The View from Morocco: Spotlight #2: Fez Sacred Music Festival 2009

Sami Yusuf is a British composer, singer whose concert at Bab Makina will be extremely popular.

Friday June 5.

Bab Makina 20h30

Sami Yussuf (United Kingdom)

Spiritual Songs of the Arab World

Sami was born in July 1980 into a musical family of Azeri origin. He learnt to play several instruments at a very young age and gradually began to show a keen interest in singing and composing. He studied music at several institutions and with renowned composers and musicians including composers from the Royal Academy of Music in London, one of the world most prestigious music institutions.

Sami has been composing from a very young age and his beautiful voice is supplemented by his extensive knowledge of music theory and harmony. He has also a good understanding of the Middle Eastern modes (or Maqams).

Sami is a devout Muslim who sees songs as a means of promoting the message of love, mercy, peace and tolerance and encouraging the youth to be proud of their religion and identity.

His third album, entitled Without You, was planned for release during mid-2008 but was delayed and then officialy launched in January 2009. Sami performed two of the songs from his new album in his Wembley concert (21 October 2007), and during his US tour, organised by Islamic Relief.