9. Yny Maj Hyrynh - Al Badi (The Originator) Marlui Miranda (Brazil)

9. Yny Maj Hyrynh- Al Badi (The Originator)  Marlui Miranda (Brazil)

Since being told that women cant listen to music or even sing I became fascinated with women voices.  I began to collect CD’s all about women’s voices.  I managed to find this compilation in my magic crate!  You can hear the full CD here.  But one track stood out.  I cannot find the english translation.  The youtube video suggests and further researches indicates that this is a Brazilian folk song.  The Artist Marlui Miranda is an accomplished musician with a large curriculum of research on the music of the Indians of Northern Brazil acknowledged internationally. 

According to my source the activity of Al-Badi (the 95th Name) takes you back to the beginning of the creation process, as far back as can be conceived.  In going back to the ultimate source, you find the ground of being, the unborn foundation of existence.  The divine name manifests the artistry of God in the act of formation, through the process of gathering together and leaving behind elements as in sculpting.  How to understand this?  My thoughts in response to this text take me back to nature and this song naturally lead me to this.  The presence of 67 different uncontacted tribes in Brazil, making it the country with the largest number of uncontacted peoples.  Can you believe to this day these people exist.  

I love this idea "by returning to your original nature you find the capacity to discover and express what is real."   Very deep question… so what is my original nature?  My journey to find out why as a woman I couldn't sing led me to this.  Which now leads me to God?  And I'm forever in this spiral of seeking me, seeking God, uncovering layer upon layer.   What is a traditional song from your cultural background?  I struggled with this question.  Being British/Pakistani/Muslim we grew up with no musical tradition. So when I set out to prove Muslim women could sing I formed a group of muslim women.  We began to look at our muslim heritage and songs from here.  Ive attached a sample my team and I are working on.  This includes vocals of the Ulfah Collective, the group I formed.  Ta La Al Badru is one of the oldest songs in Islamic History.   Check out our rough electronic version below.   

Traditional music is the most authentic transcending language.  It overcomes the divides and speaks to the soul.  However sometimes its hard to access as it needs the right moment.  For me the electronic versions are more in-line with the day to day urban existence of our lives.  Lets create something with your tradition giving it some modern vibes.   Next time your caught singing tradition record it on your phone and send it to us.  

Check out Oum Khartoum the famous Egyptian singer's version of Ta La Al Badru and let me know which you prefer. 

Join our Vocal Booth today.  If you would like your voice featured in the music we make please record your natural voice on your phone and email it to us.  Send us two recordings one of you singing any song you like and the other of you talking or reading.  Please don't send longer 30 seconds for each.  Don't forget to send the date of the recording, your age, your name and full contact details.  All vocals sent to us will be used to create an authentic vocal library.  If we feel we can use your vocal we will be in touch.  

8. When am I going to make a Living? - Al Muqit (The Sustainer) Sade (UK)

8. When am I going to make a Living?  - Al Muqit (The Sustainer) Sade (UK)

Some of you may have seen on Facebook that I mentioned that I have been nominated for the Spirit of Britain Award (by the British Muslim Awards).  The ceremony is this week and I have decided that I wont be attending.  Im truly humbled by the public vote it means the world to me, it really does.  However, I have to be honest.  A 6 hour event is too big of a commitment in time that I can give right now.  Before I was a mother I didn't have to think twice about these opportunities.  I have been blessed to attend black tie dinners and awards nominations in the past.  But now I have a little boy who relies on me for everything.   Since he came and made me a mother I have been transitioning my life.  The whole reason I write this blog post and invite responses is because I am unable to travel and work as before.  It took some time to understand but I now live for what I am passionate about rather than a job.  My passions now include being a mother.  I try and stay fearless.  I tell myself just give from a soul level it will come back in someway.  I see this nomination as a beautiful example of this.  

My Son born premature at 30 weeks fighting to survive.

He is now 4!

The fear of rat race and the 9-5 is always present if I let it.  But back in 2002/2003 there was one song I had on constantly every day in the morning as I went to my 9-5pm job back then.  It was hell as I felt no matter how hard I worked it was never good enough.  My soul was being sucked out and I was becoming a living corpse.  This song gave me the courage and belief to think differently and in the end be different.  Even today I can hear the words in my heart “I'm hungry but I wont give in”. Im being nominated for the work I went on to do...what a journey so far!  But it feels like I am only getting started.  I dedicate this to all you souls out their trying to figure out how your gonna make a living. 

What songs help you in these moments?  Its not easy to remember where your sustenance comes from, its so obvious you have to get a job.  First step is almost unlearning what you believe.   According to my source the 39th name The Sustainer is the unlimited ability to provide for each and every thing.    Its the quality that nourishes our spirit, breath after breath.  Breath itself is a kind of nourishment from God that protects us from the death of the heart. This name has been most influential in my thinking and I'm making it a belief that I am my own sustainer. I ask for the same courage I used to have before I became a mother.  I am sometimes weak and worry about providing for my son.  Then I have to remember that the basics to live are free, its my conditioning that makes me not believe this some days.  The basics my son needed to survive was milk, love, warmth and attention.  

Sade has been the soundtrack to my life, growing up in Britain.  She was one of my favourite artists and continues to be a role model. Even now reading this article about her hasn't changed the way I feel about her.  I still learn lots from her as an artist.   Reading this also reminded me of the music press and music industry which I find very confusing and judgemental. But it serves a different purpose to mine so we agree to disagree lol!  

Lyrics

When am I gonna make a living?

It's gonna take a while before I give in

See the people fussing and thieving

While the sharks are wheeling and dealing

Gotta look up and tell yourself, there's no end to what you can do

They'll waste your body and soul if you allow them to

This is time to start believing in yourself

Put the blame on no-one else

When am I gonna make a living?

It's gonna take a while before I give in

See the people fussing and stealing

Too many lies, no-one is achieving

Haven't I told you before

We're hungry for a life we can't afford?

There's no end to what you can do

If you give yourself a chance to prove

We're hungry but we won't give in

Hungry but we won't give in

Hungry but we won't give in

Hungry but we won't give in

7. Remember the loveliness - Al Wadud (The Loving One) Mercen Dede (Turkey)

7. Remember the Loveliness- Al Wadud (The Loving One)  Mercen Dede (Turkey)

A few blog posts ago I wrote that I'm not listening to that much music.  Soon after I wrote this I noticed my big black crate that I've dressed with blankets and cushions.  People come and sit on it. Inside are cd's.  I have lugged this around with me for the last 20 years of my life.  The box included CD’s I've not even opened which I had been collecting from attending the World Music Expo annually for a number of years. 

Something magical has been happening to me for the last few days as I began to delve into the crate.  I started playing the music and it has felt that I have found and entered the door of my heart.  The song below created a zone for me to feel my love for music and my journey is beautiful even if no ones knows.  I know I am filled with love.  I am humbled by anyone who reads this blog and even more so for those that respond.  For me music is spirit and thats what I feel we become when we are making music.  According to my source the 47th Name Ya Wadud (The loving one) is the constant embrace of the affectionate loving universe.  The way we learn to love God is by learning how to love.  Human beings especially learn how to love by learning how to be intimate.  I believe creating music together is a way to be intimate and embrace the love of the universe.   As well as give love back.  

Mercen Dede’s track below was one of my first inspirations in what electronic and sufi music could produce.  Not only this but the simple english lyrics, repeated from 01.42 secs into the track was also inspiring that anyone given the chance could be inspired to create by this track.  There is something about the vocal.  I love the trembling I can hear in the voice.  So authentic to the polished voices you hear in music.   The trembling in the voice amplifies the words, the loveliness inside you is no small matter.  But in awe as in being the foot of an enormous mountain range.  I cant find an official video so the video below could be pulled for copyright reasons at anytime.   However, you can find the album here and the track.  Here's to your loveliness...I see it! 

What are the one liners in your life at the moment?  Music brings out my loveliness, my passion, compassion, I can give love without even thinking on an enormous scale.  What does it for you?  If you could choose a sentence you would love to hear over and over again what would it be? 

6. Amay Bhashaili - Al Rashid (The Guide) Alamgir, Fariha Pervez, Coke Studio Pakistan

6.  Amay Bhashaili - Al Rashid (The Guide) Alamgir, Fariha Pervez, Coke Studio Pakistan

Bhatiali or Bhatiyali is a form of folk music in Bangladesh. Bhatiyali is a boat song, sung by boatmen while going down streams of the river, as the word Bhatiyali comes from Bhata meaning ebb or downstream.  This song had me in tears this morning.  Not that I was sad about anything in particular.  I think I connected with the fear in the lyrics expressed.  Being creative is the most vulnerable you can be and although mostly I know I am brave I acknowledge the fear.  I acknowledge my doubt and although I have trusted myself until now there are moments of deep confusion. 

Coke Studio Sessions https://www.facebook.com/rohail.hyatt.public

You have set me adrift

You are causing me to drown

The river seems endless as if there were no shore

No border, no shore

The river has no limits

Steer it most cautiously, boatman

This boat of mine with a broken rim

The river seems endless as if there were no shore

Whether a storm rages

Whether rainclouds rumble

Take us across to the other end, boatman

However loud these river torrents roar

Help me get my boat to the shore, boatman

Take us across to the other end, boatman

The 98th Name of Allah Ya Rasheed, brings an established and clear consciousness that balances inner experience and worldly life.  The one thing that is clear is that its not easy to live your souls purpose.  A whole community of people can be found here who are trying to discover what they are about.  So I love this idea of the boatman and in this song in particular he is the person the singer is putting all hope into. It reminds me to keep focused and determined despite all the feelings of chaos and confusion I will get to the other side.  Something is being achieved.  This version of the song is combined with another song in hindi which I think goes really well.  Its about loosing ones love which is also a time when we feel we have lost ourselves and need help to hang on to get to the other side.  I really thank everyone behind Coke Sudios as I would never have access to such music and examples of great musical ideas.   I'd love to hear about songs that have impacted you in a similar way.  Are you conscious of fear in your life?  If you had to share a song that either helped you express your fear or helped you through these times what would it be?   Below is another favourite boat song by Coke Studio.  Both songs I dedicate to all those who are feeling a little lost...may your guidance find you and help you across to the other side.  

An ancient boatmen tune also known as Bhatiali, this tune has been sung with different lyrics by boatmen in Bengal since ages; used by R D Burman as O Majhi Re in Khushboo in 1975. Music conceived and created by Lesle Lewis.

5. Hello - Al Gafur (The Forgiving) Adele (UK)

5. Hello  -  Al Gafur (The Forgiving)   Adele (UK)

Happy New Year to you all!

Im so grateful to be writing this blog as it helps me to notice the music in my life.  When I imagined life without music, it was unbearable.  However I never thought it would lead to such a desire for truth and passion.  I thought I would have music all around me like when I was younger.  Id follow the charts and knew which song was going to be number 1 before it was.  In reality I've noticed that I don't listen to much music compared to before.  After watching a video by Producer Rohail Hyatt who was the pioneer behind Coke Studios in Pakistan I have understood what is going on with me.  Ive accidentally tuned myself into a different space - I say accidentally because I don't think I would have intended this for myself.  I love music but in seeking the truth about music Ive developed a deeper connection.  I want music to impact me in new ways so that I can feel myself in ways that I didn't expect to.  Adele did this to me recently when I had the radio on whilst driving.  It was her track Hello.   Isn't there always a song on the radio that is about you in some way.  In this song I would be the person that Adele would be singing to.  I feel the shivers and the haunting in the vocals and music but I wonder how I would respond to this. 

According to my source the 34th Name of Allah is The Forgiving.  “Al-Ghafur is the essence of forgiveness, because it reveals the depth of the divine heart. Al Ghafur means to forgive all the way into the deepest possible place, all the way to the ground floor.  It is the divine forgiveness that penetrates into the most repressed secrets in our hearts.  Its presence allows us to accept that there is forgiveness even for the worst crime we have ever committed in our life or the worst crime ever done to us.”  So have I forgiven or not?  Listening to Hello for the second and third time the song exposes a wound I once had.  But I no longer feel any pain from this.  But I do feel the pain of the singer who has not moved on.  I imagine what I would do about this.  Id like to make a song responding to Adele.  For me the conversation needs to be in a different place, on a different plane.  Perhaps this will broaden the horizon through which events are seen and help heal the pain I feel for the singer. Whats your experience of forgiveness?  Is there a song that reminds you of a wound? Or a song that heals you? I leave you with the idea below as inspiration: 

What is forgiveness?

Sufi replied:   It's the fragrance that flowers give when they are crushed.

4. Let Go (Clinton Cerejo feat Master Saleem, Coke Studio India) - Al- Mumit (The Causer of Death)

4. Let Go (Clinton Cerejo feat Master Saleem, Coke Studio India)  - Al- Mumit  (The Causer of Death) 

The Causer of Death - these words either scare you or inspire you.   When I was younger I was bought up in a household where death was never talked about but when it did come up it was talked about in a scary way.  e.g. you have to be good otherwise this is what happens to your body when you die.  It was fear that was passed onto my parents from the religious culture they practised.  When I became a teenager I was fascinated by goths and saw their beauty in all dark things.  But now-a-days through my own reading and deciding I see death very differently and it no longer causes me fear or pain the way it used to. 

According to my source the 61st Name of Allah “ he is the only one who causes death.  Essential to sufism is the teaching that physical death is a symbol for fana, the dissolving of the ego self.  When God sends you a type of death - spiritual, mental or physical it is a mechanism for spiritual transformation. The lover realises with every death of the self that they are being drawn in towards the beloved.  It is a process that leads to the union of lovers.  A persons death day is seen as a wedding day.”  Okay I think to get this you need to see yourself existing outside your physical self.   Anyway just for a moment I love the idea of preparing for death as your wedding day.  As a woman your wedding day is something that you do secretly think of.  I wrote a few lyrics years ago on this idea.  Im happy to share a few lines see below: 

A night of passion with life

Forgetting who I leave behind

I’ll start my new life

Lying dead cold

You'll be crying

I'll be dancing

Forever romancing

For those of you who are creative perhaps you can write what come next?  Or see what your version of events would look like/feel like?  I like the "Forever romancing" and I picture forever as a circle so like a whirling dervish spinning maybe some trans-like beats. 

When I heard this coke studio session with Master Saleem it reminded me of this idea.  Please see the you tube description and what the song is about.  I only discovered Master Saleem this summer - he helped me to connect with punjabi language which was the language I used to speak to my mom and dad.  I hardly ever speak it now.  

Meaning:   The Poet is imploring to all beings, to not fall for the worldly traps. For life is like loose sand, that will
flow away without any warning in the endless wide ocean of impermanence. When we know that the
end of this journey will have to be done alone and empty handed, what is point of dying for desires and
planning for them each day?

The end is inevitable and hence your space is predefined...for you will, either be burnt to ashes and
hence become part of the air or, be buried and hence will become part of this earth...one day.

Poet quotes the great Saint and poet, Sant Kabirdas, "since we know the end is inevitable, we must use
this time to sow good deeds. For when we came to this earth as a new born, everyone laughed and we
cried...but when we undertake our final journey, the world must miss us for the plethora of good that
we would have done...while we enjoy our communion with The One".

3. Hidden Place (Björk) - Al Batin (The Hidden)

3. Hidden Place (Björk) - Al Batin (The Hidden) 

I came to appreciate Bjork quite late I feel.  When she was in the charts and everyone was talking about her I was never part of that.  But one day I remember being in Gertrude cafe (I can still remember what it was called!) in Dublin with some friends and she was playing in the background.  It was the track “venus as a boy.”  I remember feeling I want to zone out and be with this track.  It was a struggle as I was with friends and trying to look like I was present with them but at the same time I knew my soul was wanting to be elsewhere.  As soon as I came home I delved into Bjork and I just could not believe all that I was missing.  So when I was looking at which 99 name I was going to focus on this week the name The Hidden immediately reminded me of Bjork’ song called Hidden Place. 

Directed by Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin and M/M (Paris). Written by Björk/Mark Bell/Guy Sigsworth. Published by Universal Music Publishing Ltd/Warp/EMI Music ® 2001 Björk Overseas Ltd/One Little Indian Ltd.

According to my source the 75th name of Allah is the Hidden.  It talks about Al-Batin is the most hidden treasure, the secret or secrets.  The essence of God is utterly hidden but it is not hidden inside of something else.   This means so many things to me and without going too deep there is always a hidden element to life - that we do not see.  So hence there is this talk in spiritual circles of awareness.  (See this link very simple and easy explanation of awareness, be patient with it the point will reach you, 2.54 onwards).  For me this song reminds me of the times when I just want to be with myself and my thoughts and not around people.  Sometimes you dont want the outside world to know of your spiritual connectedness.  For me this song conjures such a mysterious, magical feeling which I sometimes feel when I look forward to praying, mediating or just being still.  

I love the lyrics below in bold.  They remind me of God (not a person or deity but a higher self that is so generous and loving) and the comfort I feel sometimes in feeling connected with life.  I invite ideas around what you see being hidden, maybe only you can see or feel sometimes.  How does that make you feel?  Musically Bjork uses some great ideas that give a feeling of something being there for example there is sound that reminds me of a creepy insect or animal following her around.   For those of you who are creative perhaps pick a line from the lyrics or an idea from Bjorks music and see where it takes you.  

The beautifulest

Fragilest

Still strong

Dark and divine

And the littleness of his movements

Hides himself

He invents a charm

That makes him invisible

Hides in the air

Can I hide there too?

Hide in the air of him

Seek solace

Sanctuary

Let me know your favourite Bjork track, lets indulge and share what we love.  Check this out if you have not heard it already Björk - Crystalline (Omar Souleyman Remix) Deep and meaningful but you still want move to it! 

From "The Crystalline Series -- Omar Souleyman Versions" Written by Björk. ® 2011 One Little Indian Records Ltd.

2. I adore the Sea (Nagat Al Saghira-Egypt) - Al Mutakabbir (The Majestic)

2. I adore the Sea (Nagat Al Saghira-Egypt)  -  Al Mutakabbir (The Majestic) 

One of the first world music Cd’s I picked up from the Virgin shop when I was 19 was this - Arabia The women's voice.  Track 9 - OMG it made my heart flutter I can feel it now.  I didn't understand any of the language as now I know the singer is a famous classical singer from Egypt.  But I spent nights listening to this and feeling transported into a different plane.  The music seemed to capture a sense of longing which seem to pull my heart along.  I remember thinking when I heard this that I just want to be this music. 

According to my source the 10th Name of Allah - Al Mutaakabbir (the majestic or supreme greatness)  is described as the path to vastness, an ever-expanding cosmic wave removing all boundaries.  Its about as transcendental as one can imagine.  Its about going beyond ones relationship with God and constantly going beyond limitations.  This song was one of my earliest experiences of what these words may mean.  Thanks to you tube I have now found it again and there is an english translation.  Check it out.  If you have no idea what I am talking about then maybe you should experience it.   Then tell me:

How did this feel?

Have you felt this before?

Whats your understanding of 10th Name of Allah and how does it appear in your day to day life?

Are there other songs this reminds you of? 

For those of you who are creative perhaps you can respond to the words in the song below.  I am also linking in electronic versions of the music others have attempted.  Im interested in both the lyrics leading to a new song and the music leading to a new song.  So rather than replicate it as some have done to use this as a source of inspiration to do something new.  As an idea start your vibration for any content with the arabic word Al Mutakabbir which you can find a link on this page.  (Please note I welcome contributions in different languages but I will need the english translation). 

Original version  

HQ نجاة الصغيرة انا بعشق البحر

Electronic versions  

http://www.mujabmusic.com With the title : "Ana Baashaa Il bahr" i.e I Adore the sea , a song Originally performed by Najat al Saghirah , a famous singer from the Arab world, a very easy listening song talks about the sea and the love, in the end the singer says : "and you , my love, you are my life" Muhamad Jabali : Vocals , Bass guitar, Electric guitar, Ney , Drum programming , producing and performing.

For More Music Visit https://www.facebook.com/arch.mayki

Lyrics (english translation from Egyptian so not 100% accurate) 

I adore the sea

its mental like you my love

and sometimes crazy like you

and migrant and traveler 

and sometime its confused like you

and sometimes its upset like you 

and sometimes it filled with patience

I adore the sea

I adore the sky

because its tolerant like you

sown with stars and happiness

and beloved and strange

because its far like you

and sometimes it near like you

with melodic eyes

I adore the sky

I adore the road

because our meetings are on it

and our happiness

and our misery

our friends and our youth

and our tears laughed in it

and our candles cried in it

and the friend was lost in it 

I adore the road

I adore the sea

I adore the sky

I adore they're life

and you are honey

your the whole life 

1. Man in the Mirror (Michael Jackson) - Al Karim (The Generous)

1. Man in the Mirror (Michael Jackson) -  Al Karim (The Generous) 

Okay so in thinking about my first blog post I thought the best place to start was right at the beginning.  All my life until 19 years of age I loved music.  From bollywood, bhangra, reggae, pop. Every penny I spent in my local Virgin shop.  I would go to the same isles including the World Music section where I found all kinds of treasures.  Later I became a devoted fan of Michael Jackson.  Then the music stopped.  Fast forward in thinking about my consciousness of the world I can pinpoint it to one song.  

Even to this day when I hear Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror it brings tears to my eyes (Ive never seen the music video - only audio).  From the twilight sound at the start to Michael’s own vocal style in “OH, OH, OH, OH” midway and choir.  It was all beautifully packaged so the words could pierce my heart and they did.  The words made me look at myself in relation to the world and its people.   Who do I choose to see and who do I choose to ignore?  Am I fully aware of everyone and everything in my day to day frame.  How do I relate to it and how is it relating to me. I personally feel its an act of generosity in considering how you relate to your world. 

Il mio tributo al grande king of the pop

From my source 42nd name of Allah -  Al Karim (the Generous) is an inexhaustible, bountiful energy that keeps on giving, like a flowing stream or water from a fathomless well.  Those who embody Al-Karim are generous with whatever they have, whether it actually reaches people or not, or whether others respond or not.  Do you have an experience of this that you can share?  Are you on the receiving end or do you feel you give on this level?  How could we create a song that helps us to be generous in our day to day lives.  Ive shown one example do you know of others?  For those of you who are creatives maybe we look at the “flowing stream” for musical/lyrical ideas you may want to send me. I also invite ideas around the twilight sound - listen to Michael's song. Hum along to the sparkle and then see if you can change it.  Record it on your phone and send to me. 

Id love to hear about your first memories of a song touching you so much that you can trace its impacts to this day.  Can you pinpoint what is it about the song and what effect it has on you?  Also let me know if your a MJ fan and your favourite song - sorry couldn't resist but to ask!