What is Muslim Musos?
The term Muso is an abbreviation of the word ‘musician’. So Muslim Musos is a project with the vision of building a network of Muslim musicians, singers, MCs, songwriters, poets, and producers.
In fact, all are welcome who wish to support a positive spiritual message to humanity regardless of ethnic or religious background (tribute to James – see friends below – a phenomenal guitarist who humbles us with his support). The backing of this myspace page, and the addition of friends who are not musicians is also our privilege.
The need for Muslim Musos
The reason we specify Muslim Musos is because, in comparison to the US and the East, the UK is lagging musically. We know that there are quality non-Muslim session musicians, artists, bands, etc. However, the UK-based Muslim writers are facing the challenge of moving from performing with backing tracks to having the unmatched live energy of a set of skilled musicians. And if we add quality producers to the formula, the same potential is applicable to their studio work.
Considering that there are an estimated 1.6 million Muslims in the UK, the artists should be supported by solid musicians and producers in order to match the calibre of mainstream artists. There are a mere handful of talented artists struggling to move forward because we have not created an official network.
What can you do?
Simple - spread the word!
Put this myspace in your top friends, and promote it on your page (particularly if you get alot of visitors); broadcast proactively to your friends, and friends of friends, and friends of friends of friends; get the message to all your contacts in the media who can help.
Muslim Musos belongs to all of us and will only succeed by Allah’s Will (SWT) if we all make this small effort and work together.
If you are a writer, musician and/or producer without a myspace, then register and do as above so we can all get to know each other inshaAllah.
The artists who are invited to perform at prestigious Muslim events in the UK and across the globe are seldom UK-based. Brothers and Sisters, let’s change that in the coming months. We’re blessed and fortunate to be living in one of the most educated nations, yet it’s embarrassing how much we are lagging musically. Observe the legacy of Islamic Musicians across the globe (see just a small selection in the ‘influences’ section). We have some long gone legends to honour, and some seriously big shoes to fill.
The innovative thinkers
There are some of us already setting up for the potential wave of talent if we support this network. For example, Sayed (see friends below), along with his colleague, owns a London-based studio with a section dedicated to Nasheed and Islamic music. Others will be setting up record labels and we need to continue this trend.
The Future (InshaAllah)
• A message board – once this myspace page builds a significant register of writers, producers and musicians it can be used as a message board. i.e. people advertise in the comments what they are looking to recruit. For example, an artist may be looking to recruit a bass player and violinist for a one off gig or a more permanent band position.
• The UK as a central hub – with the right drive and dedication, the UK will be our platform industry for performance and collaboration ranging from the US, through Europe to the Middle-East and beyond. Imagine the vast influence – Flamenco, Afro beats, Arabic string and wind arrangements, fused with your spiritual message.
• Setting up our own events – as we become increasingly connected, we will be able to organise performances to the highest standard because we will earn the backing of UK sponsors and organisers.
Final Thought
The realisation of this vision is now in your hands, by Allah’s Grace and Guidance. As an artist, if you are seeking to support Islam and the philosophies that promote humanity, then there is a place for you in music but it currently exists as a void awaiting discovery.
Salaam (Peace)
