Cat / Yusuf mentioned in the News or Anywhere

[SuzieQ]

* Link to Blog *

This is a blog from someone who was at the Sheffield DVD Premier.

I believe the DJ was Roly Smith from BBC Sheffield.Part of Blog…

So when, after 27 years of not releasing an album or touring, Yusuf Islam was coming to Sheffield to talk, play and show a DVD I certainly wanted tickets. Colin liked Cat Stevens too and although he hadn't heard Yusuf's new album we both went along to the Showroom.

The whole evening was very interesting and enjoyable, but as we left there were lots of people complaining - Yusuf didn't bring his guitar - so no live music (as had been advertised).

Although this was obviously disappointing it is in a way understandable, he did say that it's not really something he enjoys doing (live performance). For Colin and I the biggest disappointment was the person they got to interview him - a DJ from BBC Sheffield.

Amazingly for a so called DJ he admitted to not having heard Yusuf's new album, An Other Cup - and to be honest he didn't seem to know much about the singer at all.

We were 'treated' to inane questions about 'Cat Stevens' and his life, but very little about Yusuf Islam and next to nothing about the new music. The interviewer seemed only mildly interested in Yusuf's conversion to Islam - more about the name change from Cat to Yusuf. The whole thing was painful to watch, the interviewer spent the entire hour with his arms crossed in a very defensive manner. At one point he clearly showed his disregard in Yusuf's belief in God (I might not believe in God, but I'm not rude to others about what they believe).

The DVD shown was basically a music video of Yusuf playing his songs (new and old). One of my favourites, Wild World, he changed the words into Zulu; it actually brought a tear to my eye.

After many years of playing his music (I replaced the cassettes with CDs) I can honestly say that he is one of the few artists that I will never tire of listening to. Most of the money he now makes goes to the charity he has set up - Small Kindness, which helps children round the world.

His songs often tell a story, and always have a deeper meaning - his religion, his conversion to Islam is interesting to me but it's the music that matters.



What a shame that this “DJ” was chosen from all of the wonderful people who actually would have loved to have been there asking the right questions!

[marier]

Sue, makes me realise just how lucky we were having Danny Baker at The Curzon. Himself and Yusuf "jelled" so well together I was really disappointed that I wasn't able to go to Sheffield, but judging by this article I would have been both disappointed and angry at this DJ's disinterest!

[SuzieQ]

I know what you mean Marie, I too wished I could be there, but now, I just feel sorry for Yusuf having to put up with this ignoramus!

What a wasted opportunity, no wonder Yusuf didn't want to sing in that atmosphere.

[Deleted]

izitsosure said:

that's happened on 24th may i have just heard about it, maybe an old info

Yusuf receives Ivor Novello award

arts.independent.co.uk/music/news/article2581219.ece

The info is on yusuf's site too!!

Linda

The first cut is the deepest on Tillerman??

[Ruins]

The first cut is the deepest on Tillerman??

Yeah i noticed that fatal mistake

[bruce]

let the peace be ...

[SuzieQ]

Yusuf Gets Planning Permission! * Click for Link*






22 June 2007

Yusuf Islam — who performed as singer-songwriter Cat Stevens in the 1960s and 1970s — this week gained planning permission for a £4.5 million cultural centre in London for his educational charity.

The Maqam community building in Queens Park, by Robert O’Hara Architects and approved by Brent council, will present the modern face of British Muslims, Islam hopes.

Maqam, which means place of learning in Arabic, will hold an exhibition space, games hall, conference facilities, a café and bookshop.

The plan involves renovating a disused church with new extensions clad in glass and prepatinated (green) copper.

Robert O’Hara, founder director of the practice, said the “bright, optimistic” design would challenge negative views of Islam. “The idea is to present a modern view of British Muslims to show they’re not all interested in pastiche onion domes,” he said “[The client] wants to present a more ecumenical view of the world and get rid of the awful image that Islam has had put upon it.”

The building will feature exhibitions of Islamic arts, crafts and drama, serve Middle Eastern food and drink, and possibly host a gig by Islam and his friends, O’Hara added. It is due to open next summer.



;D ;D ;D

[Vivian]

I just love the part in large fonts and bold!!!! WONDERFUL!!!!

Peace,Vivian

[flemmishfangent]

He mention it in the last BBC 1 INTERVIEUW.Regine

[Lucy13]

Is Yusuf going to play at Glastonbury?

[Ruins]

Cat Stevens was mentioned in the movie "Knocked Up", in the movie, one charecter says to the other (who grew his beard): "How did it feel changing your name from Cat Stevens to Yusuf Islam?", the other responds: "It was really awkward."

Hilarious

[m@kansascity]

i always thought that onion domes were very nice and original

are they afraid of their own architecture and culture? i dont get it, it seems like they want to confuse their mosque with an anonimous church now

[kareema113]

maxkansascity said:

i always thought that onion domes were very nice and original

are they afraid of their own architecture and culture? i dont get it, it seems like they want to confuse their mosque with an anonimous church now

Actually the onion dome is only one manifestation of Islamic architecture. There are regional variations.

And the sad fact remains that due to the mainstream media's focus on the puritanical/cultural fringe of Islam, many people are intimidated by this type of architecture and our manner of dress...
without ever actually knowing one of us personally.

And just as we in the US are defining "the American face of Islam", as the media chooses to call it... so also are British Muslims like Br. Yusuf defining their own British Muslim identity.

Kareema

[izitso??]

suzieq said:

[The building will feature exhibitions of Islamic arts, crafts and drama, serve Middle Eastern food and drink, and possibly host a gig by Islam and his friends, O’Hara added. It is due to open next summer.

[/size]
[/b]


;D ;D ;D
[/quote]

it will hold an exhibition space, games hall, conference facilities, a café and bookshop. so it's not mosque, i always thought that domes are only used for mosques . well ???imaybe it depens on the place.

Linda

[Ahlin]

izitsosure said:

so it's not mosque, i always thought that domes are only used for mosques . well ???imaybe it depens on the place.

Linda

the architectural style of the mosques changes from a country to another,the Arab style differs from the style in asia, initially the domes are useful to keep freshness inside .
i don't think there is a need of freshness in UK ;D

Peace
samia

[izitso??]

samia said:

i don't think there is a need of freshness in UK ;D

Peace
samia

Not sure with earth's climate crisis .carbon dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere and temperatures are rising. ;D

Linda

[baggy]

Desert Island Disks Sunday 24th June : - Ricky Gervais not only picked Lilywhite as one of his 8 tracks, but also as the one he would take to the island. Good old ricky - he did of course use Tea for the Tillerman as the theme to Extras TV series.

nb there is no play it again on BBC radio 4 for Desert Island Disks, but there will be one repeat sometime this week.

[Vivian]

ladyd said:

Here's a good one : Michael Moore used 'Don't Be Shy' at the end of his new movie about US Health Insurance biz - they actually talk about Cat and the song a bit (not just a passing mention), with a pic of Cat too!! Michael Moore loves Harold and Maude..:

Michael Moore

Take a look at the "Don't be Shy" thread. I mentioned this. I thought it was cute the way credit is given to the song when they ran the credits. "Written by Yusuf ISlam, performed by Cat Stevens." I wonder if Michael and Yusuf ever met.

Peace,Vivian

[SuzieQ]

I know this is mentioned elsewhere, but I thought we should have it in the news thread too!

**Link To **- Challenge Future Peace Conference June 30 and Perform at the Benefit Concert on July 1 in Bochum, Germany

Challenge Future's benefit concert is set for 8PM on July 1 at Bochum's Ruhr Congress. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Carlos Santana will sit in with acclaimed Beninese singer-songwriter Angelique Kidjo and German music superstar Peter Maffay. Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) is also scheduled to perform, among other acts. Both the concert and main conference are under the direction of Challenge Future founder Sascha Hellen, who is partnering on logistics with World Vision, an international charitable organization overseeing projects globally.






Anyone know if this will be televised?

[izitso??]

I'm sure that each one stops on yusuf's site and blog from time to time, but just to mentione it on Majikat,
here is another award"the Law doctorate"for his contribution to music and to improve inderstanding between cultures.
ceremony on 10th july.
Linda

[Vivian]

suzieq said:

I know this is mentioned elsewhere, but I thought we should have it in the news thread too!

**Link To **- Challenge Future Peace Conference June 30 and Perform at the Benefit Concert on July 1 in Bochum, Germany

Challenge Future's benefit concert is set for 8PM on July 1 at Bochum's Ruhr Congress. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Carlos Santana will sit in with acclaimed Beninese singer-songwriter Angelique Kidjo and German music superstar Peter Maffay. Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) is also scheduled to perform, among other acts. Both the concert and main conference are under the direction of Challenge Future founder Sascha Hellen, who is partnering on logistics with World Vision, an international charitable organization overseeing projects globally.






Anyone know if this will be televised?

How about a DVD?? ;D ;D

Peace,Vivian

[Ruins]

Yusuf looks great on that cover

[Chris]

Have you noticed what the soft background music is, in the new Chase ATM commercial? "Here Comes My Baby"

[SuzieQ]

THESE ARE MEXICAN NEWSPAPERS FROM YESTERDAY!


www.jornada.unam.mx/2007/07/12/contraportada.pdf


www.jornada.unam.mx/2007/07/12/index.php?section=espectaculos&article=a48n1esp




I HAVE PUT THIS THROUGH A FREE TRANSLATOR

Cat Stevens collapses myths on the Koran The English singer, with the name of Yusuf Islam, foresees a European Moslem identity

EVA USI SPECIAL FOR THE DAY

The English singer participated in the concert Live Earth that was carried out in the German port of Hamburg, like symbol of fight against the change climatic Photo: Eva Usi Hamburg, 11 of July. We find to Yusuf Islam, more known as Cat Stevens, having breakfast tranquilly in a hotel in Hamburg. The British singer-songwriter closed in this north port from Germany the concert Live Earth, that registered the fight against the climatic change.

He disappeared his long curly hair; now he has gray and long beard, although something he remained him of that look of dreamer. The British singer, son of swedish mother and father greek cypriot, al he was converted Islam in 1977 and al following year adopted the name of Yusuf Islam. Yusuf removed last year a new album, they Go Other Cup, after a pause of 28 years. Has now a bell of lower voice, but with the same melodic style of its famous songs as Morning there you are broken or Father and are.

Him thin at the age of 59 is seen and radiates certain spirituality. Al to be undertaken asked with modesty, almost with timidity, on what theme would be the interview. Without proposing it to him, contradicted rumors that ran in Germany on him, that by being Moslem does not speak with another woman that he be not his wife. As Cat Stevens sold 41 million disks between 1967 and 1977, but has given the back to the fame and now lives far away of the reflectors with its Turkish wife, Fauzia, and five children, in the north of London. In interview with The Day, Yusuf undertakes the misunderstandings in around al Islam and is shown open and cosmopolitan.

-It does a lot that itself him was not seen in concert. Why did it decide to come to Hamburg?

-When they invited us to participate in the concert Live Earth, already they had a list with many names and they sought someone, especially for Germany, that raised the profile. I thought that could be a great opportunity to return al setting and I asked my family; was decision of my children. When I asked them "¿what do I do?", they told me: sees Hamburg. There is a good relation with the people in Germany, above all after my last album, that had very good reception.

-Its son Mohamed has great influence on you; even by him touched again the guitar.

-Mohamed worships the music; was bought a guitar by own motivation, with support of its mother. When I noticed myself that there were again a guitar at home after 25 years, I realized of that was hour to awake again the musical sounds of my body.

-Are you one of the Moslems more influential in Great Britain. What is happening, there is a cultural collision, a religious or somewhat worse war?

-For many that arrived does 20 or 30 years, Great Britain was a nation of labor opportunities and of a way of life that did not have in its countries of origin. They did not realize then that the religion would become a burning theme political. Now the due to the unilateral and extremely radical vision of some people on how should be handled the world.

'' For who we have studied the spirit of the Islam, that we have adopted it, like I, since a western perspective, but accepting the basic principles -a God, a humanity and that all we will be responsible for our acts the day of the judgment-, that caused that they sounded all the bells of alarm. I accepted the Islam since an intellectual point of view by its tolerance; the Koran even mentions Jesus, to Moses and to Abraham, to whom we have to accept.

'' But some Islamic communities have grown in an Islam cultural cut off from the remainder of the world; now that are embedded in the western world has been extremely difficult the process toward an equilibrium. For me has not been so difficult, therefore I am among both worlds, but I believe that in the future will develop a European Moslem identity that will have a place among others existing religions in Europe and in the United States. But the process is put to test now and is very difficult due to these extremes.

-You there is servant to its children under the principles of the Koran, ¿what has this book that do the better than the of other religions?

-Probably is very current because is the last sacred book. If one it wants to be informed of the news does not read the newspaper of yesterday, although, without doubt, could be prominent. But today should have the newspaper of the day. The Koran mentions to the Bible and to the Torá; all they are true, but to know which is the most lasting message, one must resort al Koran; for have an overall vision that include the basic teachings of all the previous prophets, without the distortions that took place, for example, in the elevation of Jesus toward the divinity. Jesus is accepted in the Koran as one of the large born messengers without father, this is something that very few people knows. The Koran has a titled chapter: María, and also there is another call Josef, and from there I took my name, Yusuf.

-That can be done to help that there be an understanding between the Moslem world and West? Is this last arrogant one?

-Not, are the media. Unfortunately, the work of the media is to try that the newspapers are bandaged. And many Moslem media do not know how to do, by thus tell it, good news. Instead of that they produce any thing to sell. They are so irritating; they are responsible for the inflammation that at times is produced among the towns, particularly in around al Islam. When we, the Moslems, we pray for the peace al prophet Mohammed, always we ask for her for Abraham and its family. Does not it speak that in and of itself?

-He would like to send a message al Spanish-speaking world? When will we be able to see it in the setting in Latin America?

-¡Oh God, if I knew it! (Exclaims, being laughed). I lived some time in Brazil and in Latin America and its music has always been for me a very strong influence. In an occasion I was on the verge of writing a musical with Mexican flavor.

"Still there are my photos with a Mexican hat. I expect to return some time. And as for messages, i would like to send one of peace: That the peace be with you", concluded Yusuf Islam.

[SuzieQ]

*LINK*

Yusuf Islam Receives Honorary Degree
Yusuf Islam was awarded an honorary degree for his humanitarian work from England's Exeter University on Monday. The artist formerly known as Cat Stevens was praised for his charity work and efforts to improve understanding between Islam and western cultures, and received the honorary doctor of law degree at the university's Devon campus.

Other stars to be awarded honorary degrees by the university later this week include Queen guitarist Brian May and British comedienne Jennifer Saunders.


Floella Benjamin, the Chancellor of Exeter University, says, "This is the most exciting time of year on university campuses around the country, and I'm delighted to be welcoming such well-known faces to Exeter to celebrate alongside our students and their families. Our 21 honorary graduates are leaders in their fields, and people who the University is proud to have an association with."







Pictures taken at the 2007 Ivor Novello Awards
Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane
5/24/2007

[helen]

So Yusuf's children are half Turkish, quarter Swedish and a quarter Greek cypriot.

[Lucy13]

oh the PIANO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nice article. And wonderful news about the additional academic honors, though not surprising.

But again - what stands out to me is THE PIANO!!

[butterfly]

I don`t know, whether you know this article from 31st of July??

www.femalefirst.co.uk/music/musicnews/Yusuf+Islam-38264.html

[butterfly]

This is an article from the German Bild Zeitung. The interview was made after LIVE EARTH CONCERT in Hamburg. Sorry, but it is in German language!!


www.bild.t-online.de/BTO/leute/2007/07/08/stevens-cat/yusuf-islam,geo=2117334.html

[Lucy13]

butterfly said:

I don`t know, whether you know this article from 31st of July??

www.femalefirst.co.uk/music/musicnews/Yusuf+Islam-38264.html

Thanks Butterfly!

Reminds me of the old Cat. He once made a long statement against L.A. that continues to crack me up to this day. I dig that about him.