- International musical mix reflects diversity of Muslim community
- Mayor calls on community to sign up for Team London plan to get more people volunteering
Acclaimed Canadian duo The Sound of Reason, plus UK-based Akeem and MC Quest-Rah, are amongst the performers heading to Trafalgar Square this Saturday 24 September for Eid in the Square, the capital's celebrations for Eid-ul-Fitr, the Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.
Backed by the Mayor of London, the free event will bring together musicians and performers, both traditional and modern, who reflect the diversity, culture and languages of the varied Muslim communities in London. It is an open invitation to everyone in the city – Muslim and non-Muslim alike - to experience the richness, vibrancy, depth and variety of Islamic heritage.
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: 'I would like to extend festive Eid greetings to Muslims throughout London and the UK. I know that Muslims across the world have recently finished fasting for the blessed month of Ramadan and will have spent time in prayer and contemplation. With Eid, which marks the end of Ramadan, comes a time of celebration, happiness and jubilation. Eid Mubarak!'
Other performers will include reggae-fusion from Rakin Niass and poetry inspired music from RA, who fuses Arabic, African and western styles. There will be acoustic jazz from Fursan as well as from Venezuelan born Nebila. British Pakistani Suhail Ahmed Qadri, British Somalian A-level student Mohamed Madadi and the Islamia School Choir will perform Nasheeds, based on a traditional form that draws inspiration from history, religion and current affairs. There will also be guest appearances by Zee TV artists Jernade Miah, Shide Boss, Ramzi and Abbas Hassan. There will be fun for the whole family, including a children's area in which to sample scouting activities, souvenir stalls, a chance to sample traditional Eid festive food – and also to sing to camera!
As well as backing the Eid celebrations, the Mayor is urging Muslim Londoners to get involved with Team London, his ambitious action plan for volunteering in the capital : 'At this joyous time, I am reminded again about the teachings of Ramadan which encourage empathy for those who are less fortunate; charity, generosity, compassion, community spirit, strong family and societal ties and helping the needy. With this in mind, I believe it is the perfect time for Muslim communities in London to think about getting involved in Team London, my ambitious vision to get more people volunteering in the capital to help tackle some of the city's social issues. Whether you are interested in reading to a child, making your local park safer, or looking out for an elderly person in your area, the key thing is to get involved. With less than a year to go to the London 2012 Games, there are lots of opportunities to volunteer and really make these the best Games the world has ever seen.'
Eid in the Square is organised by the Mayor of London with the support of a special organising committee, Lycamobile and Zee TV, which is the media partner for the event.
Babita Bahal, Head of Marketing for Zee Network, Europe said: 'Zee Family embraces all South Asian cultures by recognizing and celebrating major religious occasions; be it through special programming on our network or participation in dedicated events such as Eid in the Square. We are proud to have been selected once again by the GLA to work on this joyous festival marking the end of Ramadan. We look forward to celebrating Eid with friends and the Zee Family with special entertainment provided by Zee on the stage including our presenter Asad from Brit’s Bollywood on Zing. We will also be putting on some interactive activities on the Zee Stand with Guinness World Record holder henna artist – Pavan and giving visitors the opportunity to meet with popular singers including Jernade Miah, Shide Boss, Ramzi and Abbas Hassan.' ENDS
Event: Eid in the Square
Location: Trafalgar Square, London
Date: Saturday 24 September 2011
Time: 12pm-6pm (performances from 2pm)
Entry: FREE – all welcome
Information: www.london.gov.uk/eid
LINE UP (timings approximate)
- 12pm -
Event begins
- 2pm -
Asad and Saba (comperes)
Imir Tahir Shahbuddin - Qu'ran Recitation.
Mohamed Madadi
Currently studying his A-levels, seventeen year old British-Somalian Mohamed aims to inspire other young people through his Nasheeds.
Islamia Primary School Choir
Ranging from the age of eight to eleven, the choir specialises in singing traditional and modern Naseeds in Arabic and English.
Rakin Niass
Previously a member of Cash Crew and M2M, at Eid, Rakin will perform his brand of rap, spoken word and reggae fusion solo.
- 3pm -
Quest Rah
British born of Egyptian/Polish origin, Quest Rah’s music blends poetry, lyricism and melody with decisive ethnic beats.
RA
Oxford-based RA’s musical style mixes Arabic, African and western fusion with hiphop and raga. His lyrics in Arabic, French and English are inspired by poetry.
Suhail Ahmed Qadri
British Pakistani Suhail’s talent for reciting the Quran and singing Nasheeds has seen the sometime TV anchor, leading youth workshops and acting as a judge on Ummah Talent.
- 4pm -
Fursan
The unique and global percussion group Fursan represents a musical melting pot with roots from Africa and Asia, as well as influences from the West.
Ramzi
UK-based, but of Lebanese origin, Ramzi’s global background has flavoured his music, fusing western and Middle Eastern sounds.
Nabila
London-based, Venezuela born Nabila blends world, jazz, acoustic and dance sounds.
- 5pm -
Cheb Nacim
Cheb Nacim’s distinctive voice and rhythmic style mixes modern Rai with traditional music. Nacim was educated at the ‘El Mousiliya’ school in Algeria and performs with the Rai Music Band.
Akeem
French MC Akeem fuses rap, hip-hop and spoken word. He also runs workshops that promote music to the younger generation, and works with organisations such as London’s North African Arts.
Sound of Reason
MTV’s artist of the month, The Sound of Reason, aka Francis and Ku from Canada have gained a worldwide following less than a year after releasing their first full length fusion album. Already collaborating with major artists the duo will hit EID Festival as the end if their UK tour.
- 6pm –
FINISH
With appearances from Zee TV artists
Jernade Miah – Bangladeshi R&B urban singer.
Shide Boss – British rap and slow jam artist of Pakistani origin.
Abbas Hassan – London-based, Canadian-born, French-Asian pop artist, actor and model.
Notes to editors
- Eid marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting, which is observed by Muslims across the world.
- Eid in the Square is organised by the Mayor of London with the support of an EID community committee, Lycamobile and Zee TV, which is the media partner for the event.
- Eid in the Square is one of many cultural events supported by the Mayor that take place throughout the year. For more information visit the Greater London Authority website at: www.london.gov.uk
- Team London is the Mayor’s action plan for volunteering, a bridge between London’s greatest needs and the volunteers that help to make London a better place to live. Team London will make the best of these efforts and ensure that individuals and the public, private and voluntary organisations work more effectively together. For more information go to www.london.gov.uk/teamlondon.