This will be my last Muslim-themed program for a while. As much as I love this music I don’t want to impose too much on my listeners who may not have developed an ear for it. I fully understand that, having felt that way myself until out of frustration with the direction western music was taking I started exploring the music of other cultures, among them India, Pakistan, the Middle East and Central Asia. Over time I developed a taste for these musical forms. Each has its own style, but a common thread runs through them since much of the music is derived from the same Arab, Persian or Turkish influences. Western instruments have also had an impact, notably the harmonium, introduced by Christian missionaries to accompany their hymns. Turns out it works for other people’s hymns as well.
The artists presented are from Afghanistan, Chechnya, Kurdistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, so a wide cross-section. Some of the songs are secular, some are devotional, but the line between the two is often blurred as the separation between secular and religious isn’t as well-defined in Islam as in the West. Some songs take on both aspects, such as an appeal to love in the form of a prayer.
That said, I’m at the same disadvantage as everyone else, as I don’t speak any of the languages in these songs. I can pick out Persian (Farsi) words from my knowledge of Punjabi, but that’s about it. What I’m relating here is just what I’ve learned over the years. I haven’t actually lived it, which raises another point.
What I hear, and what a native hears are two different things. An entire culture underlies the words being sung, which I couldn’t fully understand unless born and raised in that culture. It’s not just the language barrier. Even if I could speak the language would I understand the cultural references or subtle nuances? Not likely. So I enjoy the form while a native experiences the actual ‘meaning’ of the song.
All this goes to say that my main focus has been on the musical form, next on the quality of the vocals, and just about nil on the lyrical content, although I do try to translate some of them. Not easy to do, even if you can find the lyrics. It helps that most are love songs, which is probably all you need to know to enjoy them, since the form alone is so captivating, for me at least. Perhaps for you as well?
In order of appearance:
Sofia Kaif - Pakistan Loka Zahir - Kurdistan Dina Destu - Kurdistan
I’ve slowed down the pace a bit on this one. Muslim music can be highly animated, one of the reasons I like it, but it has its quiet reflective moments as well, which are just as nice. This would be a good program to just drift away on, but beware! It will wake you up towards the end. Also, a few of the songs are rather long by western standards. If this were a real radio show I might edit them down, but I feel the length is part of the total experience, so I’ve left them alone.
Chopy - Kurdistan Radima Hadjimuradova - Chechnya Kaniza - Uzbekistan
Finding photos of these artists is not as easy as you might think. Publicity photos seem to be an afterthought with most of these producers, so I’ve had to use screen shots or lower quality images than I’d prefer. I’m sure my audience would like to put a face to the voices they’re hearing, but in searching out these photos I sometimes feel like a teenage girl assembling a fan page!
Sana Tajik - Pakistan Ganchina - Tajikistan Shahlo Davlatova - Tajikistan
I’m not really joking. Girls everywhere idolize female performers. If you go to one of these concerts you’ll see lots of mothers and young daughters, some of them no doubt there as a birthday present. This is a good thing if the example set by these singers helps young girls develop a sense of confidence and the determination to reach their potential. This isn’t easy in some of these countries, and the artists themselves take risks by the mere portrayal of female success, so they are very conscious of their influence and the image they present.
Alia Ansari - Afghanistan Sara Sahar - Afghanistan
For those unfamiliar with the term, Insha’Allah translates as ‘God willing’ but it can also mean ‘hopefully.’ It’s probably the most common phrase you’ll hear in Muslim countries and gets tacked on the end of nearly every expression of desire. This simply acknowledges that everything that happens is the Will of Allah. I can’t argue with that as I recognize how tenuous and transitory our existence is. It’s clearly not in my hands, and I’d rather it be in God’s than anyone else’s.
Khuchastai Mirzovali - Tajikistan Kheda Khamzatova - Chechnya
One of the five pillars of Islam is Charity. Formulas exist to calculate one’s charitable donation, the Zakat, which is similar to filing a tax form! I’m not suggesting anything like that, but even a one-time donation can help aid people in distress in the parts of the world served by Islamic Relief, my own chosen charity.
I should point out that I’m not Muslim, and that my choice is based entirely on the needs they address and their low cost structure. Since they operate in countries I’m committed to helping, such as Syria and Afghanistan, it seems logical that a Muslim organization would be best suited to address their needs. The link is for Canada, but they have US and UK branches as well. To learn more about them: Islamic Relief
kewl, anythin' but the muslim brotherhood.
do u read vanessa?
https://beeley.substack.com/p/the-history-of-the-occupation-and