Zain Bhikha

Zain Bhikha has inspired fans the world over with his messages of hope and upliftment. As a singer, songwriter and through creative workshops and television, Zain is loved by young and old.

From the time that Zain Bhikha recorded his first album in 1994, his experience as an artist has grown tremendously, increasing his exposure in his country of birth, South Africa, as well as globally. Zain remains a pioneer in the ‘Nasheed’ genre of music, where, as one of the first English Islamic singers, he opened the door for many other artists. His albums have been launched in many countries including the United Kingdom, North America, Malaysia, France, Turkey, Holland, India, The Middle East, and Australia. He has performed live in cities across most continents and has become a household name when it comes to spiritual music.

Over and above his individual endeavours, Zain has also collaborated with a long list of artists such as Dawud Wharnsby, Native Deen, Outlandish, Sami Yusuf, Raihaan, Khalid Belhrouzhi, Ahmed Bukhatir, Imad Rami, Ziryab, Khalil Ismail and not forgetting his mentor, Yusuf Islam. His songs are mainly self-written, driven by emotion and the need to reassure people that turning and submitting to the Almighty is the hope mankind needs for the core of our everyday questions and confusion. Many of his songs represent different times in his life and the lessons he has learnt through personal experience. Zain’s songs provide young and old with an alternative to mainstream music, carrying messages of faith and remembrance of God. His music promotes spiritual contemplation and encourages people to be proud of their beliefs, who they are and to work towards a better world.

Zain did not receive any formal music training in his formative years but a natural inclination for writing and composing led him to what eventually changed the course of his life. In 1994, he entered and won a singing competition hosted by ‘702’- a local Johannesburg Radio Station. A simple song that he recorded on his home karaoke system, stood out amongst the thousands of mainly professional participants. After this great accomplishment, Zain was motivated to record a professional album. This materialized with “A Way of Life”, a compilation of basic Acapella Islamic songs, mostly in English, covering the various tenets of Faith. The album was released in South Africa in November of 1994, and received most favourably by an eager Muslim community.