By Safaa Abdoun
In the first concert for an international artist in post-January 25 Egypt, British Muslim singer-songwriter Sami Yusuf gave an astounding performance in a concert titled “United in Peace” held earlier this week.
“When I got invited as the first international artist to perform in post-revolution Egypt, I accepted immediately and was delighted at the show,” said Yusuf at a press conference after the concert.
“I am very proud and very happy, Egypt has been my home for four years…I love Egypt and Egyptians very much,” he added.
The concert, which took place at the Gezira Youth Center, drew an audience of over 2,000 people with the organizers implementing ample security. Yusuf said he thought the audience would be a little bit apprehensive, not forthcoming; but in the end it was a successful show.
The theme of the concert “United in Peace” was central to Yusuf’s performance and at the end of the concert, he asked the audience to stand in unity as he performed one of his new songs.
“For me its all about bringing people together … in my world everyone exists everyone is included,” he said.
Yusuf, dubbed “Islam’s biggest rock star” by Time Magazine, dismissed the title, explaining that he was “hijacked into the Islamic pop title” — however, in his world there are no Muslims, Christians or Jews. “There is one world, [it] reflects me, my faith and my upbringing in London,” he said.
“Music can speak to people of all faiths, men and women, adults and children. What I sing about crosses cultural and national boundaries, unifying people in the name of peace,” Yusuf explained.
“I don’t believe in a Christian, western or Islamic civilization, I believe I one human civilization of which we are all part of,” he added.
“I see Egypt as an example of this world, and this is the reason I fell in love with it so much. Living here [are] all types of people, all types of backgrounds living together in harmony, peace, respect and tolerance.”
In the wake of the January 25 Revolution, Yusuf composed a song titled “I’m Your Hope” dedicated to youth around the world with a complementary music video that celebrates change and gives voice to the aspirations of younger generations.
“Change is a healthy thing,” he noted.
Yusuf finds it his duty to convey a message of indivisible love. His philosophy is not strictly confined to music; the proceeds from his song “In Every Tear, He is There” will go into relief efforts across the world.
Part of the proceeds from his concert in Egypt will be directed to an organization dedicated to cancer rehabilitations for children.
In the first concert for an international artist in post-January 25 Egypt, British Muslim singer-songwriter Sami Yusuf gave an astounding performance in a concert titled “United in Peace” held earlier this week.
“When I got invited as the first international artist to perform in post-revolution Egypt, I accepted immediately and was delighted at the show,” said Yusuf at a press conference after the concert.
“I am very proud and very happy, Egypt has been my home for four years…I love Egypt and Egyptians very much,” he added.
The concert, which took place at the Gezira Youth Center, drew an audience of over 2,000 people with the organizers implementing ample security. Yusuf said he thought the audience would be a little bit apprehensive, not forthcoming; but in the end it was a successful show.
The theme of the concert “United in Peace” was central to Yusuf’s performance and at the end of the concert, he asked the audience to stand in unity as he performed one of his new songs.
“For me its all about bringing people together … in my world everyone exists everyone is included,” he said.
Yusuf, dubbed “Islam’s biggest rock star” by Time Magazine, dismissed the title, explaining that he was “hijacked into the Islamic pop title” — however, in his world there are no Muslims, Christians or Jews. “There is one world, [it] reflects me, my faith and my upbringing in London,” he said.
“Music can speak to people of all faiths, men and women, adults and children. What I sing about crosses cultural and national boundaries, unifying people in the name of peace,” Yusuf explained.
“I don’t believe in a Christian, western or Islamic civilization, I believe I one human civilization of which we are all part of,” he added.
“I see Egypt as an example of this world, and this is the reason I fell in love with it so much. Living here [are] all types of people, all types of backgrounds living together in harmony, peace, respect and tolerance.”
In the wake of the January 25 Revolution, Yusuf composed a song titled “I’m Your Hope” dedicated to youth around the world with a complementary music video that celebrates change and gives voice to the aspirations of younger generations.
“Change is a healthy thing,” he noted.
Yusuf finds it his duty to convey a message of indivisible love. His philosophy is not strictly confined to music; the proceeds from his song “In Every Tear, He is There” will go into relief efforts across the world.
Part of the proceeds from his concert in Egypt will be directed to an organization dedicated to cancer rehabilitations for children.
