Islamic singer thrills Lilongwe

An air of anticipation filled the jam-packed Sapitwa Hall at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe and when Zain Bhikha, one of the most celebrated and internationally acclaimed Islamic singers, gingerly stepped on stage oozing with inspiration, the atmosphere instantly became charged.

Not many in the audience realised that the tenacious and vibrant musician had been seated among them for half an hour, watching and appreciating local curtain-raisers. Such was the rare humility displayed by Bhikha.

His one-hour-and-twenty-four-minute performance, coupled with a pleasant and down-to-earth approach, mesmerised the fans more—it was a Sunday to remember for most of them.

After playing a number of songs, including some from his hit album Songs of a Soul, Bhikha took time off the stage and granted The Nation an interview in which he said his defining moment in his music journey was when he lost his best friend from a gun bullet in 1995.

He explained: “Until then, I had thought death only happened to the sick. I was pushed to my emotional limits and that was a big reality check for myself and I set a purpose for my life and from that moment on, I haven’t looked back.”

Bhikha then advised Muslims in the country to learn the difference between being a Muslim and living as a Muslim.

“A Muslim is not a noun, it’s a verb; a doing word,” he said.

He then disclosed that he will use his rule as Islamic relief ambassador to ask for more help from the international community for the flood victims.