CAIRO - British singer Sami Yusuf, dubbed by Time magazine “Islam's Biggest Rock Star”, will be playing at the Gezira Youth Centre in Cairo on June 11, organisers said. “Egypt was my home for four years. I studied Arabic in Egypt, and I cannot wait to return once again,” exclaims Yusuf. The 30-year-old sensation sings in both Arabic and English (as well as various other languages including Malay, Urdu, Farsi and Turkish), and his songs are renowned for their universal appeal. A world star, Yusuf has toured across world, selling out concerts from Europe to Asia. Yusuf, after a five-year hiatus, released his new album “Wherever You Are” in October 2010. This album is his third, and represents a further evolution of his music. Yusuf, named one of the 500 most Influential Muslims in the world, has coined a new genre, “Spiritque”; this genre, inspired by his faith and life experience, emphasises unity, love and social cohesion. “Music can speak to people of all faiths, mend and women, adults and children. What I sing about crosses cultural and national boundaries, unifying people in the name of peace. I don't believe in a Christian, Western or Islamic Civilisation; I believe in one Human Civilisation of which we are all part of it. I look forward to performing my music for the Egyptian people,” said Yusuf. Following the January 25 revolution, Yusuf composed a song titled “I'm Your Hope”, dedicated to youth around the world. The official music video celebrates change and gives voice to the aspirations of the younger generations across the globe. As a musician with a popular following, Yusuf sees it as his duty to convey a message of indivisible “love”. A dedicated humanitarian, proceeds from Yusuf's song “In Every tear, He Is There” go towards disaster relief efforts across the world. In the same vein, part of the proceeds from Yusuf's concert in Egypt will be donated to an organisation dedicated to cancer rehabilitation for children. The tagline, inspired by Mother Theresa's celebrated words, reflects Yusuf's new cross-cultural sound. Yusuf believes that his music can create a common dialogue between peoples of different backgrounds while at once appreciating the diversity of the “global village” ��" a mission that is close to his heart as a British Muslim. His current tour will bring his music to the ears and hearts of millions around the world.
