Now, Yusuf wants you to sing on his latest song! Be one of the selected musicians who will join Yusuf on the song “My People”.

This is your chance to share your talents and contribute to a new chapter in the Cat Stevens legacy.

Here is the message from Yusuf:

Dear Friends,

If you wish to take part in adding your voice to support people around the world still dreaming of being unshackled from harsh authoritarian regimes, you will soon have a chance to do so.

Yusuf has written a song which is inspired by the world shaking call to freedom and the removal of oppression from the peoples of Tunisia and Egypt, the song called My People will soon be available and you’ll be able to send a recording of your voice to be used on the chorus – God Willing.

If you would like to join in, this is how:

1. Listen to the chorus, “MY PEOPLE”, here

2. Choose one of the 3 part harmony samples, and record yourself singing the words “MY PEOPLE”,

3. Then send your recording as an MP3/ Wav or Aiff (with no background noise please) to:

mypeople@yusufislam.ae

To Download Yusuf’s MP3 Sample to your computer right click and select ‘Download Linked File’

We will try to use as many submissions as possible. The deadline for receiving your contribution will be Tuesday 15th February, 3pm GMT.

SPREAD THE WORD TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS!

See the official announcement here – My People – Add your voice to the call!

The new song, “My People”, will be made available as a FREE download. Yusuf is currently in the studio recording the song.

Show your support by sharing these links with your social networks, friends, family and mailing lists.

Yusuf Islam – Official Website:

http://www.yusufislam.com/news/2011/freedom-calling/

Official Facebook Page:

http://www.facebook.com/yusufofficial/posts/126050730801843

When the song is released, the link will be announced on the Yusuf Islam website and Facebook page.

We have just confirmed that Nader Khan from Toronto, Canada and Hamza Robertson from the UK have arrived in Malaysia. They will be performing at the Selangor Islamic Song Festival in Malaysia. Nader will be touring Malaysia and Singapore, to meet him please contact: http://scr.im/mqube

Find more information here: http://semua.my/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=137722552904886

Now is the time to help those in need. You can help us fight hunger by joining us during our online concert.

Register now to reserve your attendance of the FeedMe Fast Concert broadcast. http://www.feedmefast.org/

The FeedMe Fast Concert is an online hunger relief event  that will include songs, spoken word poetry, and inspiring talks to raise funds to help those in need.

Here is a video of Shaykh Faraz Rabbani introducing the FeedMe Fast Concert – http://1.mqu.be/FMFCSFR (video also embedded below)

We have 3 broadcast dates scheduled:

* July 7, 2010
* July 14, 2010
* July 21, 2010

Registration is FREE!

Confirmed artists:
- Native Deen
- Nader Khan
- Baraka Blue

Confirmed speakers:
- Imam Zaid Shakir
- Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
- Preacher Moss
- Mustafa Davis
- Imam Abdul Latif Finch

Invited artists:
- Yusuf Islam
- Zain Bikha
- Khaleel Muhammad
- Ghuydar Bashmaf
- Hamza Robertson
- Sofia Baig
- Halal Meat
- Jafar Alam

Invited speakers:
- Shaykh Afeefuddin Al-Jailani
- Ustadh Usama Canon

Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/feedme_fast
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/FeedMeFastConcert
YouTube – http://www.youtube.com/user/feedmefastconcert

20,000 people. 200 vendors.

100 artists. 4 stages.

1 day.

Takin’ It to the Streets is a Muslim-led festival where artistic expression, spirituality and urban creativity inspire social change.

Takin’ It to the Streets bridges today’s cultural divides by connecting diverse racial, ethnic, and religious communities through a dynamic festival. The festival will enrich cross-cultural community building not only in Chicago, but around the world.

What: Takin’ It to the Streets: Urban International Festival
When: June 19th, 2010
Time: 9am-9pm
Location: 6734 S. Kedzie Ave. in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois
Price: FREE (donations encouraged)

More info: http://www.Streets2010.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=238476845127

Featured Artists:

• Imam Zaid Shakir – Scholar
• Mos Def - Grammy Winner
• Brother Ali – Minnesota, USA
• Tinarwein – Mali
• Chabab al Andalous – Morocco
• Preacher Moss – Comedian / Motivational Speaker
• And many more!

Four Stages:

• Unity Stage: Reflects this unifying principle and showcases the diverse musical talents of contemporary artists
• Hip Hop Pavilion: Bringing together the elements of MCing, DJing, Breakin’, and graff art, with skateboarding and workshops
• World Music Stage: Blending global expression of traditional art forms through international artists
• Streets Stage: The festival’s signature stage bringing together dynamic performers and inspiring speakers

Activities:

• Faith & Justice: Speakers, panel discussion, and dialogue on a variety of issues relating to spirituality & social change
  
• International Bazaar: Cultural artifacts, multi-ethnic cuisine, community organizations and more!
• Health & Wellness Fair: Free health screenings, information on healthy living and refreshments
  
• Sports Arena: 3-on-3 Basketball tournament open to all
  
• Family Zone: Rides, interactive games, children’s activities, and family-friendly performances
• Prayer Center: A quite space open all day for meditation, reflection and prayer
  

Additional Streets 2010 Events

Since its inception in 1997 as a single-day event, Takin’ It to the Streets has steadily grown in attendance and impact, and in 2010 it is preceded by a full week of events that embrace a new Muslim cultural renaissance.

Salaam Film Festival June 13-15: University of Chicago

A three-day festival highlighting the power of film as a tool for peace and social change. The festival will also screen films from the One Chicago, One Nation online film contest. Click here for more info

Melodies from Morocco June 16: Old Town School of Folk Music

The festival continues with a performance by the renowned Orchestre Chabab Al Andalous from Morocco Click here for more info

Dandana: A Celebration of Muslim Voices June 17: Millennium Park

World Music artists Tinariwen, from Mali, and Omar Faruk Tekbilek, from Turkey, will perform at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Click here for more info

About the Producer

Takin’ it to the Streets is produced by the Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN), a globally recognized leader that aims to change, serve and inspire by working on social justice issues, delivering a wide range of direct services, and cultivating the arts in urban communities.

The Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Learn more about IMAN: www.imancentral.org

The joy of loving the Beloved Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) will rekindle our faith and encourage us to love others too.

Sout Ilaahi is influenced by traditional Islamic spirituality and therefore, we are always on the edge with different types of majalis (spiritual gatherings) such as mawlid, dalailul khairat, qasidah burdah, and the Diwan of many Musilm saints. Our intention in producing these quality products is to enhance the understanding of and also to revive spirituality which is devoid at the present moment. http://soutilaahi.blogspot.com/

IslamCrunch’s recommendations:

Finally, the CD of Mawlid Dhiyaull Lam (The Glittering Illumination) composed by Habib Umar bin Hafiz is out now released by Sout Ilaahi Productions. For more enquiries or information, please email Khalid Ajmain at khalid_ajmain@yahoo.com.sg.

The "Invocation of the Souls" Ratib al Haddad CD by Yayasan Nurul Ummah is out now. This is the reading of the Famous Ratib al Haddad by Yayasan Nurul Ummah from Solo, also known as "Congregation of Ratib al Haddad lead by the direct descendant of Imam Abdullah al Haddad, that is Habib Nuh al Haddad.

They have been spreading messages of love and peace throughout their events in central Java. This CD will definitely tranquilize our hearts and souls upon hearing it with the midas touch of Nusantara. A great soothing voice accompany by enchanting chorus.

A must for those who are seeking spirituality in their life. Ratib al Haddad is compiled by the Great Scholar and Qutb of his time al Allamah, al Shaykh al Imam al Habib Abdullah al Haddad during the night of Layl latur Qadr. Ratib consist of various Surah from Quran and hadith.

Sample clips are available on the site.

Going to the ISNA Annual Convention this year? Hoping to see the best talent during the entertainment session? Well, you won’t find it at ISNA this year. Good news, though, our friends at Allah Made Me Funny are bringing you the best in Islamic talent at an event not to be missed.

The Islamic SummerFest will be held at a venue close to the ISNA convention.

In attendance:

• Preacher Moss
• Azhar Usman
• Mo Amer
• Native Deen
• Imam Mahdi Bray
• Imam Suhaib Webb
• Imam Johari Abdul Malik
• Remarkable Current
• Tyson

Project26 have just launched their new music video for the often-requested, ultra-popular song: Always.

See the video page here: http://tv.muxlim.com/video/IS8C7hu3XtC

Check it out on YouTube: Project26 – Always.

If alternative rock ballads are your thing, share it with your friends. Share it with your friends of other faiths as the song talks about a universal emotion: LOVE.

The world needs more love.

Rock on.

This is by far the biggest opportunity we’ve had since we banded a few years ago. In a way we also want to think of it as a major pay off for all the hard work over these years. So we want to take this time and opportunity to thank all our friends and family that helped us get this far, and hope you continue to lend your support to us.

So here it is……..(drum roll)……….June 21st…..Anaheim California…..Project26 opens for OUTLANDISH!!!

Yeah, you heard it right, YOUR Project26 and OUTLANDISH on the same stage.

This show is part of an effort by the youth segment of the Muslim American Society. MASyouth introduces “Voices for Change”, to create means of artistic expression that is nourishment for the soul and good conscience.

For tickets and other information visit: http://www.masyouth.net/voicesforchange

Project26 was elected as winners of a talent contest put together by MAS youth to determine the opening act for Los Angeles show. We will be featuring our usual partner in [rhyme], the phenomenal, MANIFEST ONE! www.manifestone.com

Brother Manifest and Project26 are cooking up something very special so please get your tickets before they run out so you can come, sing along, and make some noise with us.

Rock on! See our Project26 interview and rocking article for more information about the band.

In our second Black History Month interview, we are honored to have Abdul-Malik of Native Deen answering our questions. Check bandmate Joshua Salaam’s interview here.

Past – Malcolm X was a visionary and he had plans to establish a Muslim identity in North America.

1. Do you feel that our contemporary  generation has lost the connection to Malcolm’s legacies? Please explain (you may include suggestions and action steps)

During the height civil rights era, youth were at the center of the impetus for change and revolution. Malcolm X grew up in this climate and it directly affected his perspective on life and the great legacy that left. Today, youth have been afforded the opportunities [that] many people in civil rights era never had. However, these legacies of faith, leadership and tolerance that Malcolm X [upheld] are not encouraged in the media that youth are watching day after day. During the time of Malcolm, there were blatant injustices embedded in the culture of America that needed to be eradicated. As youth of today, we need to put a spotlight on the aspects of our culture that [are] negative and do as much as we can to remove them from our lives and the lives of those around us. Malcolm’s legacy was one of change. Societal ills such as the pervasiveness of drug abuse and fornication need to be tackled immediately.

2. On the eve of the 43rd anniversary of  Malcolm’s death, why do you feel we still have not been able to establish a fraction of Malcolm’s vision?

Malcolm was about revolution. The Prophet SAW advised us to change any situation with our hands, then with our voice, then at least abhor it in our hearts. The reason that many times our goals have not been accomplished or visions be realized is that we aren’t following those steps that he, Prophet SAW, mentioned are the ways to make change. We may try to outwardly change something, but we may not really believe in the change. Or we may believe in the change in our hearts, but we don’t try to change it with our voice or hands. The Quran mentions many times “Belief and righteous works” – both going hand in hand. Once we establish our belief, we must put our faith into action.

Future – African American Youth

1. The youth are constantly bombarded by insidious and harmful elements in the media. Which role models would you recommend for our youth to seek inspiration and guidance? (Our Beloved Prophet is the default answer but anyone else that is in our generation?)

Artists, athletes and musicians have a tremendous [role] in inspiring and guiding the youth of today. Many famous artists only wish to entertain and not inspire which is one of the causes of many ills in society. Hip hop artists will rap about drug[s], sex and violence in their lyrics for the purpose of entertainment. Even some Muslim rappers fall into the trap of being “popular” and riding the wave of the industry. However, there are a few that craft their art for the benefit of the youth. These can be good [role] models for our youth. Hakeem Olajuwon is a good example of a sports figure who kept to his beliefs and also out-performed other players on the basketball court.

2. For many, African pride is strong during the short month of February. What do you recommend to our readers to instill a consistent awareness of African history, past & present contributions and contemporary issues?

As Muslims, we realize that we are a creation of Allah SWA and we are all equal except for our righteousness. He made us into nations and tribe so that we can get to know one another. But its also important for us as African Americans to be proud of our heritage. If we feel an inferiority complex towards any other group of people or race, we are in essence not accepting Allah’s ultimate knowledge and wisdom.  In order to instill this pride, we have to let our family and friends realize the great advancements in science, technology, medicine and other areas by African Americans. There are many youth and immigrants who don’t realize how great the African nation once was. This has to be mentioned and instilled into people – so that there is a genuine respect for each other and we can learn from each other equally as Allah commanded.

Purchase Native Deen’s new album, Not Afraid to Stand Alone, here. Also, check out their MySpace and Facebook pages. Here is a video of their previous single, Small Deeds.

Small Deeds – Native Deen, posted on www.IslamCrunch.com