wharnsby Ali, Abdul-Malik Ahmad and Rashid Bhikha, in addition to introducing Naadira Alli and the young Muhammad Bhikha who made his first recording debut on this album. The album, is a collection of songs to help the youth through the early mysteries of life and the social challenges that present themselves to much of them, it is a ground breaking approach to tackling the questions of a youthful mind and the innocent hearts of our children.
From the time that Zain recorded his first album in 1994 to establishing “Zain Bhikha Studios”, his experience as an artist has grown tremendously, increasing his exposure both at home and globally. Zain remains a pioneer in the Nasheed genre and as one of the first English Islamic singers, he opened the door for many other artists. His albums have been launched in many countries including the United Kingdom, North America, Malaysia, France, Turkey, Holland, India, The Middle East, and Australia. He has performed live in cities across most continents and has become somewhat of a household name when it comes to spiritual music.
In addition to producing music, he also writes and directs theatrical productions written specifically with a positive and spiritually uplifting message. One of his many successful productions, “An Orphans Tale”, which he produced in conjunction with a South African School, was a great success and brought a full house for all three nights that it ran in October 2003.
Zain Bhikha also dedicates his time to delivering workshops aimed at young people, wherein he motivates the youth to utilize their own creative talents for the benefit of society. His ground breaking day-long workshop entitled “The Art of Creative Expression” began in South Africa in 2008 with over 1000 attendees nationwide. This was then followed up in London on 2009, in association with Dawud Wharnsby and the Rebdridge Council. Zain aims to take these workshops to many more countries in the next few years.[2]
Zain Bhikha Studios
In 2005, Bhikha established a South African company called Zain Bhikha Studios. This company serves to house all of Bhikha's present and future works in all fields: song albums, educational projects through schools or theatre productions. He began this with the intention of giving local and international artists the platform to gain exposure through his experience and resources in the industry. Although he established his own company, Bhikha has continued his long time relationship with Jamal Records. The two companies formed a partnership and Jamal Records remains the driving force behind Bhikha's international recognition and has exclusive international distribution of his work.With the birth of his new company came the first album to be produced under the Zain Bhikha Studios label, Mountains of Makkah. This album was inspired by Bhikha's Hajj in 2004. The lyrics are a personal reflection of his thoughts and feelings while partaking in a profound spiritual journey.
Bhikha continues to work in South Africa producing both educational and inspirational works for one and all. One of his albums is called Allah Knows, which once again reunites him with friend and Canadian artist, Dawud Wharnsby. This album is dedicated to the journey of all children and was written specifically for Zain's son Rashid Bhikha who guested on his famous father's album, and who now appears with his father at the annual World Islamic Conventions, singing rap music, with the words still incorporating the values of Islam. His newest album to date is called The Way Of Life.
Other interests
In addition to music, Bhikha also writes and directs plays written specifically for schools. One of his many successful school plays, An Orphans Tale, which he produced in conjunction with the Pretoria Muslim School, was a great success and brought a full house for all three nights that it ran in October 2003.On an international level, Bhikha has performed with a long list of artists that include Dawud Wharnsby, Ashiq al Rasul, Hasan Kalicitan, Khalid Belhrouzhi, Native Deen, Qatrunada, Imad Rami, Sami Yusuf, Jeewan Chanicka, Irfan Makki, Khaleel Mohammed and his mentor, Yusuf Islam. In his many local and regional performances for Islamic schools, lunches, fetes and dinners, Zain has performed with local artists like Faeeza Malinga, Ziyaad Patel, Imran Dhaya and his son, Rashid Bhikha.
Bhikha's songs are mainly self-written and are driven by emotion and the need to reassure people that there is always hope and turning to God is the answer to the core for our everyday questions and confusion. Many of his songs represent different times in his life when he was learning and remembering how necessary God's presence is. His albums have now been launched in many countries including the United Kingdom, North America, Malaysia, France, Turkey, The Middle East, and Australia. He has performed live in cities across most continents and has become somewhat of a household name when it comes to Islamic Music.
Personal life
Zain confidently adds that much of his support ha
s come from his parents and family over the years. He now lives with his wife, Zaheera and four children in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He has 3 sons. One of his sons is Rashid Bhikha, who is not a rap artist, although many are under the impression that he is. Another is Muhammad Bhikha, who performed in the song "Forever" in the album "A Way of Life", released in 2010.Current work
Bhikha is currently involved in educational projects in his native South Africa as well as international initiatives to educate through song.[3] He is also working with Indian Islamic Channel Peace TV.On April 24, 2008, Bhikha participated in a new, international, annual singing competition on the Prophet Muhammad's birthday, named the Al Mahabbah Awards Festival, in Abu Dhabi. Bhikha was particularly noted for his performance accompanied by the drummer and several singers who provided backing vocals that brought his sound to fame with their performances on Disney's The Lion King. One song they performed was "Peace Train", composed by Yusuf Islam.[1]
References
- ^ a b July 9, 2008 "Raise Your Voice"
- ^ http://www.myspace.com/zainbhikha
- ^ Jamal Records Jamal Records Biography of Artists
Discography
- 2000 - Children of Heaven
- 2001 - Faith
- 2002 - Our World
- 2005 - Mountains of Makkah
- 2006 - Allah Knows
- 2009 - 1415: The Beginning
- 2010 - First We Need The Love
- 2010 - A Way of Life
