|
Hussein Zahawy was born in December 1980 into
a Muslim family. He spent his childhood in Iraq
and then moved to the UK with his family at the
age of 10. After completing school, he went on
to study for A Levels in Music, English and English
Literature. He went to the University of London
and studied for a BA in Ethnomusicology.
At the age of 5, his Grandfather introduced him
to the daf (Kurdish frame drum), which was to
become a way of discovering other percussion instruments
of the world. When he was 13, he was invited to
join the first national Radio and Television Orchestra
of Kurdish music in Europe. As well as being a
professional percussionist, he also gains work
through acting roles with theatre companies in
both the UK and USA. From a very early age, he
has always shown a keen interest in following
a career path in music. It was all around him
as he grew up. So it's no surprise to see that
he has become a young, talented, professional
percussionist. Hussein has a wide range of musical
influences: Turkish, Arabic, Persian, Indian,
Mediterranean, Jazz, etc.
Hussein is currently based in London, UK. He
would describe his music as: "...rhythmic
ingredients from some of the Middle Eastern traditions
like Persian, Kurdish, Turkish and Mediterranean
interpreted in his own personal style." Musically,
He has recently completed his first solo album
of percussion compositions called One Word, which
is due for release at the 2008.
Islam has a vast musical heritage, stretching
from Morocco to China, being brought up in a Muslim
family, he has always been exposed to the style,
which is reflected in the sound and choices of
instrument. Hussein's music sends out messages
of rhythm and unity. Percussive instruments are
found in all music, and so he uses these because
no matter what background you are from, it can
get you dancing. He considers his versatility
as a musician as one of his biggest achievements
- being able to span many genera is talent in
itself for such a young man. He also says being
asked to work on the Hollywood movie Kingdom of
Heaven, (2005) soundtrack and also working with
other big named artists, (Sami Yusuf, Kadim al-Saher
and Shahram Nazeri).
Currently he has been taking his percussive works
and with the help of choreographers has created
two dance projects, which will premiere in early
2008. He also plans to release a second album
featuring different percussionists. His goals
are to play music for the sake of love, peace
and harmony because music is an important element
that unites people.
In his spare time he likes to keep fit and healthy,
spending time with his family, listening to and
playing music.
Hussein's message for his fans is: "We need
to love and care for each other more. Enjoy the
moments. Take them and cherish them."
|
