Latest news with #SamiYusuf
Khaleej Times
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Symphony of Stars returns with Atif Aslam and Sami Yusuf
Following the resounding success of last year's sold-out spectacle, Symphony of Stars returns to Etihad Arena on November 7, 2025, promising a night of music, meaning, and transcendental artistry. Aptly titled Symphony of Stars: The Soulful Experience, this year's edition brings together two musical powerhouses – Atif Aslam and Sami Yusuf – in a rare and rousing celebration of spirit, sound, and soul. With their shared ability to touch hearts and lift spirits through music, Aslam and Yusuf are set to offer audiences a transformative evening where emotion meets expression and tradition meets innovation. A familiar and much-adored presence on UAE stages, Atif Aslam continues to capture global audiences with his heartfelt vocals and charismatic presence. Whether performing chart-toppers or Sufi-inspired ballads, Aslam's appeal lies in his ability to connect deeply with listeners. This November, fans can look forward to an intimate, stripped-back set that reflects Aslam's Borderless World ethos – a concept rooted in unity, love, and the belief that music transcends all divides. His set promises not only nostalgic renditions of fan favourites but also fresh interpretations brimming with emotional vulnerability, inviting listeners to experience his music in a deeply personal way. Joining Aslam is the internationally acclaimed Sami Yusuf, known for his spiritually profound and genre-defying compositions. A British composer, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist, Yusuf has carved a unique place in the global music landscape by blending classical, traditional, and contemporary influences into soul-stirring pieces. From the meditative 'Nasimi' to the deeply spiritual 'Ya Nabi,' Yusuf's work is more than performance—it's an immersive journey, a sonic pilgrimage that bridges East and West, ancient and modern. His upcoming performance at Etihad Arena is expected to be no different: an electrifying, contemplative experience where music becomes a medium for reflection and connection. Symphony of Stars: The Soulful Experience is brought to life by Blu Blood, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Miral. Tickets are now available at and are expected to sell out fast.
Time Out Abu Dhabi
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
Atif Aslam and Sami Yusuf are coming to Abu Dhabi for another Symphony of Stars
After a sold-out edition in 2024, Symphony of Stars is back for another year – with Atif Aslam and Sami Yusuf this time. Symphony Of Stars: The Soulful Experience will come to Etihad Arean on November 7, bringing together two big music powerhouses. Pakistani singer and songwriter Atif Aslam is one of the big names performing on the night, bringing a stripped-back, intimate show that will include renditions of his most popular songs. Then we have the world-renowned Sami Yusuf, a British composer, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist. Some of his most popular songs include Nasimi, Existentia, Ya Nabi, and The Wine of Love, and his performances are considered more than just concerts by fans – they are immersive experiences blending classical and traditional sounds, turning music into meditation. Last year's show brought together Atif Aslam and Abida Parveen, and this year's performance promises another immersive multisensory journey. Osman Osman and Shaaista Khan Osman, Blu Blood MD and CEO respectively, said: 'Bringing these two powerful artists together is not just about the performance – it's about heart, heritage, and healing. 'Symphony of Stars was born out of a desire to stir the soul. At Blu Blood, we continue to break the mould by curating ground-breaking collaborations that transcend genre, tradition, and geography, and this year's show is a celebration of music as a bridge between hearts.' If you want to get tickets, head to but don't wait too long – the show sold out last year so it's expected to sell out this year too. From Dhs200. Fri November 7. Etihad Arena, Yas Island. More things to do in Abu Dhabi Everything happening in Abu Dhabi in 2025 From new openings to big events, this is shaping up to be quite a year It's official: Abu Dhabi Comedy Season is returning for a second edition with some huge names Wow, look at this line-up Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted
The National
20-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
From Sami Yusuf to Maher Zain, 25 nasheeds to listen to in Ramadan 2025
One of the great benefits of Ramadan is that it provides an opportunity for a spiritual detox. In addition to reading and contemplating the Quran, adherents often forgo that daily dose of popular music and, instead, listen to Islamic devotional songs called nasheeds. These works are composed as songs and chants whose lyrics range from spiritual guidance to stories and character studies of historical Islamic figures. Dating back to the birth of Islam, nasheeds were initially defined by what they didn't contain: no strings, brass, or wind instruments and no female vocals. While women artists remain a rarity in the genre today, the accessibility of high-grade recording equipment and the spread of the internet resulted in these songs of praise enjoying a resurgence over the past two decades. Leading names such as Sami Yusuf and Maher Zain achieved pop star status, selling millions of albums and performing arena tours worldwide. Here are 25 nasheeds, in no particular order, showcasing the cultural diversity and eclecticism of the popular genre. Isam B, a member of the Danish hip-hop group Outlandish, explores Arabic nasheed in this tribute to the virtues of Ramadan. Beyond the daily fast, the song reflects on the deeper spiritual aspirations the holy month seeks to instil and the values meant to guide believers long after Ramadan ends. From striving to live a God-conscious life to meditating on the meanings of the Quran, B describes the month's blessings as "light upon light". The popular Pakistani TikTok personality and actor returns with his second Nasheed release. Sung in Urdu and accompanied by light percussion, the song focuses on Ramadan's central themes of forgiveness and blessings, describing these acts as a source of spiritual healing. The British-Algerian singer, full name Firas Chouchane, hones in on the hopeful message behind Ramadan. Bab Al Raja, meaning The Door of Hope, serves as a reminder that even when life feels dark or overwhelming, the light of faith never dims. A popular Nasheed singer, Ebraheem preserves the genre's sonic minimalism while infusing spiritual odes with boy-band-friendly melodicism. It all comes together seamlessly – Always With Me pairs its earworm hook with a heartfelt message of keeping faith in times of struggle. Canadian singer Siedd and British artist Safe Adam deliver a heartfelt anthem on the Islamic concept of gratitude, showing that all of life's hits and misses ultimately serve to strengthen our faith. The British-Pakistani singer sets the scene with a tender track and lyrics that are full of anticipation for the holy month. "We've been waiting for you, now you've come back around, blessing our lives once again," he sings. "Oh friend, Oh, month of mercy, you bring so much good. We pray that it never ends.' With Ramadan eventually ending "as do seasons come and go," the songs ask those fasting to give it their all as it is "a special month to make a change". This is an ode to the spiritual benefits of prayer by British-Yemeni singer, Muad. Featuring South African singer Zain Bhikha, the duo ask listeners to contemplate the temporary nature of our existence in order to maintain perspective when met with challenges. To get the best out of Ramadan, you need to approach the season with a sense of commitment and humility. This is the message of Ya Quluban by Kuwaiti singer Abdullah Al Sinani. In one of his most popular tracks, he urges those undertaking the fast to better themselves and "contribute to spreading goodness", and find peace through spiritual reflection. One reason why Muhammad Al Muqit is one of the most listened-to Saudi Arabian artists on Spotify is this affecting nasheed. Minimal and ruminative, the song implores us to be vulnerable in our prayer. "Sigh my friend so you can rest, and make emotional supplications in private," he sings. "The universe will encompass your voice, the way of the tears is the way to comfort." As well as being renowned for his recitation of the Quran, Syria's Noureddine Khourchid is an established nasheed singer, whose works are infused with a poetic mysticism. Carried by the rhythmic percussion of the daff drums, Safati Nadra speaks of the rapture and relief that comes with the constant remembrance of God. An uplifting way to start the day. This song established Turkey's Mesut Kurtis as a new star of the nasheed genre. With the lyrics taken from the Burdah, written by 13th-century Egyptian poet Imam Al-Busiri, Kurtis gives these much-loved verses a modern sheen with his soulful voice and smooth percussion. "Islam doesn't clash with art because Islam is art," he told The National in a 2015 interview. 'The only thing we are doing in our existence here on Earth is discovering and getting inspired by creation.' History will show that the Emirati artist is a trailblazer for the local music industry. Where 20 years ago, an international tour by an Emirati singer would be limited to the region, North Africa and maybe a London stop, Ahmed Bukhatir has been packing out venues from Australia and New Zealand to the UK and Canada. The Sharjah resident remains the UAE's most high-profile nasheed artist and the aching Ya Adheeman is a beautiful showcase of his style: understated, soulful and with lyrics that warms the heart. Ya Adheeman tells the story of a troubled soul who finally found comfort in faith: "My soul is brightened by a light in my heart/ When I praised the God of Mankind/ And my soul is cheered up and the tears are flowing." An absolute classic of the genre, which went on to become an essential teaching tool for Muslim families. A is for Allah finds Yusuf Islam using various letters of the English alphabet to highlight certain aspects of the faith. This tranquil piece of songwriting could stand up as a great ballad for any pop act. With Allah Knows, Zain Bhikha shows the healing qualities of nasheeds and how their uplifting nature reminds us that all difficult times will pass. "Some of the best songs that I have written were when I was truly inspired and felt close to Allah and thinking about my life," Bhikha told The National in 2013. "That is what people want to hear, something real from someone else." If the nasheed industry had global charts, then, hands down, this would have been the biggest song of 2012. During that year, you couldn't go near a Muslim neighbourhood either in Melbourne, Kuala Lumpur or Istanbul without hearing this catchy ode to the Prophet Mohammed. Swedish Lebanese singer Maher Zain made sure of that, too – he released versions of the nasheed in Arabic, English and Turkish. Nasheeds can be jaunty, too. This is a light-hearted track that would elicit plenty of knowing nods from the faithful living in non-Muslim countries. In Dylan-esque fashion, the Canadian singer-songwriter lists all the impromptu places he has prayed in, to fulfil the five daily prayers on time. From roadsides to changing rooms in clothing stores, Wharnsby details how he has left his spiritual mark. 'When I think of every path, where I've ever trot,' he sings, 'I laugh at all the crazy spots I stopped to worship God.' A perfect tonic if the rigours of Ramadan tire you midway through the month. US group Native Deen keep it pacey and vibrant as they sing and rap about the joys of the holy month. The track is a timely reminder that Ramadan is about more than simply abstaining from food and drink: 'Everybody knows that we gotta fast / But does everybody know how the time is passed? / Is it sleeping all day and the nights a blast? / And forgetting the reward of the month is vast?' A master of qawwali music – a form of Islamic devotional songs practised mostly in South-east Asia – Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan makes you feel the power and significance of worship in this epic 27-minute track. The poetic lyrics, sung in Urdu, are full of praise to a higher power: "Everything is a reflection of your glory / Everything cries out that you are the Lord / It is the distinction of your enthralling visage.' Initially renowned in the Gulf for his melodious recitation of the Quran, it didn't take long for the Kuwaiti artist to cross over to the nasheed genre – nearly 20 years ago. La Elah Ela Allah is one of his most popular tracks and a great example of the subtle yet precise production work that goes into nasheed songs. Without the use of instrumentation, the rhythm and melodies of this song is done through the manipulation of Alafasy's backing vocals. The video, in which Alafasy sings from the back seat of a car stuck in a traffic jam, is reminiscent of 1992's Every Body Hurts by R E M. There is a considerable body of nasheed songs that looks at life through the lyrical prism of death. Major artists, from the UK's Sami Yusuf to the UAE's Ahmed Bukhatir, have all released works urging us to live a spiritually fulfilling life while we can. Kuwaiti singer Mishary Al Arada joined that list with the soulful Firashi Al Turab. Translated to 'Dust is my Bed' the lyrics and accompanying video looks at the fleeting nature of life and ultimately asks what we are doing with the time we have. The song has taken on a haunting turn as Al Arada was killed in a car collision in Kuwait in 2018, aged 35. The most popular track by the Saudi Arabian artist. Translated to I Rise, the calming track has Al Muqit going through a list of things, moments and feelings he is grateful for as he wakes up to face a new day. However, giving thanks is not enough. Al Muqit urges us to do our bit in spreading joy and beauty into the world. "Colour the world with the most beautiful smile,' he says. 'Be an example for all that is good." An Arabic song imploring us to seek comfort and protection from the highest, Tawakalt Fi Rezki A'la Allah is a soulful illustration of the modern nasheed sound. Egyptian singer Mohamed Tarek literally does all the work here. In addition to his rich tenor on the lead vocals, he also provides background vocals that double up as percussion and synths. What once began as an innovative method to get around the genre's more conservative artists' distaste for using stringed instruments, this new approach has now become the defining sound of modern nasheed songs. British singer Omar Esa found a global audience with a piece inspired by the 99 names attributed to Allah by Muslims. From As-Salam (The Source of Peace) to As-Sabur (The Patient One), the near six-minute piece has Esa going through them all in a work that is deeply reflective and soothing. The Canadian singer made a big splash with this debut single. Melding spiritual lyricism with RnB and pop music vocal arrangements, Back to You is a winner as it appealed to both younger and older listeners. A great choice to play in the final days of Ramadan to get you ready for Eid. Considered a family classic of Sami Yusuf's rich body of work, Eid Song is full of joyful imagery of children and preparing for and celebrating Eid. "Children are wearing new clothes and bright colours fill the streets," he sings. "Their faces full of laughter. Their pockets full of sweets. Let us rejoice indeed, for this is the day of Eid."
