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Post by M. on Jan 26, 2012 17:20:18 GMT -5
Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) live in concert at the MIA ParkThe Museum of Islamic Art is proud to present world-renowned Singer/ Songwriter Yusuf Islam (pictured), live in concert for the first time in the Middle East on Thursday, February 16 at the MIA Park starting 8:00 pm. The concert which will journey through the extensive catalog of musical hits by Yusuf Islam will be the first in a series of musical performances planned at MIA Park throughout the year. Yusuf Islam was born in London to a Greek Cypriot father and a Swedish mother. Formally known as Cat Stevens, he was one of the biggest solo artists of the 60s and 70s, selling more than 60 million albums with hits including, Father and Son, Wild World, Peace Train and many more. Following a serious illness and after a near drowning incident, he received a translation of the Qur’an and converted to Islam in 1977 in which he found peace and universal understanding. He decided to withdraw from the music industry at his peak and changed his name to Yusuf Islam beginning a new life. Following his conversion to Islam, Yusuf Islam became an energetic philanthropist, humanitarian and an enthusiastic supporter of Islamic Education in UK after the birth of his first child. He has been recognized worldwide for his humanitarian efforts. In the 1990s, Yusuf gradually returned to the music business and eventually began performing songs from his time as Cat Stevens. Commenting on his return, he said: “I needed to reconnect with the fans I left back in the 70′s, those who still held the same ideals for peace and love which I sang about and which I still promote today as a Muslim.” Yusuf Islam was one of the first Muslim converts to write Islamic songs in English. A pioneering Islamic Nasheed artist and producer, his record company, Mountain of Light, has produced some of the most popular recordings for children, including A is for Allah and I Look, I See, which teach children the basics of Islam. He has also recorded the spoken word Biography of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. As a new recreational facility in Doha, MIA Park hosts Yusuf Islam’s concert marking the launch of several activities aimed to engage the local community and offer a new venue for entertainment, creativity and leisure. Tickets for the concert will be available at the Museum of the Islamic Art for 210 QR and 750 QR for VIP tickets which include: reception as well as on-site parking. For further information, call the Museum of Islamic Art at 44224444 or visit www.mia.org.qaFor further information about Yusuf Islam please visit www.yusufislam.comwww.qatarisbooming.com/2012/01/25/yusuf-islam-cat-stevens-live-in-concert-at-the-mia-park/
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Post by G-One on Jan 27, 2012 5:48:14 GMT -5
Thanks for posting, Monika
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Post by G-One on Feb 14, 2012 5:18:10 GMT -5
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Post by peritura on Feb 16, 2012 11:33:11 GMT -5
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Post by peritura on Feb 16, 2012 12:35:33 GMT -5
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Post by peritura on Feb 16, 2012 12:39:42 GMT -5
Great Cat Stevens concert, he still sounds the same after 40 years!
from twitter
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Gizem
Wild World Member
Posts: 263
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Post by Gizem on Feb 16, 2012 13:29:44 GMT -5
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Post by aurarisma on Feb 16, 2012 15:40:25 GMT -5
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Post by aurarisma on Feb 16, 2012 15:58:36 GMT -5
 Yusuf's Stage in Doha! |
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Post by crobarbie on Feb 16, 2012 18:17:05 GMT -5
www.fananews.com/en/?p=84799Singer Yusuf Islam Holds Evening Concert at MIA Park 2012.02.16 0089 Culture/ Qatar Doha, February 16 (QNA) – British Muslim singer Yusuf Islam expressed happiness to have his first concert in the Middle East in Doha, Qatar. Islam said in an exclusive statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on Thursday on the sidelines of a his concert held at the open theatre of the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Park , “In spite of my multiple visits to the Middle East, this is the first time I perform in a concert,” noting that previous visits were limited to lectures, participation in special seminars or charity projects and so on. About the concert programme tonight, Yusuf Islam who embraced Islam in 1977, said he will be performing a number of Islamic nasheeds and songs of its own. The musical evening or concert began with a reception for dignitaries. Then he sang a group of the most beautiful religious songs, amid admiration of the audience. Yusuf Islam has surprised his fans pay tribute tonight to provide a religious nasheed entitled, Tala Al-Badru Alyina Min Thanyat Alwadaa, composed and distributed in a new and different way, and sang a group of his own songs, which called for peace between humans and the tolerance of religions amid the warm applause and admiration of the fans attending his concert. Referring to the shirt he was wearing, with “peace Train” written on it, he said “This is the name of a song made ”in 1970, and its lyrics tell how the world would be better, as it praises the values” of peace and tolerance,” adding that these are the values to be adopted by a serious artist. Asked about his vision about the oriental music, Yusuf Islam said, “There is something special about oriental music. My Father who lived in Alexandria Loved music and he had a beautiful voice, which I inherited from him. I always long for Oriental music and i listen to Umm Kulthum. What I do not like about some Eastern artists is to try to blindly imitate the West, I believe that every art has its own color, specificity and beauty, and the artist must strive towards improvement and, at the same time, maintaining identity. Yusuf Islam was born in London to a Greek Cypriot father and a Swedish mother. Formally known as Cat Stevens, he was one of the biggest solo artists of the ‘60s and ‘70s, selling more than 60mn albums with hits including, Father and Son, Wild World, Peace Train and many more. Following a serious illness and after a near-drowning incident, he received a translation of the Holy Qur’an and after reading it he converted to Islam in 1977 in which he found peace and universal understanding. He decided to withdraw from the music industry at his peak and changed his name to Yusuf Islam beginning a new life. (QNA) Pictures: p.twimg.com/Aly0jqCCMAAoZIn.jpgp.twimg.com/Aly8EsiCQAAOn0Z.jpgp.twimg.com/AlycULNCQAAXOru.jpgtwitpic.com/show/large/8kqu0h  ;D
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Post by crobarbie on Feb 17, 2012 4:19:48 GMT -5
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Post by Monty Python on Feb 17, 2012 5:32:31 GMT -5
Cheap tickets!!! The VIP ticket was equal to about 190 Australian dollars!! I paid more to see Yusuf here in Melbourne, and it wasn't a VIP...
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Post by G-One on Feb 17, 2012 6:58:02 GMT -5
That's the kind of starting my day I love at Majicat - no need to google our friends had already done that :-) New songs !!!!!  ??!!!!!!!! Hi, monty - how about Moonshadow in Melbourne? |
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Post by crobarbie on Feb 17, 2012 9:43:10 GMT -5
Lucky one  Yasmine Ryan @yasmineryan (from Twitter) Just met Cat Stevens / Yusuf Islam outside #aljazeera office with @jamesbrownsell #doha #qatar yfrog.com/oez4nlhj:iphoneAND this sounds interesting: (also from Twitter) mmbilal @mmbilal Big smile! Just interviewed Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens). Look for my web exclusive soon on @ajenglish |
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Post by crobarbie on Feb 18, 2012 17:11:16 GMT -5
One review from Doha: www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=487453&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16Yusuf Islam delights Doha music fans Yusuf Islam enthralling fans at his first public concert in the Middle East in Doha this weekend By Peter Townson/Staff Reporter Music fans were given a true treat this weekend as Yusuf Islam took to the stage to sing in his first public performance in the Middle East at the Museum of Islamic Art Park on Thursday evening. The concert was the first of a series to be held at the park, and was attended by numerous VIPs, including HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser who seemed to enjoy the evening of music and musings on his faith and life in general. Islam spoke at length about his life, taking the audience back in time to his early career before discussing the thought processes which led to him “looking for something more,” and eventually converting to Islam in 1977. The singer, formerly known as Cat Stevens, experienced a huge amount of success with early albums such as ‘Tea for the Tillerman,’ ‘Teaser and the Firecat,’ and ‘Catch Bull at Four,’ also spoke about his decision to turn his back on the music world and devote himself to other pursuits, primarily humanitarian work. He said that while he had been led to believe that music could not be a part of his new life and lifestyle, he came to the realisation that music is an incredibly powerful tool and can help to transmit important message to people from different backgrounds. And luckily for the audience in Doha, he decided to come here for his first public concert in the region, giving fans the opportunity to hear such a highly influential musician playing some of his Cassic songs as well as his more recent music. Islam was joined on stage by a band, who supported the singer brilliantly throughout. Long-time guitarist Alun Davies who has played with the singer for many years, was also on stage, playing guitar and singing backing vocals. The selection of music and the diversity of the songs being performed made for an interesting evening, but the defining factor was the sheer quality of musicianship on display and the incredible quality of Islam’s voice. Fans were delighted to hear classic tunes such as Wild World, Father and Son, Moon Shadow, Peace Train, and many more, which made the singer such a big name in the music world. However, many were left impressed by his more recent writing, which although mainly concerned with issues of faith and religion, is similar in style to some of his older work. Indeed, Islam’s voice and performance style is so enthralling that the newer songs were nearly as well-received by the audience as the well known hits. Gulf Times spoke to a number of audience members, all of whom seemed highly impressed by the concert and its organisation, with many saying that they were pleased to get the chance to learn more about the man behind the music of their youths. “It’s amazing – I used to listen to him when I was young, and he still sounds so good now,” said one fan, adding “I can’t believe that he still has such a brilliant voice.” “It was great to see him – he was just as good as he was in his heyday and he exuded this aura of peace and love which made you feel good inside,” said another female fan, adding “he is a really good ambassador for the Islamic faith.” “It was interesting to hear that some of his modern songs sound very similar to the older ones and seem to have a similar message,” she added. “My favourite song was Moon Shadow but I also really enjoyed I Love My Dog, it really took me back to my younger days,” said another member of the audience, noting “for me, he is a man truly worthy of the ‘Man For Peace’ award.” Feedback from the concert has been very positive, and the atmosphere in the museum grounds on Thursday evening was buzzing with excitement. Fans were delighted to get the opportunity to hear the 63-year-old in action, and the man who has inspired so many other musicians during his career certainly did not disappoint as he produced a truly brilliant performance. |
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Post by M. on Feb 18, 2012 17:26:36 GMT -5
Yusuf Islam (aka Cat Stevens) via Facebook  Doha, Qatar Setlist:1st Half: THE WIND MIDDAY DON’T BE SHY THE BELOVED THINKIN’ ABOUT YOU WHERE TO THE CHILDREN PLAY I LOVE MY DOG / HERE COMES MY BABY/ FIRST CUT IS THE DEEPEST MOONSHADOW GOD IS THE LIGHT TUESDAY’S DEAD 2nd Half: ROADSINGER DOORS TROUBLE OH VERY YOUNG ALL KINDS OF ROSES MILES FROM NOWHERE WILD WORLD MY PEOPLE MORNING HAS BROKEN FATHER AND SON Encores: RUINS CHANGES TALA AL BADRU ALAYNA PEACE TRAIN *Beirut Set List and photos to follow! |
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Post by Novim on Feb 18, 2012 17:56:57 GMT -5
Great review, thanks for sharing it! Wish we'd been there!
Chris
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Post by Affy on Feb 19, 2012 18:16:54 GMT -5
 hope i get to hear trouble live in good quality
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Post by G-One on Feb 20, 2012 7:22:19 GMT -5
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Post by G-One on Feb 20, 2012 9:37:05 GMT -5
...and a nice article: www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/music/yusuf-islam-impresses-royalty-with-first-middle-east-public-performanceYusuf Islam impresses royalty with first Middle East public performancePerhaps unintentionally, Yusuf Islam – the Londoner born Steven Demetre Georgiou – has a style matching the amalgam of cultures he represents. He's wearing jeans, one of his own Cat Stevens – Peace Train T-shirts and a sheepskin and leather jacket. He's sporting the same beard he's had since the late 1970s, though there are a few more grey hairs now, and his iPhone sitting on the table in front of him quietly rings with a call to prayer alarm mid-interview. He's slim, no taller than 5ft 8in, and speaks with a proper London accent, interspersing common idioms such as "innit" into conversation. The multi-platinum-selling singer, who relocated to Dubai several years ago, has both the wisdom of a man nearing his mid-60s and the humour of a young boy. In his early 20s, he flirted with several religions to find contentment. He famously discovered Islam before 30 and subsequently gave up music. "I was upset by the reaction of the press towards me," he says, in Doha for a sell-out public show last Thursday night before an audience of 2,800. "I thought everybody would embrace and understand my reasons for becoming Muslim. Islam comes from Salam (meaning peace). People wanted to take an opposing view from day one. That, you know, immediately creates antagonism. I was not patient enough to abide by that and I just walked away." He took his first gradual steps back in the mid-1990s, producing spiritual music. Six years ago, he released An Other Cup, his first western-style album since the long break. Now he is pursuing more ambitious, culturally inclusive and entertaining projects. He's ramping up to a comeback and is finally at peace with all that has happened, embracing his pre-conversion achievements and merging them with new material on live stages. "I have come to the conclusion that after a while, yes there is haram music and there is also halal music," he says. "It's still a matter of opinion. How you use what God has given is how you are going to be judged, especially if it's not haram totally from the beginning. It's like grapes, they go through two series. They go from wine before they get to vinegar." The Qatar show marked a key moment in his journey. He held what was marketed as his first concert in the Middle East. Although he has played private shows in the region before now, this was a public debut and his first Middle East concert. The audience, seated in a temporary outdoor space, swayed to hits new, old, Christian and Islamic. If ever a seal of approval was needed, it came from the Emir's wife, Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser, who enjoyed the full performance and was seen in standing ovation, cheering the singer's finale of Peace Train. From May 7 until June 2 last year, he performed in 10 European cities. "It was a fantastic tour, it went really well," he says. His next few months will be spent finalising details of his first musical, Moonshadow, due to launch in Melbourne at the end of May. The play was originally planned for London more than a year ago. "I grew up in the West End so my whole background was living among theatres and musicals and the West End's coffee bars and clubs," he said. "It's kind of obvious that one day I should do something like that." He hasn't given many details about the form the musical will take yet, but he expects it to travel to Broadway at some point."It's got most of my older songs as well as new songs, it's been an inspiration for me to write the story and to find the theme that would carry all of my songs in one musical." In his youth, he drew inspiration from "The Beatles, Beethoven, Bernstein and Bach". Lately he has been influenced by events in the Arab world – last year penning and recording the simple, mellow tune My People for the Tahrir Square revolutionaries. "I got very inspired and I wrote the song called My People, then I got people through Facebook to add their voices to the chorus, then I put it out in a way to support the movement," he says. "I recorded it in Berlin about 100 yards from the where the Berlin wall fell. It was kind of symbolic in a way. "Music becomes a commentary of world events – sometimes it predicts, like (Bob Dylan's) The Times they are a-Changin', but do they change fast enough? Does music make it go faster? These are still questions." As uprisings elsewhere continue, there are concerns of disunity among the Muslim community, or Ummah, as it's known. "The middle ground has to be the strongest," advises Islam. "There may be differences but the central themes and principles of Islam will not change, and we all agree about that." |
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Post by glassworld on Feb 20, 2012 15:47:19 GMT -5
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Post by goodsean on Apr 22, 2013 4:06:02 GMT -5
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??!!!!!!!!
hope i get to hear trouble live in good quality
