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In March 2011, Maher Zain released "Freedom",<ref name="JKGlobe" /> a song inspired by the events and the actions of the people taking part in the [[Arab Spring]].
In March 2011, Maher Zain released "Freedom",<ref name="JKGlobe" /> a song inspired by the events and the actions of the people taking part in the [[Arab Spring]].


Maher Zain was chosen as a Muslim Star of 2011 in a competition organized by Onislam.net.<ref>http://www.onislam.net/english/culture-and-entertainment/music/456364-insha-allah-.html{{dead link|date=June 2016}}</ref> In July 2011 he featured on the cover of the UK Muslim lifestyle magazine ''[[Emel (magazine)|Emel]]''.<ref>Issue 82 (July 2011). [http://www.emel.com/article?id=89&a_id=2421 Maher Zain digital issue - OUT NOW!]. Emel. Retrieved 18 October 2011.</ref>
Maher Zain was chosen as a Muslim Star of 2011 in a competition organized by Onislam.net.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onislam.net/english/culture-and-entertainment/music/456364-insha-allah-.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=1 April 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl= |archivedate=1 January 1970 }}</ref> In July 2011 he featured on the cover of the UK Muslim lifestyle magazine ''[[Emel (magazine)|Emel]]''.<ref>Issue 82 (July 2011). [http://www.emel.com/article?id=89&a_id=2421 Maher Zain digital issue - OUT NOW!]. Emel. Retrieved 18 October 2011.</ref>


Zain was featured on Irfan Makki's track "I Believe" from his debut studio album of the same name.<ref>[http://www.islamiclyrics.net/irfan-makki/i-believe/ "I Believe Lyrics"]. IslamicLyrics, retrieved 18 October 2011.</ref>
Zain was featured on Irfan Makki's track "I Believe" from his debut studio album of the same name.<ref>[http://www.islamiclyrics.net/irfan-makki/i-believe/ "I Believe Lyrics"]. IslamicLyrics, retrieved 18 October 2011.</ref>
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== Philanthropic activities ==
== Philanthropic activities ==
* In 2013, Zain performed in [[Canada]] on a tour organised by [[Islamic Relief]] to raise donations<ref>{{cite news|last1=S. QAZI|title=Islamic Relief Canada Declared War On Hunger to Support Poor People|url=https://push.pk/380 |publisher=push.pk |accessdate=20 August 2014}}{{dead link|date=June 2016}}</ref> for [[typhoon]] victims in the [[Philippines]].<!-- <ref>{{cite web|title=Islamic Relief Canada seeking donations for typhoon victims in Philippines|url=https://www.insidehalton.com/news-story/4226584-islamic-relief-canada-seeking-donations-for-typhoon-victims-in-philippines/|website=InsideHalton.com|accessdate=20 August 2014}}</ref> unsafe website! --> Zain took part in the [[UK]] "Sound of Light" event<ref>{{cite web|title=Sound Of Light Official Website|url=http://soundsoflight.org/|accessdate=20 August 2014}}{{dead link|date=June 2016}}</ref> organized by [[Human Appeal International]] in support of the [[Syrian]] people.<ref>{{cite news|title=Muslim pop megastar Maher Zain sings for Syria aid|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24920208 |publisher=BBC News |date=13 November 2013 |accessdate=20 August 2014}}</ref> Zain also dedicated his song "Love will prevail" (sung in Arabic and English) to the Syrians.
* In 2013, Zain performed in [[Canada]] on a tour organised by [[Islamic Relief]] to raise donations<ref>{{cite news|last1=S. QAZI |title=Islamic Relief Canada Declared War On Hunger to Support Poor People |url=https://push.pk/380 |publisher=push.pk |accessdate=20 August 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl= |archivedate=1 January 1970 }}</ref> for [[typhoon]] victims in the [[Philippines]].<!-- <ref>{{cite web|title=Islamic Relief Canada seeking donations for typhoon victims in Philippines|url=https://www.insidehalton.com/news-story/4226584-islamic-relief-canada-seeking-donations-for-typhoon-victims-in-philippines/|website=InsideHalton.com|accessdate=20 August 2014}}</ref> unsafe website! --> Zain took part in the [[UK]] "Sound of Light" event<ref>{{cite web|title=Sound Of Light Official Website |url=http://soundsoflight.org/ |accessdate=20 August 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl= |archivedate=1 January 1970 }}</ref> organized by [[Human Appeal International]] in support of the [[Syrian]] people.<ref>{{cite news|title=Muslim pop megastar Maher Zain sings for Syria aid|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24920208 |publisher=BBC News |date=13 November 2013 |accessdate=20 August 2014}}</ref> Zain also dedicated his song "Love will prevail" (sung in Arabic and English) to the Syrians.
* Zain celebrated his birthday with his 3.9 million Facebook fans by asking them to donate money<ref>{{cite web|title=My Birthday For Clean Water|url=https://my.charitywater.org/maherzain|publisher=Charity: Water |author=Maher Zain}}</ref> to a United States–based charity organization<ref>{{cite web|title=Koba Mender Community|url=https://my.charitywater.org/p/myprojectsview?project_id=ET.GOH.Q3.12.124.102&campaign_id=28311}}</ref> that builds water wells in Africa. His fans paid more than $15,000 within a few weeks.
* Zain celebrated his birthday with his 3.9 million Facebook fans by asking them to donate money<ref>{{cite web|title=My Birthday For Clean Water|url=https://my.charitywater.org/maherzain|publisher=Charity: Water |author=Maher Zain}}</ref> to a United States–based charity organization<ref>{{cite web|title=Koba Mender Community|url=https://my.charitywater.org/p/myprojectsview?project_id=ET.GOH.Q3.12.124.102&campaign_id=28311}}</ref> that builds water wells in Africa. His fans paid more than $15,000 within a few weeks.
* Zain took part in a [[London]] pro-Palestinian rally, joined by thousands of people, to call for the end to [[Israel]]i military action in [[Gaza Strip|Gaza]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Maher Zain - Freedom at the London demonstration GAZA protest 19/07/2014|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyKxO6AZm4Q|website=YouTube|accessdate=20 August 2014}}</ref> In August 2014, Zain took part in "The Great Wall of China Trek 2014" a 10-day humanitarian mission in association with Human Appeal to raise donations for clean water to children in Gaza.<ref>[https://humanappeal.org.uk/events/2014-08-15_china_trek_2014/index Human Appeal: Great Wall of China Trek 2014 with Maher Zain & Omar Regan]{{dead link|date=June 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Maher Zain treks through China for Gaza|url=http://www.vocfm.co.za/maher-zain-treks-through-china-for-gaza/ |publisher=[[Voice of the Cape]] |location=Cape Town, South Africa |date=18 August 2014 |accessdate=20 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Maher Zain Instagram|url=http://instagram.com/p/r3zOjjSoOK/?modal=true|website=Instagram|accessdate=20 August 2014}}</ref>
* Zain took part in a [[London]] pro-Palestinian rally, joined by thousands of people, to call for the end to [[Israel]]i military action in [[Gaza Strip|Gaza]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Maher Zain - Freedom at the London demonstration GAZA protest 19/07/2014|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyKxO6AZm4Q|website=YouTube|accessdate=20 August 2014}}</ref> In August 2014, Zain took part in "The Great Wall of China Trek 2014" a 10-day humanitarian mission in association with Human Appeal to raise donations for clean water to children in Gaza.<ref>[https://humanappeal.org.uk/events/2014-08-15_china_trek_2014/index Human Appeal: Great Wall of China Trek 2014 with Maher Zain & Omar Regan] {{wayback|url=https://humanappeal.org.uk/events/2014-08-15_china_trek_2014/index |date=* |df=y }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Maher Zain treks through China for Gaza|url=http://www.vocfm.co.za/maher-zain-treks-through-china-for-gaza/ |publisher=[[Voice of the Cape]] |location=Cape Town, South Africa |date=18 August 2014 |accessdate=20 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Maher Zain Instagram|url=http://instagram.com/p/r3zOjjSoOK/?modal=true|website=Instagram|accessdate=20 August 2014}}</ref>
* Ahead of performing at the 2014 [[Nansen Refugee Award]] Ceremony, Zain travelled to [[Lebanon]] with [[UNHCR]] to spend time with Syrian refugees and see UNHCR's frontline work.<ref>{{cite web |title=Maher Zain's Journey |url=https://donate.unhcr.org/gwa/maher-zain/ |publisher=UNHCR |accessdate=8 October 2014}}</ref> Zain sang "One Day" about refugees in [[Geneva]]'s Bâtiment des Forces Motrices for the award ceremony.<ref>{{cite web |title=UNHCR presents Nansen Refugee Award to courageous Colombian women |url=http://www.unhcr.org/5429b1906.html |publisher=UNHCR |date=29 September 2014 |accessdate=8 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Clar Ni Chonghaile |title=Colombian activists risk their lives to protect women from gang warfare |url=http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/oct/08/colombian-activists-women-gang-warfare |date=8 October 2014 |accessdate=8 October 2014}}</ref>
* Ahead of performing at the 2014 [[Nansen Refugee Award]] Ceremony, Zain travelled to [[Lebanon]] with [[UNHCR]] to spend time with Syrian refugees and see UNHCR's frontline work.<ref>{{cite web |title=Maher Zain's Journey |url=https://donate.unhcr.org/gwa/maher-zain/ |publisher=UNHCR |accessdate=8 October 2014}}</ref> Zain sang "One Day" about refugees in [[Geneva]]'s Bâtiment des Forces Motrices for the award ceremony.<ref>{{cite web |title=UNHCR presents Nansen Refugee Award to courageous Colombian women |url=http://www.unhcr.org/5429b1906.html |publisher=UNHCR |date=29 September 2014 |accessdate=8 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Clar Ni Chonghaile |title=Colombian activists risk their lives to protect women from gang warfare |url=http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/oct/08/colombian-activists-women-gang-warfare |date=8 October 2014 |accessdate=8 October 2014}}</ref>


Revision as of 20:53, 15 June 2016

Maher Zain
ماهر زين
Zain performing in Konya, Turkey in March 2014
Zain performing in Konya, Turkey in March 2014
Background information
Birth nameMaher Mustafa Maher Zain
Born (1981-07-16) 16 July 1981 (age 43)
Tripoli, Lebanon
OriginSweden
Genres
Occupation(s)
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • piano
  • keyboard
  • percussion
  • synthesizers
Years active2009–present
LabelsAwakening
Websitewww.maherzain.com

Maher Zain (Arabic: ماهر زين ; born 16 July 1981[1]) is a Swedish R&B singer, songwriter and music producer of Lebanese origin. With more Facebook fans than any other Muslim artist, award-winning singer-songwriter Maher Zain is one of the biggest stars in modern Islamic music.[2] He released his debut album Thank You Allah, an internationally successful album produced by Awakening Records, in 2009. He released his follow-up album Forgive Me in April 2012 under the same production company.

Career

Beginnings

Maher Zain's Lebanese family emigrated to Sweden when he was eight.[3] He completed his schooling there, gaining a bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering. After university, he entered the music industry in Sweden, and in 2005 linked up with the Moroccan-born Swedish producer RedOne.[4] When RedOne moved to New York in 2006, Zain soon followed to continue his music industry career in the United States, producing for artists such as Kat DeLuna.[5]

On returning home to Sweden, he became engaged once more with his Islamic faith[6] and decided to move away from a career as a music producer to become a singer/songwriter of contemporary R&B music with a strong Muslim religious influence.[7]

Breakthrough success

In January 2009, Maher Zain began working on an album with Awakening Records. His debut album, Thank You Allah, with 13 songs and two bonus tracks, was released on 1 November 2009 with percussion versions and French versions of some tracks released shortly afterwards.[8]

Zain and Awakening Records successfully used social media such as Facebook, YouTube[9] and iTunes to promote tracks from the album.[10][11] In early 2010 his music very quickly gathered a huge online following in Arabic-speaking and Islamic countries as well as among young Muslims in western countries.[12] By the end of 2010, he was the most Googled celebrity in Malaysia for that year.[11] Malaysia and Indonesia have been the countries where he has had the most commercial success. The album Thank You Allah has been certified multiple platinum by Warner Music Malaysia and Sony Music Indonesia.[4] It became the highest selling album of 2010 in Malaysia.[13]

Zain sings mainly in English but has released some of his most popular songs in other languages. The song "Insha Allah", for example, is now available in English, French, Arabic, Turkish, Malay and Indonesian versions. Another song, "Allahi Allah Kiya Karo" ("Continuously Saying Allah"), is sung in Urdu and features the Pakistan born Canadian singer Irfan Makki.[10] Zain has had several concerts around the world, including in the UK, the United States, Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. He has fan clubs in several countries including Malaysia, Egypt, and Morocco.[14] He took part in the judging committee of "Awakening Talent Contest" for choosing Awakening Records' new star in 2013.[15]

Collaborations, appearances and awards

File:Maher Zain Press Conference.jpeg
Maher Zain in a press conference at Tangier, Morocco (February 2014)

In January 2010, Maher Zain won Best Religious Song for 'Ya Nabi Salam Alayka', on Nogoum FM, a major Middle East mainstream music station, beating other prominent singers including Hussein Al-Jismi, Mohammed Mounir and Sami Yusuf.[16]

In March 2011, Maher Zain released "Freedom",[10] a song inspired by the events and the actions of the people taking part in the Arab Spring.

Maher Zain was chosen as a Muslim Star of 2011 in a competition organized by Onislam.net.[17] In July 2011 he featured on the cover of the UK Muslim lifestyle magazine Emel.[18]

Zain was featured on Irfan Makki's track "I Believe" from his debut studio album of the same name.[19]

Maher Zain has appeared in the 40-episode Indonesian TV drama Insya-Allah. The show was aired on Malaysian satellite TV channel, Astro Oasis and Mustika HD, starting 17 July 2012, concurrent with the broadcasting of the show on Indonesia's SCTV.[20]

In 2013, he took part in the Colors of Peace project constituting songs based on works by Fethullah Gülen on the album Rise Up where Maher Zain performs the track "This Worldly Life".[21][22]

Discography

Albums

Year Album details Certifications
(sales thresholds)
2009 Thank You Allah
  • 8x Platinum, Warner Music Malaysia[13]
  • 2x Platinum, Sony Music Indonesia[4]
2012 Forgive Me
  • 4x Platinum, Warner Music Malaysia[23]
2016 One

-

Compilations

Singles & Duets

  • Released: December 2014
  • Label: Awakening Records
  • Formats: Digital Download, CD
  • Total Tracks: 15 Tracks

Mini Album

Love Will Prevail

  • Released: April 2013
  • Label: Awakening Records
  • Formats: Digital Download
  • Total Tracks: 2 Tracks

Ramadan

  • Released: June 2013
  • Label: Awakening Records
  • Formats: Digital Download
  • Total Tracks: 4 Tracks

Ramadan - Vocals Only Version

  • Released: July 2014
  • Label: Awakening Records
  • Formats: Digital Download
  • Total Tracks: 2 Tracks

Videography

Maher Zain at Tuisa charity concert in Essen, Germany (2012)
  • 2009: "Palestine Will Be Free"
  • 2010: "Insha Allah"
  • 2010: "The Chosen One"
  • 2011: "Freedom"
  • 2011: "Ya Nabi Salam Alayka"
  • 2011: "For the Rest of My Life"
  • 2012: "Number One For Me"
  • 2012: "So Soon"
  • 2013: "Love Will Prevail"
  • 2013: "Ramadan"
  • 2014: "Muhammad (Pbuh)"
  • 2014: "Nas Teshbehlana" (in Arabic ناس تشبهلنا)
  • 2014: "One Day"
  • 2015: "A'maroona A'maloona" (in Arabic أعمارنا أعمالنا)
Featured in
  • 2011: "I Believe" (Irfan Makki feat. Maher Zain) (in Irfan Makki's album I Believe)
  • 2009 : "Never Forget" (Mesut Kurtis feat. Maher Zain) (in Mesut Kurtis' album Beloved)
  • 2014: "So Real" (Raef feat. Maher Zain) (in Raef's album The Path)
  • 2014: "Eidun Saeed" (Mesut Kurtis feat. Maher Zain) (in Mesut Kurtis' album Tabassam)

Philanthropic activities

  • In 2013, Zain performed in Canada on a tour organised by Islamic Relief to raise donations[24] for typhoon victims in the Philippines. Zain took part in the UK "Sound of Light" event[25] organized by Human Appeal International in support of the Syrian people.[26] Zain also dedicated his song "Love will prevail" (sung in Arabic and English) to the Syrians.
  • Zain celebrated his birthday with his 3.9 million Facebook fans by asking them to donate money[27] to a United States–based charity organization[28] that builds water wells in Africa. His fans paid more than $15,000 within a few weeks.
  • Zain took part in a London pro-Palestinian rally, joined by thousands of people, to call for the end to Israeli military action in Gaza.[29] In August 2014, Zain took part in "The Great Wall of China Trek 2014" a 10-day humanitarian mission in association with Human Appeal to raise donations for clean water to children in Gaza.[30][31][32]
  • Ahead of performing at the 2014 Nansen Refugee Award Ceremony, Zain travelled to Lebanon with UNHCR to spend time with Syrian refugees and see UNHCR's frontline work.[33] Zain sang "One Day" about refugees in Geneva's Bâtiment des Forces Motrices for the award ceremony.[34][35]

Personal life

Maher Zain is married.[36]

References

  1. ^ https://twitter.com/MaherZain/status/312996761113346049
  2. ^ "Muslim pop megastar Maher Zain sings for Syria aid". BBC News. 13 November 2013. Retrieved 24 August 2014.
  3. ^ "Maher zain's story". YouTube. Retrieved 20 August 2014.
  4. ^ a b c Entertainment (2011-08-10). "Maher Zain's Hip but Pious Soundtrack to the Arab Spring". The Atlantic. Retrieved 10 October 2011
  5. ^ Eena Houzyama (2010-10-11). "Thank God for Maher Zain". The Malay Mail, retrieved 10 October 2011[dead link]
  6. ^ Shahid, Omar (15 December 2011). "Maher Zain: 'My music is a message of Islam'". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 August 2014.
  7. ^ "Maher Zain". IslamicLyrics, retrieved 10 October 2011
  8. ^ Music & Festivals "Maher Zain Interview". Time Out Beirut, retrieved 14 October 2011[dead link]
  9. ^ Admin (2010-11-16). "Muslim Singer Maher Zain". NXT News, retrieved 14 October 2011[dead link]
  10. ^ a b c Lisa Siregar (2011-05-02). "A Portrait of  the Artist As a Young Muslim". Jakarta Globe, retrieved 14 October 2011
  11. ^ a b 2011-08-26 "Being pious in the heart of modernity". New Straits Time, retrieved 14 October 2011 Template:Wayback
  12. ^ Sundus Awan (Transcribed) 2010-11-29. "Maher Zain Interview". The Muslim Youth Voice Website, retrieved 14 October 2011[dead link]
  13. ^ a b Maher Zain receives 8 platinums in Malaysia Awakening Worldwide, retrieved January 2011
  14. ^ "Maher Zain Indonesia Fanclub". Retrieved 24 August 2014.
  15. ^ "Awakening Talent Contest – Talents Matter Most". EmmaGem. 11 July 2013. Retrieved 20 August 2014.
  16. ^ News Summary (January 2010). "Maher Zain wins Nugoom FM's Best Song Award". Awakening Worldwide. Retrieved 2 September 2011.
  17. ^ "Archived copy". Retrieved 1 April 2012. {{cite web}}: |archive-date= requires |archive-url= (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  18. ^ Issue 82 (July 2011). Maher Zain digital issue - OUT NOW!. Emel. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
  19. ^ "I Believe Lyrics". IslamicLyrics, retrieved 18 October 2011.
  20. ^ Maher Zain bintangi sinetron Harian Metro retrieved 26 June 2012[dead link]
  21. ^ "Barış için müzikal birlik". Radikal (in Turkish). 9 March 2013. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  22. ^ Zaman Online: Savaşın karşısına Hocaefendi’nin şiirlerinden oluşan albümle çıktılar (In Turkish)[dead link]
  23. ^ "Meet Maher Zain". New Straits Times. 25 April 2012. Retrieved 9 June 2012.
  24. ^ S. QAZI. "Islamic Relief Canada Declared War On Hunger to Support Poor People". push.pk. Retrieved 20 August 2014. {{cite news}}: |archive-date= requires |archive-url= (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  25. ^ "Sound Of Light Official Website". Retrieved 20 August 2014. {{cite web}}: |archive-date= requires |archive-url= (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  26. ^ "Muslim pop megastar Maher Zain sings for Syria aid". BBC News. 13 November 2013. Retrieved 20 August 2014.
  27. ^ Maher Zain. "My Birthday For Clean Water". Charity: Water.
  28. ^ "Koba Mender Community".
  29. ^ "Maher Zain - Freedom at the London demonstration GAZA protest 19/07/2014". YouTube. Retrieved 20 August 2014.
  30. ^ Human Appeal: Great Wall of China Trek 2014 with Maher Zain & Omar Regan Template:Wayback
  31. ^ "Maher Zain treks through China for Gaza". Cape Town, South Africa: Voice of the Cape. 18 August 2014. Retrieved 20 August 2014.
  32. ^ "Maher Zain Instagram". Instagram. Retrieved 20 August 2014.
  33. ^ "Maher Zain's Journey". UNHCR. Retrieved 8 October 2014.
  34. ^ "UNHCR presents Nansen Refugee Award to courageous Colombian women". UNHCR. 29 September 2014. Retrieved 8 October 2014.
  35. ^ Clar Ni Chonghaile (8 October 2014). "Colombian activists risk their lives to protect women from gang warfare". Retrieved 8 October 2014.
  36. ^ Hanan Ben Rhouma (27 October 2009). "Le chanteur Maher Zain : 'Que la paix l'emporte'" (in French). SaphirnNews. Retrieved 20 August 2014. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)

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