After a long wait awaiting the day of the induction, and EVEN longer period of time before even being an inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Yusuf Islam was finally inducted into the Hall of Fame.
As per the tradition with the previous inductees, the award is usually presented by an artist who was influenced one way or another by the inductees’s style of music and lyrical composition. Therefore, it was an honour for Yusuf Islam to have received the award from none other than Art Garfunkel, of Simon & Garfunkel fame. For those who don’t know them, Simon & Garfunkel was a duo of singer-songwriter Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon who have won several Grammy Awards and are one of the Hall of Fame alumni. Hence, the presentation of the award from Art Garfunkel is by itself a testament to the talent of Yusuf Islam.
The legendary Art Garfunkel and the now-legendary Yusuf Islam during the presentation. // Ultimate
In his speech, Art Garfunkel spoke of how he admired Yusuf, and noting on why his songs mattered to this world, and how it not only reflects, but also changes who is Yusuf Islam truly is. A sincere man with his music, while saying “he’s even better than Simon!”.
Upon receiving his award, Yusuf talked about how he was surprised that he would be standing with other Rock-and-Roll inductees, saying that whenever someone mentions rock-and-roll, it is always accompanied by sex and drugs. However, with his very presence, it shows that even rock-and-roll can be clean should the artist chose to.
In addition to the speech, Yusuf Islam performed his famous song “Father & Son”, “Wild World” and “Peace Trains”. Rendering his famous songs on stage, he maintained his harmonious voice, not missing a single line, and sang it like how he used to. And by this fact, it shows that truly this is a man who is worthy to be placed among those in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and setting an example for a clean Rock-and-Roll artist. Or one who sings and performs this genre without the rampant sexual acts nor the drug abuse, but creating songs that can heal and change the world into a much better place. One could say, that Yusuf Islam has shown the world the simplicity of Islam through this Hall of Fame performance. One that is rooted with simplicity and soulfulness.
[carousel arrows=”display” caption=”display”]
[panel title=”Great Performance” description=”Yusuf performing his greatest piece of all time – Father & Son, Wild World and Peace Train // AP”][/panel]
[panel title=”Barclays Centre” description=”This itself shows the magnitude of how big the event is!”][/panel]
[/carousel]
Iconic Zain Bhikha who has won the hearts of Muslims throughout the word for three decades of song, story and the Dada and Me children’s series, releases a deeply personal song after many years. “I’m Not Ready To Let You Go” is an emotionally moving tribute to his beloved father Rashid Bhikha, a man who embodied faith, strength, unwavering love for his family, and left his mark on the world for his contribution to medicine and humanity.
Zain’s songs have always been a reflection of his personal life’s journey reflecting his faith, but more so, the meandering nature of being human, and this one is no different. Though the nature of its message speaks to the universal feelings of love and loss that we can all relate to. With hundreds of songs inspiring and motivating hearts towards Allah, “I’m Not Ready To Let You Go” is undoubtedly going to become a comfort and a favourite of Zain Bhikha fans.
“My father passed away a few months ago, he was the anchor that held us all together, the mountain upon which we all stand and the guiding light that showed us the way, I miss him every day,” said Zain Bhikha.
I’m Not Ready To Let You Go is available as a voice-only version. The official video is available on the ZainBhikhaOfficial YouTube channel and the audio, on all major music streaming platforms.
Other Releases
“Voice In Your Head” is a deep reflection of the unwavering love that parents bestow upon their children. It talks of the all-encompassing nature of a parents’ dedication to their children and the way that bond shapes who we are and who we become.
“The Forgiven” (featuring BoonaaM) delves into a powerful Hadith (prophetic narration) about forgiveness and Allah’s mercy. This song artfully tells the story of a man’s journey towards redemption.
“Salvation” (featuring Ashley Belal Chin) takes listeners on a heartfelt exploration of seeking Allah (SWT). The song emphasizes the closeness of Allah’s presence, reminding us that He is always with us.
All three songs are available in both voice-and-drum and voice-only versions on all major music streaming platforms. You can find the official videos* on the ZainBhikhaOfficial YouTube channel.
Selain Munif Hjjaz, seorang lagi figura yang aktif menghasilkan karya secara konsisten, tidak lain tidak bukan, penyanyi dan komposer terkenal; Daqmie.
Kali ini, Daqmie bekerjasama dengan Pertubuhan Kebajikan Islam Malaysia (PERKIM) Cawangan Datuk Keramat menghasilkan sebuah lagu raya terbaru berjudul Yang Mulia. Lagu ini disampaikan oleh Daqmie dan Mestica.
Pengerusi PERKIM Cawangan Datuk Keramat; Ustaz Mohamad Suhaimi Abdul Aziz yang juga merupakan penulis lirik, berkata lagu tersebut mengisahkan hubungan masyarakat dengan golongan mualaf di negara ini.
“Lagu tersebut dinyanyikan oleh Daqmie dan juga Kumpulan Mestica yang mengisahkan hubungan antara masyarakat dengan golongan mualaf.
“Ia sebagai salah satu usaha dakwah kami agar masyarakat turut sama terlibat dengan usaha yang kami gerakkan ini sekaligus membantu mereka yang memerlukan,” katanya ketika sidang akhbar yang diadakan di sini.
Menurutnya idea penghasilan single ini tercetus hasil perbincangan dengan Daqmie yang juga merupakan komposer bagi lagu tersebut.
“Selaku Duta Mualaf PERKIM Datuk Keramat, Daqmie pernah melontarkan idea agar usaha dakwah PERKIM tidak terlalu terikat dengan kaedah lama namun harus dipelbagai agar sesuai dengan zaman.
“Bermula dari situ maka terlahirlah lagu ini yang turut diterapkan dengan melodi kontemporari bagi menarik minat masyarakat khususnya generasi muda.
“Kami mengharapkan dengan kepakaran dan populariti Daqmie dan kumpulan Mestica dapat menarik minat lebih ramai anak muda dengan kerja dakwah yang aktif di platform digital dan media sosial,” ujarnya pula.
Terdahulu PERKIM Datuk Keramat meraikan golongan mualaf dengan mengadakan Majlis Berbuka Puasa sekaligus melancarkan single raya tersebut.
Sementara itu Daqmie ketika mengulas berkata cabaran utama ketika penghasilan lagu ini ialah kekangan masa sambil berharap single raya ini dapat diterima masyarakat.
“Antara cabaran ketika menghasilkan lagu ini ialah masa yang diberi agak suntuk. Ketika Ustaz (Suhaimi) maklumkan PERKIM mahu terbit lagu raya pada mulanya saya agak terkejut.
“Namun setelah berbincang dengan rakan-rakan kami akhirnya bersetuju menerima cabaran ini, alhamdulliah kerjasama yang diberikan semua pihak akhirnya single ini berjaya direalisasikan.
“Semoga lagu ini dapat diterima semua pihak sekaligus memeriahkan sambutan Aidilfitri pada tahun ini,” katanya pula.
Pemilihan kumpulan Mestica sebagai rakan duet dalam lagu ini dilihat mampu mengubat rindu dikalangan peminat Mestica yang sentiasa menantikan karya baharu dari kumpulan nasyid popular tersebut.
Lagu Yang Mulia telah berada di pasaran dan boleh distrim di semua platform penstriman muzik digital yang sah. Manakala video muzik Yang Mulia boleh ditonton di saluran Youtube Daqmie Channel.
Untuk rekod PERKIM merupakan organisasi yang aktif dengan kerja-kerja dakwah dan kebajikan untuk menyebarluaskan syiar Islam kepada golongan Islam dan belum Islam di negara ini.
Umat Islam di Malaysia akan menyambut Hari Raya Aidilfitri pada hari Rabu, 10 April 2024 bersamaan 1 Syawal 1445H.
Pengumuman ini dibuat oleh Penyimpan Mohor Besar Raja-Raja; Tan Sri Syed Danial bin Syed Ahmad dalam Pengumuman Tarikh Hari Raya yang disiarkan di semua radio dan televisyen tempatan sebentar tadi.
“Bagi menyempurnakan titah perintah Ke Bawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong, setelah diperkenan oleh Duli-Duli Yang Maha Mulia Raja-Raja, maka adalah dengan ini saya mengisytiharkan bahawa tarikh Hari Raya Puasa bagi negeri-negeri seluruh Malaysia ditetapkan pada hari Rabu, 10 April 2024,” katanya.
Penetapan tarikh Hari Raya Aidilfitri ini dibuat berdasarkan rukyah dan hisab.
Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri diucapkan kepada semua umat Islam. Maaf zahir dan batin.