Though centuries have passed, bringing modernity to the forth, misguided ideologies and confusion, religious chanting still unites people in a common bond. Recognising this need, the Qasba Development Authority is bringing to Sharjah internationally acclaimed singer Sami Yusuf, who is being hailed by the international media as the modern voice of Islam in Europe.

Yusuf's version of inspirational Nasheed's, or inspirational chants have caught the imagination of the people — Muslims and non-Muslims alike and have taken his songs onto the top 10 popular songs in Egypt and Turkey.

Sami Yusuf was born in the month of July 1980. He is originally from Persia, the part that most people would call “ Azerbaijan”. He was born into a musical family of Azeri origin. Azeri people are very spiritual with a deep appreciation of art and beauty. Sami feels that being of Azeri background has certainly helped him appreciate how diverse, vast and colourful the Muslim world actually is, thus music played an integral part in his life. Sami’s initial training came from his father, who is an internationally renowned composer, poet, and a multitalented musician.

Sami grew up in London and 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 notes and harmonies. He has also a good understanding of music theory and the Middle Eastern modes (or Maqams).

He has many sources of inspiration - classical Azeri, Arabic and Persian music and, of course, poetry from Turkey and the Indian Sub-continent. He was given the opportunity to work with a very talented individual, Brother Bara al-Gannouchi who is actually the main lyricist and co-producer of the album of Al-Mu'allim

The response He has received has been phenomenal and He has truly been overwhelmed by the positive feedback. He has received positive comments from all types of people, Asians, Arabs, white non-Muslim, young and old, and from so many countries which He has no idea how the album got there! It's amazing how they can all listen to the same nasheed and enjoy in their own way. He thinks some tracks are perhaps more appealing to others for example, 'Ya Mustafa' or 'Allahu' are both remixes of famous Qawali songs, so naturally these tracks would be appreciated more by the brothers and sisters from the Asian sub-continent. But, generally He has found that the title track Al-Mu'allim has been the most widely claimed to be ‘favourite’.

He hopes to have an album, that is quite different from Al-Mu'allim, ready for next year Insha-Allah (God willing), and his long-term goal is to be target a CD at the non-Muslim audience in order to invite them to the call of God. his other objective is to help others nurture their talents in the right way and for the right reasons, which is to please God by promoting the common and shared values of justice, kindness, humility, and love.

Indeed, it is rare to find a person who has all these talents. Sami is also a devout practicing British Muslim who sees songs as a means of promoting the message of Islam and encouraging the youth to be proud of their religion and identity .