Artist's Website: http://www.nazeelazami.com
Nazeel Azami was gifted from early childhood in being able to put words into harmony. His talent was first noticed by his mother who inspired him at a young age to recite classical Bengali poetry and songs.
He learned many of these from his maternal uncle, a renowned Bengali singer-songwriter and poet.
Nazeel has put his voice to good use by learning the art of reciting the Qur’an from several eminent masters. His lyrical gift is borne as much out of his life experiences as his love for languages.
His travels have enabled him to draw liberally from vocal and harmonic traditions in India and the Middle East in particular, and bring them home to his place of birth in the north-west of England.
Nazeel has spent time in a rich milieu of distinguished poets, scholars and composers from across three continents, including Saifullah Mansur and Shaykh Zakariya Siddiqi.
This is his first album, and he has poured his flair and passion into its simmering crucible.
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Message from Nazeel Azami
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Dunya is a collection of retrospective thoughts on some of my experiences in a strange world. I have found that despite all the pain, there is still something you can look forward to. There is hope, and even happiness. God does care about us, after all.
My vision is to present entertainment that enjoins and celebrates our traditional values of learning, gratitude, compassion and family ties.
I hope that the sounds emanating from this album, in echoing a mix of cultures around the globe, will strike a chord with all our listeners.
I will miss the long evenings of recording at the studio, filled with discussion, argument and laughter. It was a real honour to work in the company of such passionate and talented artists; an experience I won’t forget.
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Story of Dunya [album]
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Nazeel’s mother was always a source of inspiration for him to pursue creative ways to do good for himself and others. For the last several years, she suffered from a rare illness.
Nevertheless, she continued to encourage him to use his talent in reciting and singing to uplift souls including his own, alongside his other duties. When she was abroad on medical treatment, Nazeel was not able to be with her and take care of her, for a period.
A close friend suggested that he record a song and send it to her as a gift. Nazeel jumped to the idea and recorded one of her favourite songs and sent it. On hearing it, she was deeply affected, and moved to tears.
After returning to the UK for further treatment, she would often ask Nazeel to sing the song to her while she rested, even as she approached her final days. Nazeel’s mother passed away just over a year ago.
Soon more of his close friends listened to the song, and several were moved by the track. Eventually, they persuaded Nazeel to do something more so that others might also benefit in the way they did.
What you have before you is the culmination of that endeavour, Dunya, a powerful collection of songs and recitals about life as a ‘seeker’ aspiring to be at one with the world of God.
In producing Dunya, a rare combination of languages, themes and cultures have come together to reveal a unique expression — one that is sometimes painful, but, at other times, intensely joyful.
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Acknowledgements
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I may not remember (or know) everyone who has contributed to this project directly or indirectly, but I am truly grateful to all of you and I believe your sincere efforts have not gone to waste.
Thank you Ammu and Abbu for showing me the path to goodness, Nanu for teaching me patience, Hasan bhai for your earnest advice and encouragement, Babak for believing in this endeavour and being so patient with me.
Thank you to Ustadh Firooz for your wisdom and humility, Wali bhai for the way you are, Sami for your sincere love and du'a, Bara for colouring the album with your character, Abu Huraira for always being ready, Bhaiya for your support and love, Lubaaba for your impeccable scrutiny and patience, Usaama for your help and prayers, Nusaiba for always being there for us, Shudhu chachu for your precious support, Jamil bhai for your sincere sacrifice and Shaykh Zakariya for speaking from your heart in spite of testing times.
May God accept our work, Amin. |
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