He is known to be the voice of local concerns with universal value, and sees his music transcending all boundaries and barriers. Zain was one of two South Africans featured in the Top 500 Most Influential Muslims book – the other being cricketer Hashim Amla. He represented South Africa at a Peace conference held in Sydney last year, and was also invited by the Royal Family of Dubai as part of a contingent of Islamic academics and artists working for peace.
One of the main songs on this album entitled ‘One God,’ which is aimed at inspiring listeners through the belief that ultimately everything, is dependent on the will of God and that everything has been decreed by Him.
“As difficult as a situation may be, a person should not waver in the lessons taught by his/her individual destiny. Everything that happens, whether good or bad, important or trivial, has been created specifically for every individual and this is something that will put a lot of our minor and major issues in perspective – which is ultimately what this song conveys,” explains Zain
The album is a contemporary, urban mix with a strong resonance of African culture throughout. The array of songs addresses various issues of humanity, all falling under the banner of Hope. Zain works with some impressive local and international talent, including his 18-year old son Rashid. Other artists include American rapper Khalil Ismail, Fadi Tolbi of the Middle East and Canadian-born Dawud Wharnsby.
Songs include a remake of Michael Jackson’s Heal the World, with a South African twist, which was recently shot in Soweto. In the same theme of hope and healing is the song Guantanamo Bay. Fans will be pleased that the album contains a re-release of his popular World Cup song; First we need the Love, a duet with Rashid, which garnered thousands of supporters worldwide. Included is a tribute to women: the Woman I love, which speaks to three different roles in a woman’s life, daughter, mother and wife.
