Swedish artiste Maher Zain tells Bibi Nurshuhada Ramli that he enjoys the quiet life and is also thankful for his worldwide success
HE is arguably the most popular Muslim on Facebook with 26 million likes and the most-watched Muslim on YouTube with over 1.4 billion views for his music videos. A multiple-platinum recording artiste, he has released various catchy, chart-topping hits like Insha Allah, Baraka Allah Lakuma and For The Rest Of My Life.
But in spite of it all, singer-songwriter Maher Zain is, surprisingly, not at all famous in his home country of Sweden. “When I’m overseas, I get the VIP treatment. I have a chauffeur, my luggage is taken care of, and I’m housed in a luxurious room.
“When I get back to Sweden, though, I have to take care of my own bags and go home on my own. Most of the Swedes don’t know who I am, but I don’t mind it at all!” the artiste reveals with a laugh.
It’s not that the 35-year-old isn’t grateful for the VIP treatment, but the anonymity in Sweden helps him to relax after going through gruelling schedule overseas.
“I’m not the type to show off. The quiet life humbles me and takes me back to my roots. It helps me keep my feet on the ground. Most importantly, it reminds me of this gift that God has given me, the responsibility it brings and its purpose.”
The Lebanese-born artiste adds that the simple recipe to his success is to do his best and leave the rest to God. Recently, however, his popularity has started to grow in Sweden. “The people there are wondering about this Swedish guy who is popular all around the world, but not in Sweden.”
Luckily enough, Maher’s international career hasn’t been affected by the current global happenings that have put Islam in a bad light. “Of course there’s racism and Islamophobia everywhere, but the people I’ve met have been very respectful. In fact, the majority of them want to fight back against the negativity.
“As Muslims, we have a huge responsibility to change people’s perception of Islam. The religion is about peace and I’m trying hard to spread that message through my music.”
NEW GIFT
Maher’s first album, Thank You Allah, was released in 2009, under his label, Awakening Records. It was followed by Forgive Me, in 2012. After four years, he recently came out with his latest record, titled One. “It’s been a long wait, but I hope it was well worth it.”
On why it had taken him that long, Maher says he needed to be in charge of the whole production, but he was at the same time busy promoting his music.
“For creativity, you not only need to have focus but also time. We only had time last year to officially start working on One.”
Maher had also been travelling the world and getting inspired by the experiences and the people he had met.
He felt then that he had so much room to grow, not only as a singer, but an individual. “One is inspired by my faith in Islam, and also my observations on the world today. As Muslims, everything we do is connected to our God. Currently as well, there’s this need to call out for unity and oneness in humanity.”
His main inspiration may be Islam, but singing about Islam is not just about singing about God.
“My song Number One For Me, for example, is a song about appreciating mothers. One Day from my new album is about Syrian refugees.
“As long as it’s positive, it can be an inspiration for my Islamic songs.”
He adds that challenges in making the album were inevitable, as he aimed to produce something inspiring, uplifting and entertaining but not too preachy.
“It’s still a Maher Zain album, but I’ll always have to bring something new to the table. I did that by working with new arrangers, lyricists and musicians. I believe this is the highest quality of music we’ve done so far.”
Maher says he respects the negative feedback that comes his way and considers it as constructive criticism.
Based on that, he tries to come up with a new sound every time but never lets go of the Maher Zain identity.
INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS
Containing 15 tracks, One was recorded in Sweden, London, India, Turkey, Egypt, Morocco and South Africa. One of its many highlights were the duets Maher had done with international artistes.
They are Turkey’s Mustafa Ceceli (on The Way Of Love), Pakistan’s Atif Aslam (I’m Alive), Morocco’s Issam Kamal (Good Day) and the Zulu choir Amakhono We Sintu (The Power).
“Mustafa and I are long-time friends and we had planned to collaborate since long ago. Issam is also another old friend.
“As for Atif, we communicated via emails, which took extra time. We even shot a music video in India.”
While working on The Power, Maher felt that the song’s beats and melodies had African sound influences in them.
“We got in touch with (Afro-pop singer) Linda Gcwensa, who sang in The Lion King’s song Circle Of Life. He wasn’t feeling too well to sing, but he helped write the Zulu lyrics.”
As for Malaysian artistes, Maher says he’s open to ideas and opportunities.
The album One comes in three versions: International (including 14 English tracks and one in Arabic), Arabic version (with seven tracks in Arabic); and Turkish (with five tracks in Turkish).
His songs Insha Allah (from Thank You Allah) and Ramadan (from Forgive Me) were also released in Malay.
For One, he is waiting to see which song becomes popular in Malaysia. If he receives a large request for a Malay version, he will consider it.
“We’re also planning to hold a tour in Malaysia. Hopefully it’ll go through.”
On his popularity in Malaysia, Maher couldn’t stop gushing. “The fans here have opened their arms and hearts and took me in. They’ve supported me and I can’t thank them enough.
“These days, people download songs illegally but my fanclub here has been encouraging others to buy my albums. I’m so grateful.”
He added that he thinks the country is beautiful. “The first time I came here, I went to Langkawi with my wife for a three-day honeymoon,” he says, laughing.
As for expanding his reach, Maher would like to visit Japan in the future. He was surprised to learn he has fans there.
“It’d be great to see them in person and witness the different culture there.”
Up next, Maher is preparing for a world tour to promote One.
OLDER AND WISER
Maher feels that he really has grown up as a singer, now that he has performed live so many times and made so many songs.
“I used to think I was a terrible singer, because I started out late, at 27. Most professional singers began when they were young.
“I feel and hope that my listeners and fans can see how much I’ve developed since then, through my new album.”
His advice to new singers is first, to find and harness a talent. Then, understand the responsibility.
“Talent is a gift from God. God willing, we can always use it for the benefit of others. Try to contribute towards changing the world for the better.”