Charity and goodwill are an integral part of our Faith and should be ingrained in our lives. Part of this involves supporting causes that benefit humanity. As Madiba turned 92 on 18th July 2010, South Africans honoured his 67 years of dedication towards the upliftment of humanity by giving 67 minutes of time to worthy causes as part of Mandela Day.

ITV is a ‘home-grown’ South African Television broadcasting channel committed to Islamic Awareness. Zain and Rashid were honoured to feature at their official launch at the Wits Great Hall in Parktown, Johannesburg on Saturday 17 July 2010.

Click here for more pictures

The release of “First We Need the Love”, has garnered some favorable feedback from the media. What has been most encouraging is the change in mindset from many quarters on the perception of Islam. Zain has been praised for his work in the positive promotion of Islam through peace.
Amongst others, Zain and Rashid have appeared in/on:

• SABC Africa’s Arts and Culture programme, with Zeenat Abdool. To Listen to interview, Click here
• Talk Radio 702 – Johannesburg
• WOZA LUNCHTIME- Super Sport 3 – South Africa
• Sunday Times Extra Newspaper- South Africa
• Spirit Sundae –South Africa
• E-T.V Sunrise – South Africa
• The song has aired on Radio Stations throughout South Africa

Thank you for the many inspiring and thought-provoking entries we have received for our poetry competition. Your talents have astounded us! As in all competitions, it's always difficuilt to choose, but we did so, taking into account the approach to the topic, the concepts, choice of words and occassionally, the age of the entrants as well. So, after much deliberation, we are proud to annouce the Top 10 winners as follows
(in alphabetical order):

Aasiya Seedat
Gaida Mahgoub
Hesham A. Hassaballa
Juwayriyah Nana
Khaled Charkie
Mariam.b D
Osama Anwar
Sally Rederth
Sara Essop
Tazmin H. Uddin

Please click here to view their winning entries. Congratulations and we will be contacting you shortly to arrange the delivery of your prizes which include a copy of "First We Need The Love" single + merchandising.

Zain is honoured to feature in the June 2010 issue of British-based magazine Emel. The magazine covers aspects of Muslim Life in a vibrant and dynamic way, from role models making a positive difference on the global scene to style, education, parenting, artistry, finance, sport, politics and faith. All these aspects of Islamic life, and people living Islam are so important for changing mindset, proving just how Muslims are a major contributor to world civilization.

Zain considers himself, proudly South African. He comes from a family who were involved in the struggle for Freedom and believes he is amongst the fortunate to have lived in South Africa through this remarkable time in South African history. He is also an avid fan of the game of soccer. These passions and his vision as an artist have led to his latest project. One that is as much personal as it is meant for the people of his country. In Zain’s words, “When I consider projects, I look at them in terms of what’s needed and not in terms of what will sell.  I look at what the community needs and where I can make a difference.” This ‘making a difference’ approach culminated in the writing, composing and performing of his newest single to be released to the mainstream market in celebration of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Aptly entitled, ‘First we need the Love”, this incredible song, featuring Zain’s 17 year old son, Rashid, is about making a difference through the power of love, and sparking that change by beginning with yourself. In a unique audio and video release featuring another trademark song, “Who I am!”, this album is sure to capture the hearts, get the feet tapping and make South Africans and indeed the world, feel the love.

Zain says that a further motivation behind the release of this audio/video CD, was to celebrate South Africa’s multi-culutural society and to lend support to this country-changing event as an Islamic artist. In his own words, “in the littlest or grandest of ways, you can change the world, you can make it better!”
First We Need the Love is available through CD Baby and from distributors worldwide.

Check out video here


Buy this Album

We have 3 versions of "First We Need The Love" on the album.

The Album Version , with beatboxing by Khalil Ismail and Umar Abdullah.

The Mellowmix Version is without any beatboxing and has a different vibe entirely.

The Karaoke Version, which has allows people to sing along.

Please remember these song uses NO musical instruments, except voice.

“Who I am” was written by Zain Bhikha and fellow artist and friend, Abdul Malik Ahmed from Native Deen (U.S.A). A brilliantly uplifting, upbeat song, it leaves one feeling proud and ready to stand tall. Especially significant to the youth, “Who I am”, talks about feeling comfortable in your own skin and embraces each person’s uniqueness.
The video of “Who I Am” was shot in Cape Town’s District Six by the talented team at Fort Films. A wonderful concept that uses Post-Its to show each person’s uniqueness, the video will leave you feeling proud to be you. The significance of the location resonates with Zain’s love of South Africa and its people while the song’s universal message is sure to capture the hearts of people the world over. Zain and his niece, Tasneem Kathrada, from Cape Town conceptualized the story behind the video. What was wonderful though, is that the hundreds of people who attended the shoot and the thousands of post-its that floated in the Cape’s Westerly breeze charged the streets of District Six with a special kind of magic.
District Six’s history and its significance to South Africans, particularly with regards to the Apartheid era are very interesting and worth reading about. It is best known for the forced removal of over 60,000 of its inhabitants during the 1970s by the apartheid regime.  For more information click here.

Check out video here

I REMEMBER YOUR SMILE
Many of you may be aware that one of the reasons Zain finally decided to record an album way back in 1994, was as a result of a great personal loss, the death of his childhood friend, Mubeen Rasool. “I remember your smile”, was in fact one of the first songs that Zain ever wrote, and it was a dedication to Mubeen. Now, thanks to Rashid Bhikha, Riyaadh Mohamed (Zain’s nephew) and the awesome talents of Zain’s family and producer Lianne Cox, “I remember your smile” will give you a glimpse into Zain’s memories of this truly special friend. Filmed in Laudium where Zain grew up, this video is sentimental and heartbreakingly honest. In fact, many of the scenes were shot at Mubeen’s home, Mubeen’s old Golf GTi that they ‘cruised’ in as young adults was also used, even little details such as a peak cap that has been treasured by Zain from ‘way back then’ has found its way into the video. A real insight into Zain Bhikha’s early years! Please check out here

ENJOYING ISLAM WITH ZAIN AND DAWUD
The momentous children’s television program with Peace TV entitled “Enjoying Islam with Zain and Dawud” has been aired to great success. With only a few months of preparations beforehand, 30 episodes were shot in little over 2 weeks! Episodes ranged from basic aspects of Islam to various topics relevant to young Muslims. The show is filled with humour, great songs and was aired on Peace TV since May 2009. Special thanks to the wonderful kids who took part in the show with us, Jibrael Kayed, Rania Abdullah, Shams Beck, Tjani, Zain Omar and Maryam Daya.

THE ART OF CREATIVE EXPRESSION REDBRIDGE COLLEGE UK FEB 2009
Zain and Dawud Wharnsby hosted ACE workshops at the Redbridge Council from the 16th to the 19th of February 2009. It was a wonderful and enlightening experience for both artists who learnt a great deal from the young adults who attended. The week was filled with creative exercises aimed at allowing the participants to think out of the box and be inspired to share their latent talents.

We hope to take the ACE workshops to many parts of the world, if you are interested in bringing the workshops to your area please contact:
admin@zainbhika.com.