Gifted Maher Zain is in the Mother City
Superstar Maher Zain will perform at the Artscape Opera House on Friday and Saturday in collaboration with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO). This showcase promises to expand production company Inner Circle Entertainment’s philosophy of “shifting the context of musical expression”.
The singer’s discography spans a variety of genres, and he’s chosen a specific play-list for his Cape Town shows. “We have a very good selection, and a variety from all my three albums, plus some singles,” he says.
In addition to his own top-class world ensemble, how does he think the accompaniment of the CPO will enhance his music? “I think playing with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, which by the way I’m extremely excited about, will make my music sound much bigger and sound epic inshaAllah,” he explains.
As the most popular Muslim artist on Facebook and the most viewed Muslim artist on YouTube, the incredible popularity of this Swedish singer/songwriter highlights how the power of music resonates across international borders.
In his view what is his standout feature that resonates with so many people? “Honestly, I don’t know myself. But I truly believe first and foremost is that success comes from Allah. He’s blessed me with great people and a great team who have helped me on a personal and professional level.
“And I always pray and hope that the love people have for me and my music is a sign that Allah is satisfied with me. And secondly, I believe that people relate to the music we’ve done so far, especially the lyrics.”
Zain expands on his approach to creating new compositions.
“There are several ways of writing a song. You can come up with a chorus line and then build the song from there or start with a melody, make the arrangement (music production) and then write the lyrics. Or sometimes you have the lyrics and then write a melody for it and so on. There are many ways. I usually make melodies and a demo arrangement and then write lyrics.”
Currently, the global music industry mostly cycles the same blueprint, is he inspired by any cutting-edge new projects?
“I think it’s actually always been like that. People follow the trends. I try not to over-think when I create music, but it’s easier said than done. After three albums, I feel that I need to think about how to bring something fresh and not sounding similar to my previous work.
“But creating music needs to be fun and you need to have a good vibe with the people you work with. And that’s when, in my opinion,
the best song comes out. When you’re just feeling it. I haven’t officially started working on my next album yet, but I want to come with something fresh and different this time, inshaAllah. I already have some ideas that I hope you guys will like, inshaAllah!”
All the arts disciplines bring joy and offer insight in various ways. His favourite art form of course is…
“Obviously music. Because I love it and I love bringing out and sharing my music with the world. One of the things that makes me keep coming back is when people tell me stories about how they, or someone they know, have been inspired by my music, and that the music has changed their lives for the better.”
Any hints on what’s next in the world of Maher Zain?
“I don’t know yet, let’s see. And by the way I can’t reveal all the secrets now.”
The concert starts promptly at 8.15pm.