Sami Yusuf: Difference between revisions

Sami Yusuf
Sami Yusuf
	Yusuf in 2011
Background information
Born	21 July 1980 (age 44); Tehran, Iran
Genres	Islamic; Spiritique; Sufi;
Occupations	Musician; singer; composer; songwriter; humanitarian;
Years active	2003–present
Labels	ETM; Sony; Warner; Andante; Fairwood (publisher); Awakening Records;
Website	Official website

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Sami Yusuf (born 21 July 1980) is a British singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and composer of Azerbaijani descent.^[3] He gained international attention with the release of his debut album, Al-Muʽallim, in 2003.^[4] As of 2020, he has released eight studio albums, five live albums and one compilation album. His studio albums were mostly released by Andante Records, with the first two being released by Awakening Records.^[5]^[6] He has sold over 34 million albums as of 2016.^[7]

Besides English, Yusuf has performed in Arabic, Kurdish, Azerbaijani, Persian, Turkish, Punjabi, and Urdu, sometimes in the same work, as was the case with his hit Hasbi Rabbi. His work is marked by blending different musical styles and genres, including elements from Sufi, folk, and Rock music. He used his multilingual and multi-instrumentalist style to address social, spiritual, and humanitarian issues.^[8] In recognition of his philanthropy, in 2014, Yusuf was appointed United Nations Global Ambassador for the World Food Programme.^[9]^[10]^[11]

Early life

Sami Yusuf was born on 21 July 1980 in Tehran to Azerbaijani parents.^[12]^[13] His grandparents are from Baku, Azerbaijan, from which they left for Iran when it was captured by the Bolsheviks following World War I. Yusuf and his parents later arrived in Ealing, West London, in the early 1980s, after the Islamic Revolution in Iran.^[14] From an early age, Yusuf showed great interest in music.^[4] He was influenced by the wide range of musical genres available to him in Ealing, immersing himself especially in Western classical music and Middle Eastern music.^[15] He learned the piano and violin as well as traditional instruments including the oud, setar, and tonbak.^[16] At the age of 16, Yusuf experienced a spiritual revival that made him become a "more committed Muslim".^[8] In 2003, although considering pursuing a career in law, he produced and released his first album.^[12] It quickly became an international success and launched Yusuf's professional music career.^[15] Yusuf studied music as a composition student at the prestigious Royal Academy, as well as at Salford University in north-west England.^[14]

Music career

2003–2009

In 2003, Yusuf released his debut album, Al-Muʽallim, an album that he produced, wrote, and performed.^[17] Its feature song, Al-Mu'allim, became a hit in the Middle East, North Africa, and South-East Asia, topping the charts in Egypt and Turkey for twelve consecutive weeks, selling millions of copies worldwide and reaching a diverse audience.^[18]^[19] The last track of the album, Supplication, was used in the Golden-Globe award-nominated film, The Kite Runner.^[20]^[21]

Yusuf garnered increased worldwide recognition following the release of his second album, My Ummah, in 2005.^[22] The album, using both Eastern and Western sounds, utilised wide-ranging musical instrumentation. Considered a breakthrough album, it sold over four million copies globally^[23] and was well received, particularly by young people, who identified closely with the themes of Yusuf's lyrics.^[18]^[24]

Yusuf left Awakening Records following a controversy over Without You, an album that he claimed was released without his knowledge or consent.^[25]

2010–2016

Wherever You Are, Yusuf's third official album, was released in March 2010. Rolling Stone called the album "beautifully produced".^[26] With its release, Yusuf welcomed what he termed a "new chapter" in his professional career and music.^[27]^[17]

Yusuf's fourth album, Salaam, was released in December 2012.^[28] Within four months of its launch it achieved platinum status in Southeast Asia and was the best-selling album in the Middle East and North Africa.^[29]^[30]^[31] The album includes the song "Hear Your Call," composed by Yusuf to call attention to the situation of people who are affected by natural disasters.^[31]^[32]^[33]^[34]

The Centre was released in 2014 and is a collection of 13 songs in which Yusuf hopes his listeners will find inspiration to seek their individual spiritual centres.^[35]^[21] It is a new sound that has multicultural influences, employing traditional as well as contemporary Middle Eastern, North African, and European poetry, instrumentation, and melodies.

Yusuf's sixth album, Songs of the Way, was released in January 2015. All lyrics are by the noted philosopher Seyyed Hossein Nasr and are from his books of poetry, Poems of the Way and The Pilgrimage of Life. Except for two tracks in Persian and Arabic, the songs are in English.^[36]

Barakah, Yusuf's seventh album, was released in February 2016 by Andante Records.^[37] It is the result of extensive research into the traditional music and poetry contained in the album. Yusuf said it is his musical response to the increasing chaos and noise of today's world, and his wish is that these music and lyrics offer a window onto an inner oasis of peace and harmony.^[38]^[39] The song "Mast Qalandar" from Barakah reached #1 on World Music charts on iTunes and BBC Music.^[40]^[41]^[42]^[43]^[44]

According to Yusuf, the new album aims "to respond to the growing extremism in our world with a call for a return to harmony and balance."^[45]

Following its release, Yusuf performed in the Dubai Opera in 2016 and released it as a live album.

2017–present

In 2017, Yusuf performed in New Delhi, India. 4 songs from the performance were released in 2019.

In 2018, Yusuf released his new EP, SAMi, as a side project that grew out of his desire to explore his British musical roots.^[46] The song collection, with its accessible sounds and direct lyricism, finds Yusuf's exploring the western sounds emanating from his childhood growing up in London.^[47]

SAMi has sold well and topped a number of iTunes charts since its release, and Yusuf says he is grateful and somewhat surprised that he wasn't criticised for the commercial nature of the project.^[48]

Yusuf performed in Baku, Azerbaijan, in 2019 (A Timeless Presence) with nine new songs exploring Azerbaijani culture and all instruments except for the piano being Azerbaijani.

In November 2020, Yusuf gave an online concert from his studio at home. He performed his singles "Al Faqir" and "The 99 Names", released in May 2018 and May 2020 respectively.

In late 2021, Yusuf performed at Expo 2020.

Yusuf has said that he plans to release a new album by the name of Ecstasy. While originally planned for 2019, the project was delayed to 2022.^{[citation needed]}

Notable tours and concert performances

Playing in Farum Arena, Denmark, Grugahalle in Germany, and De Doelen in the Netherlands, Yusuf introduced his forthcoming album, Wherever You Are.^[49] He performed in Azerbaijan for the first time in 2006, for the second time in 2015 (14–15 March), and 22 March 2017 in Heydar Aliyev Palace in Baku, 250,000 people attended his performance in Taksim Square in Istanbul to see Yusuf perform in 2013.^[50] Yusuf has played across four continents, packing venues such as Wembley Arena in London, Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles and The Velodrome in Cape Town, South Africa. He sings in English, Arabic, Turkish, Persian, Azerbaijani, Malay and Urdu and is backed by a range of both classical and ethnic instruments.^[51] Yusuf also performed in Washington, D.C.^[52]

Yusuf performed in Dubai for the first time in December 2016. He premiered the song "Glorification", inspired by the poetry of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.^[53]

Humanitarian work

Since early in his professional career, Yusuf has participated in humanitarian initiatives by performing benefit concerts, releasing charity singles, and acting on behalf of organisations to relieve suffering and poverty.^[34] In response to the 2010 Pakistan floods that wreaked havoc in the country and affected 20 million lives in the summer of 2010, he promptly released a charity single entitled "Hear Your Call", performed in English and Urdu, to raise funds for the displaced Pakistanis in a joint-effort with the UN-sponsored charity organisation Save the Children.^[54]^[55]

In 2014, he was appointed "UN Global Ambassador" for the World Food Programme.^[56]

Personal life

Sami spoke of his background as "diverse" and cited this as evidence for his "tendency to bring people together".^[57]^[58] He is a Sunni Muslim.^[58]

Sami Yusuf married in c. 2005. His wife is of German origin and had converted to Islam before she met Yusuf.^[59]

Honors and awards

In 2009, Yusuf was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters in recognition of his "extraordinary contributions to the field of music" by Roehampton University, London.^[60]^[61] Silatech appointed him as their first Global Ambassador in the same year, later joining Ahmad Al Shugairi in the same position.^[62]

Widely regarded as the highest profile Muslim musician in the UK, Yusuf has appeared each year since 2010 on the list of the "World's 500 Most Influential Muslims".^[63]^[64]

In 2014, the United Nations appointed him Global Ambassador Against Hunger, and in 2015 the UN appointed him as an "Elite Ambassador" for the UN World Interfaith Harmony Week.^[65]^[66]

In 2016, Yusuf received a Recognition Award for his contributions to promoting the message of peace and tolerance as part of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum World Peace Initiative.^[67]

In 2019, Yusuf received an honorary diploma from the First Vice-President of Azerbaijan for his contributions to promote Azerbaijani music and culture.^[68]^[69]^[70]^[71]^[72]

In the media

"Islam's Biggest Rock Star" – Time magazine (2006)
"Biggest Star in the Middle East" – The Guardian (2006)^[73]
"King of Islamic Pop" – Al Jazeera (2007)^[74]^[75]
IOL Star of 2009 (2009)^[76]
BBC's 30 More Famous Britons (2009)^[77]

Discography

Studio albums

Album	Year
Al-Muʽallim	2003
My Ummah	2005
Without You	2009
Wherever You Are	2010
Salaam	2012
The Centre	2014
Songs of the Way, Vol. 1	2015
Barakah	2016
SAMi (EP)	2018

Live albums

Album	Year
Live At the Katara Amphitheatre	2015
Live in Concert 2015	2015
Live in London 2016	2016
Live at the Dubai Opera	2016
Live in Concert – EP	2019
Live in new Delhi – EP	2019
Azerbaijan: A Timeless Presence (Live)	2019
Live at the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music	2019
The House Concert	2020
Beyond the Stars (Live)	2022
When Paths Meet (Live at the Holland Festival)	2023
When Paths Meet (Vol. 2)	2024

Compilation albums

Album	Year
The Sapiential Album, Vol. 1	2020
O Lovers: Music from the Unseen World	2020

Singles

Album	Year
Forgotten Promises	2011
The Source	2011
Hope Survives	2014
Mast Qalandar	2016
Al Faqir	2018
Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum	2019
Khorasan (Instrumental)	2019
Oblivion	2019
Light upon light	2019
The 99 Names	2020
One	2020

References

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External links

[1] Edemariam, Aida (5 November 2007). "Aida Edemariam talks to singer Sami Yusuf". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 13 April 2019. Retrieved 16 December 2016.

[2] "Fairwood Music – Roster". Fairwoodmusic.com. Archived from the original on 14 April 2019. Retrieved 23 October 2017.

[3] "Singer Sami urges Pakistan relief". BBC News. 2 September 2010. Archived from the original on 27 October 2017. Retrieved 10 October 2017.

[thenational.ae-4] "Acclaimed devotional-music singer Sami Yusuf on his latest album Barakah". 16 August 2016. Archived from the original on 14 April 2019. Retrieved 10 October 2017.

[5] "Discography Archive". Sami Yusuf Official. Archived from the original on 26 August 2024. Retrieved 16 November 2020.

[6] "Sami Yusuf | Album Discography". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 26 August 2024. Retrieved 16 November 2020.

[7] "With UAE concert, Sami Yusuf does his bit for Syria". 17 December 2016. Archived from the original on 24 August 2017. Retrieved 10 October 2017.

[:0-8] Edemariam, Aida (5 November 2007). "Aida Edemariam talks to singer Sami Yusuf". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 13 April 2019. Retrieved 16 November 2020.

[9] "Singer Sami Yusuf Joins WFP As Global Ambassador Against Hunger". Archived from the original on 30 October 2017. Retrieved 10 October 2017.

[10] "UN News – Singer Sami Yusuf joins roster of UN Global Ambassadors Against Hunger". UN News Service Section. 26 August 2014. Archived from the original on 15 October 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2017.

[11] "Sami Yusuf joins WFP as anti-hunger amb". theiranproject.com. 27 August 2014. Archived from the original on 14 April 2019. Retrieved 14 October 2017.

[Edemariam-12] Edemariam, Aida (5 November 2007). "Aida Edemariam talks to singer Sami Yusuf". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 13 April 2019. Retrieved 10 October 2017.

[Dayaz-13] "Сами Юсуф: "Азербайджан – моя историческая Родина"". Day.Az. 22 November 2006. Archived from the original on 25 February 2018.

[independent-14] Brown, Jonathan (3 October 2007). "Holy rock star: The voice of Islam". Independent.co.uk. Archived from the original on 14 April 2019. Retrieved 16 August 2018.

[Holy_rock_star:_The_voice_of_Islam-15] "Holy rock star: The voice of Islam". Independent.co.uk. 3 October 2007. Archived from the original on 14 April 2019. Retrieved 10 October 2017.

[16] "An ambassador for peace: Sami Yusuf". Anadolu Agency. Archived from the original on 8 October 2017. Retrieved 10 October 2017.

[thenational.ae1-17] "Light in a dark world: Sami Yusuf". Thenational.ae. 17 December 2010. Archived from the original on 15 October 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2017.

[wfp.org-18] "Singer Sami Yusuf And WFP Join In Support For Drought-Stricken Horn Of Africa". Archived from the original on 15 October 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2017.

[19] "Al Mu'allim – Sami Yusuf Official". samiyusufofficial.com. Archived from the original on 15 October 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2017.

[auto3-20] "Star Yusuf hopes music helps Muslim image". Reuters. 18 August 2007. Archived from the original on 10 October 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2017.

[auto2-21] David Tusing (5 February 2015). "Sami Yusuf's blessed life". Archived from the original on 22 July 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2017.

[22] "My Ummah". Amazon.com. 18 March 2008. Retrieved 14 October 2017.

[23] "Sami Yusuf to hit the National Stadium Saturday". 27 September 2013. Retrieved 14 October 2017.

[24] "Mawazine presents Sami Yusuf and Nawal Al Zoghbi". Festival Mawazine. Archived from the original on 15 October 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2017.

[25] "Boycott the Fake Album "Without You"". Sami Yusuf Official. 11 February 2009. Archived from the original on 6 December 2020. Retrieved 29 November 2021.

[26] "Sami Yusuf to perform in the Washington DC area". 30 August 2014. Archived from the original on 15 October 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2017.

[27] Samia Badih (9 November 2010). "Sami Yusuf releases new album in Dubai". Archived from the original on 15 October 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2017.

[28] David Tusing (5 March 2013). "Sami Yusuf launches new album 'Salaam'". Archived from the original on 6 October 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2017.

[29] "Sami Yusuf hopes to draw in the ME big bucks with 'Peace'". 2 December 2012. Retrieved 14 October 2017.

[30] "Sami Yusuf". Facebook.com. Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 14 October 2017.

[todayszaman.com-31] "Singer Sami Yusuf promotes new album 'Salaam' in İstanbul". Archived from the original on 3 June 2013. Retrieved 14 October 2017.

[32] "Singer Sami urges Pakistan relief". BBC News. 2 September 2010. Archived from the original on 14 April 2019. Retrieved 14 October 2017.

[33] "UK singers support flood relief campaign – The Express Tribune". 4 September 2010. Archived from the original on 15 October 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2017.

[musicweek.com1-34] "Sami Yusuf records single for victims of Pakistan floods – News – Music Week". Musicweek.com. Archived from the original on 15 October 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2017.

[arabtimesonline.com-35] "Gems of thousand years – Yusuf to unveil 'Barakah' – ARAB TIMES – KUWAIT NEWS". 5 December 2016. Archived from the original on 15 October 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2017.

[36] "World-renowned Sami Yusuf newest album released". 5 January 2015. Archived from the original on 7 September 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2017.

[37] "Gems of thousand years – Yusuf to unveil 'Barakah' – ARAB TIMES – KUWAIT NEWS". 5 December 2016. Archived from the original on 15 October 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2017.

[38] ""Barakah" by Sami Yusuf on iTunes". itunes.apple.com. February 2016. Archived from the original on 20 August 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2017.

[39] "Sami Yusuf to launch new album in Dubai". 4 August 2016. Archived from the original on 26 August 2024. Retrieved 23 October 2017.

[40] David Tusing (20 April 2016). "Sami Yusuf teams up with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan". Archived from the original on 13 October 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2017.

[41] "Rahat Fateh Ali Khan would love to collaborate with this artist – The Express Tribune". 22 July 2016. Retrieved 14 October 2017.

[42] "'Mast Qalandar' #2 on the official BBC Asian Music charts! - Sami Yusuf Official". Sami Yusuf Official. 2 May 2016. Archived from the original on 15 October 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2017.

[43] "'Mast Qalandar' reigns at #1 on iTunes!". Sami Yusuf Official. 11 May 2016.

[44] "Sounds – Mixes". BBC. Archived from the original on 2 November 2017. Retrieved 23 October 2017.

[45] "Sami Yusuf: 'Barakah' is my response to atrocities carried out in the name of Islam". 11 August 2016. Archived from the original on 15 October 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2017.

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@@ Line 10: / Line 10: @@
 | caption          = Yusuf in 2011
 | birth_date       = {{Birth date and age|1980|7|21|df=y}}
-| birth_place      = [[Tehran]], Iran<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/nov/05/religion.pop|title=Aida Edemariam talks to singer Sami Yusuf|first=Aida|last=Edemariam|date=5 November 2007|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref>
+| birth_place      = [[Tehran]], Iran<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/nov/05/religion.pop|title=Aida Edemariam talks to singer Sami Yusuf|first=Aida|last=Edemariam|date=5 November 2007|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=16 December 2016|archive-date=13 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413154903/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/nov/05/religion.pop|url-status=live}}</ref>
 | occupation       = {{flat list|
 * Musician
@@ Line 30: / Line 30: @@
 * [[Warner Music Group|Warner]]
 * Andante
-* Fairwood (publisher)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fairwoodmusic.com/roster.html|title=Fairwood Music – Roster|website=Fairwoodmusic.com|access-date=23 October 2017}}</ref>
+* Fairwood (publisher)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fairwoodmusic.com/roster.html|title=Fairwood Music – Roster|website=Fairwoodmusic.com|access-date=23 October 2017|archive-date=14 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414151650/https://www.fairwoodmusic.com/roster.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
 * [[Awakening Music|Awakening Records]]
 }}
@@ Line 36: / Line 36: @@
 }}
-'''Sami Yusuf''' (born 21 July 1980) is a British singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and composer.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11168106|title=Singer Sami urges Pakistan relief|date=2 September 2010|access-date=10 October 2017|work=BBC News}}</ref> He gained international attention with the release of his debut album, ''[[Al-Muʽallim]]'', in 2003.<ref name="thenational.ae">{{cite web|url=https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/acclaimed-devotional-music-singer-sami-yusuf-on-his-latest-album-barakah-1.144388|title=Acclaimed devotional-music singer Sami Yusuf on his latest album Barakah|date=16 August 2016 |access-date=10 October 2017}}</ref> As of 2020, he has released eight studio albums, five live albums and one compilation album. His studio albums were mostly released by Andante Records, with the first two being released by [[Awakening Records]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Discography Archive|url=https://samiyusufofficial.com/discography/|access-date=16 November 2020|website=Sami Yusuf Official}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Sami Yusuf {{!}} Album Discography|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/sami-yusuf-mn0001938346/discography/all|access-date=16 November 2020|website=AllMusic|language=en-us}}</ref> He has sold over 34 million albums as of 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arabnews.com/node/1025766/offbeat|title=With UAE concert, Sami Yusuf does his bit for Syria|date=17 December 2016|access-date=10 October 2017}}</ref>
+'''Sami Yusuf''' (born 21 July 1980) is a [[British people|British]] singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and composer of [[Azerbaijani people|Azerbaijani]] descent.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11168106|title=Singer Sami urges Pakistan relief|date=2 September 2010|access-date=10 October 2017|work=BBC News|archive-date=27 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027171934/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11168106|url-status=live}}</ref> He gained international attention with the release of his debut album, ''[[Al-Muʽallim]]'', in 2003.<ref name="thenational.ae">{{cite web|url=https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/acclaimed-devotional-music-singer-sami-yusuf-on-his-latest-album-barakah-1.144388|title=Acclaimed devotional-music singer Sami Yusuf on his latest album Barakah|date=16 August 2016|access-date=10 October 2017|archive-date=14 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414151640/https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/acclaimed-devotional-music-singer-sami-yusuf-on-his-latest-album-barakah-1.144388|url-status=live}}</ref> As of 2020, he has released eight studio albums, five live albums and one compilation album. His studio albums were mostly released by Andante Records, with the first two being released by [[Awakening Records]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Discography Archive|url=https://samiyusufofficial.com/discography/|access-date=16 November 2020|website=Sami Yusuf Official|archive-date=26 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240826184358/https://samiyusufofficial.com/discography/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Sami Yusuf {{!}} Album Discography|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/sami-yusuf-mn0001938346/discography/all|access-date=16 November 2020|website=AllMusic|language=en-us|archive-date=26 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240826184400/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/sami-yusuf-mn0001938346#discography|url-status=live}}</ref> He has sold over 34 million albums as of 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arabnews.com/node/1025766/offbeat|title=With UAE concert, Sami Yusuf does his bit for Syria|date=17 December 2016|access-date=10 October 2017|archive-date=24 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824112717/http://www.arabnews.com/node/1025766/offbeat|url-status=live}}</ref>
-Besides English, Yusuf has performed in [[Arabic]], [[Kurdish languages|Kurdish]], [[Azerbaijani language|Azerbaijani]], [[Persian language|Persian]], [[Turkish language|Turkish]], [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], as well as, [[Urdu]], sometimes in the same work, as was the case with his hit, ''Hasbi Rabbi.'' His work is marked by blending different musical styles and genres, including elements from [[Sufi music|Sufi]], [[Folk music|folk]], and [[Rock music]]. He used his multilingual and multi-instrumentalist style to address social, spiritual, and humanitarian issues.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|last=Edemariam|first=Aida|date=5 November 2007|title=Aida Edemariam talks to singer Sami Yusuf|language=en-GB|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/nov/05/religion.pop|access-date=16 November 2020|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> In recognition of his philanthropy, in 2014, Yusuf was appointed [[United Nations]] Global Ambassador for the [[World Food Programme]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wfp.org/news/news-release/singer-sami-yusuf-joins-wfp-global-ambassador-against-hunger|title=Singer Sami Yusuf Joins WFP As Global Ambassador Against Hunger|access-date=10 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=48570#.Wd-9IxOCxPM|title=UN News – Singer Sami Yusuf joins roster of UN Global Ambassadors Against Hunger|date=26 August 2014|website=UN News Service Section|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://theiranproject.com/blog/2014/08/27/sami-yusuf-joins-wfp-as-anti-hunger-amb/|title=Sami Yusuf joins WFP as anti-hunger amb.|website=theiranproject.com|access-date=14 October 2017|date=27 August 2014}}</ref>
+Besides English, Yusuf has performed in [[Arabic]], [[Kurdish languages|Kurdish]], [[Azerbaijani language|Azerbaijani]], [[Persian language|Persian]], [[Turkish language|Turkish]], [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], and [[Urdu]], sometimes in the same work, as was the case with his hit ''Hasbi Rabbi.'' His work is marked by blending different musical styles and genres, including elements from [[Sufi music|Sufi]], [[Folk music|folk]], and [[Rock music]]. He used his multilingual and multi-instrumentalist style to address social, spiritual, and humanitarian issues.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|last=Edemariam|first=Aida|date=5 November 2007|title=Aida Edemariam talks to singer Sami Yusuf|language=en-GB|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/nov/05/religion.pop|access-date=16 November 2020|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=13 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413154903/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/nov/05/religion.pop|url-status=live}}</ref> In recognition of his philanthropy, in 2014, Yusuf was appointed [[United Nations]] Global Ambassador for the [[World Food Programme]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wfp.org/news/news-release/singer-sami-yusuf-joins-wfp-global-ambassador-against-hunger|title=Singer Sami Yusuf Joins WFP As Global Ambassador Against Hunger|access-date=10 October 2017|archive-date=30 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030073525/https://www.wfp.org/news/news-release/singer-sami-yusuf-joins-wfp-global-ambassador-against-hunger|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=48570#.Wd-9IxOCxPM|title=UN News – Singer Sami Yusuf joins roster of UN Global Ambassadors Against Hunger|date=26 August 2014|website=UN News Service Section|access-date=14 October 2017|archive-date=15 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015051315/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=48570#.Wd-9IxOCxPM|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://theiranproject.com/blog/2014/08/27/sami-yusuf-joins-wfp-as-anti-hunger-amb/|title=Sami Yusuf joins WFP as anti-hunger amb.|website=theiranproject.com|access-date=14 October 2017|date=27 August 2014|archive-date=14 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414151652/https://theiranproject.com/blog/2014/08/27/sami-yusuf-joins-wfp-as-anti-hunger-amb/|url-status=live}}</ref>
 == Early life ==
-Sami Yusuf was born Siyamak Radmanesh ({{lang-fa|سیامک رادمنش}}) on 21 July 1980 in [[Tehran]] to [[Iranian Azerbaijanis|Azerbaijani]] parents.<ref name=Edemariam /><ref name=Dayaz>{{Cite web|url=https://news.day.az/showbiz/64294.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225233004/https://news.day.az/showbiz/64294.html|url-status=dead|title=Сами Юсуф: "Азербайджан – моя историческая Родина"|date=22 November 2006|archive-date=25 February 2018|website=Day.Az}}</ref> His grandparents are from [[Baku]], Azerbaijan, from which they left for Iran when it was captured by the [[Bolsheviks]] following [[World War I]]. Yusuf and his parents later arrived in [[Ealing]], [[West London]], in the early 1980s, after the [[Iranian Revolution|Islamic Revolution in Iran]].<ref name="independent">{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/holy-rock-star-the-voice-of-islam-395808.html|title=Holy rock star: The voice of Islam|first=Jonathan|last=Brown|date=3 October 2007|access-date=16 August 2018|website=Independent.co.uk}}</ref> From an early age, Yusuf showed great interest in music.<ref name="thenational.ae" /> He was influenced by the wide range of musical genres available to him in Ealing, immersing himself especially in Western classical music and Middle Eastern music.<ref name="Holy rock star: The voice of Islam">{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/holy-rock-star-the-voice-of-islam-395808.html|title=Holy rock star: The voice of Islam|website=[[Independent.co.uk]] |date=3 October 2007|access-date=10 October 2017}}</ref> He learned the [[piano]] and [[violin]] as well as traditional instruments including the [[oud]], [[setar]], and [[tonbak]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aa.com.tr/en/culture-and-art/an-ambassador-for-peace-sami-yusuf/57298|title=An ambassador for peace: Sami Yusuf|website=Anadolu Agency|access-date=10 October 2017}}</ref> At the age of 16, Yusuf experienced a [[Spiritual transformation|spiritual revival]] that made him become a "more committed Muslim".<ref name=":0" /> In 2003, although considering pursuing a career in law, he produced and released his first album.<ref name=Edemariam>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/nov/05/religion.pop|title=Aida Edemariam talks to singer Sami Yusuf|first=Aida|last=Edemariam|date=5 November 2007|access-date=10 October 2017|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> It quickly became an international success and launched Yusuf's professional music career.<ref name="Holy rock star: The voice of Islam" /> Yusuf studied music as a composition student at the prestigious Royal Academy, as well as at Salford University in north-west England.<ref name="independent" />
+Sami Yusuf was born on 21 July 1980 in [[Tehran]] to [[Iranian Azerbaijanis|Azerbaijani]] parents.<ref name=Edemariam /><ref name=Dayaz>{{Cite web|url=https://news.day.az/showbiz/64294.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225233004/https://news.day.az/showbiz/64294.html|url-status=dead|title=Сами Юсуф: "Азербайджан – моя историческая Родина"|date=22 November 2006|archive-date=25 February 2018|website=Day.Az}}</ref> His grandparents are from [[Baku]], Azerbaijan, from which they left for Iran when it was captured by the [[Bolsheviks]] following [[World War I]]. Yusuf and his parents later arrived in [[Ealing]], [[West London]], in the early 1980s, after the [[Iranian Revolution|Islamic Revolution in Iran]].<ref name="independent">{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/holy-rock-star-the-voice-of-islam-395808.html|title=Holy rock star: The voice of Islam|first=Jonathan|last=Brown|date=3 October 2007|access-date=16 August 2018|website=Independent.co.uk|archive-date=14 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414155336/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/holy-rock-star-the-voice-of-islam-395808.html|url-status=live}}</ref> From an early age, Yusuf showed great interest in music.<ref name="thenational.ae" /> He was influenced by the wide range of musical genres available to him in Ealing, immersing himself especially in Western classical music and Middle Eastern music.<ref name="Holy rock star: The voice of Islam">{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/holy-rock-star-the-voice-of-islam-395808.html|title=Holy rock star: The voice of Islam|website=[[Independent.co.uk]]|date=3 October 2007|access-date=10 October 2017|archive-date=14 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414155336/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/holy-rock-star-the-voice-of-islam-395808.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He learned the [[piano]] and [[violin]] as well as traditional instruments including the [[oud]], [[setar]], and [[tonbak]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aa.com.tr/en/culture-and-art/an-ambassador-for-peace-sami-yusuf/57298|title=An ambassador for peace: Sami Yusuf|website=Anadolu Agency|access-date=10 October 2017|archive-date=8 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008025757/http://aa.com.tr/en/culture-and-art/an-ambassador-for-peace-sami-yusuf/57298|url-status=live}}</ref> At the age of 16, Yusuf experienced a [[Spiritual transformation|spiritual revival]] that made him become a "more committed Muslim".<ref name=":0" /> In 2003, although considering pursuing a career in law, he produced and released his first album.<ref name=Edemariam>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/nov/05/religion.pop|title=Aida Edemariam talks to singer Sami Yusuf|first=Aida|last=Edemariam|date=5 November 2007|access-date=10 October 2017|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|archive-date=13 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413154903/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/nov/05/religion.pop|url-status=live}}</ref> It quickly became an international success and launched Yusuf's professional music career.<ref name="Holy rock star: The voice of Islam" /> Yusuf studied music as a composition student at the prestigious Royal Academy, as well as at Salford University in north-west England.<ref name="independent" />
 == Music career ==
 ===2003–2009===
-In 2003, Yusuf released his debut album, ''[[Al-Muʽallim]]'', an album that he produced, wrote, and performed.<ref name="thenational.ae1">{{cite web|url=https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/music/light-in-a-dark-world-sami-yusuf-1.512016|title=Light in a dark world: Sami Yusuf|website=Thenational.ae|date=17 December 2010 |access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref> Its feature song, ''Al-Mu'allim'', became a hit in the Middle East, North Africa, and South-East Asia, topping the charts in Egypt and Turkey for twelve consecutive weeks, selling millions of copies worldwide and reaching a diverse audience.<ref name="wfp.org">{{cite web|url=https://www.wfp.org/news/news-release/singer-sami-yusuf-and-wfp-join-support-drought-stricken-horn-africa|title=Singer Sami Yusuf And WFP Join In Support For Drought-Stricken Horn Of Africa|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://samiyusufofficial.com/discography/al-muallim/|title=Al Mu'allim – Sami Yusuf Official|website=samiyusufofficial.com|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref> The last track of the album, ''Supplication'', was used in the Golden-Globe award-nominated film, ''[[The Kite Runner (film)|The Kite Runner]]''.<ref name="auto3">{{cite news|date=18 August 2007|title=Star Yusuf hopes music helps Muslim image|newspaper=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-islam-yusuf/star-yusuf-hopes-music-helps-muslim-image-idUSMOL87567920070818|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref><ref name="auto2">{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/life-style/celebrity/hollywood/sami-yusuf-s-blessed-life-1.1451728|title=Sami Yusuf's blessed life|author=David Tusing|date=5 February 2015|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref>
+In 2003, Yusuf released his debut album, ''[[Al-Muʽallim]]'', an album that he produced, wrote, and performed.<ref name="thenational.ae1">{{cite web|url=https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/music/light-in-a-dark-world-sami-yusuf-1.512016|title=Light in a dark world: Sami Yusuf|website=Thenational.ae|date=17 December 2010|access-date=14 October 2017|archive-date=15 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015061310/https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/music/light-in-a-dark-world-sami-yusuf-1.512016|url-status=live}}</ref> Its feature song, ''Al-Mu'allim'', became a hit in the Middle East, North Africa, and South-East Asia, topping the charts in Egypt and Turkey for twelve consecutive weeks, selling millions of copies worldwide and reaching a diverse audience.<ref name="wfp.org">{{cite web|url=https://www.wfp.org/news/news-release/singer-sami-yusuf-and-wfp-join-support-drought-stricken-horn-africa|title=Singer Sami Yusuf And WFP Join In Support For Drought-Stricken Horn Of Africa|access-date=14 October 2017|archive-date=15 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015044528/https://www.wfp.org/news/news-release/singer-sami-yusuf-and-wfp-join-support-drought-stricken-horn-africa|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://samiyusufofficial.com/discography/al-muallim/|title=Al Mu'allim – Sami Yusuf Official|website=samiyusufofficial.com|access-date=14 October 2017|archive-date=15 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015044506/http://samiyusufofficial.com/discography/al-muallim/|url-status=live}}</ref> The last track of the album, ''Supplication'', was used in the Golden-Globe award-nominated film, ''[[The Kite Runner (film)|The Kite Runner]]''.<ref name="auto3">{{cite news|date=18 August 2007|title=Star Yusuf hopes music helps Muslim image|newspaper=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-islam-yusuf/star-yusuf-hopes-music-helps-muslim-image-idUSMOL87567920070818|access-date=14 October 2017|archive-date=10 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010055347/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-islam-yusuf/star-yusuf-hopes-music-helps-muslim-image-idUSMOL87567920070818|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto2">{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/life-style/celebrity/hollywood/sami-yusuf-s-blessed-life-1.1451728|title=Sami Yusuf's blessed life|author=David Tusing|date=5 February 2015|access-date=14 October 2017|archive-date=22 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722104902/http://gulfnews.com/life-style/celebrity/hollywood/sami-yusuf-s-blessed-life-1.1451728|url-status=live}}</ref>
-Yusuf garnered increased worldwide recognition following the release of his second album, ''[[My Ummah]]'', in 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/My-Ummah-Sami-Yusuf/dp/B000KZRLVG|title=My Ummah|date=18 March 2008|access-date=14 October 2017|website=Amazon.com}}</ref> The album, using both Eastern and Western sounds, utilised wide-ranging musical instrumentation. Considered a breakthrough album, it sold over four million copies globally<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2013/09/27/sami-yusuf-to-hit-the-national-stadium-saturday/|title=Sami Yusuf to hit the National Stadium Saturday|date=27 September 2013|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref> and was well received, particularly by young people, who identified closely with the themes of Yusuf's lyrics.<ref name="wfp.org" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.festivalmawazine.ma/en/mawazine-accueille-sami-yusuf-et-nawal-al-zoghbi/|title=Mawazine presents Sami Yusuf and Nawal Al Zoghbi|website=Festival Mawazine|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref>
+Yusuf garnered increased worldwide recognition following the release of his second album, ''[[My Ummah]]'', in 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/My-Ummah-Sami-Yusuf/dp/B000KZRLVG|title=My Ummah|date=18 March 2008|access-date=14 October 2017|website=Amazon.com}}</ref> The album, using both Eastern and Western sounds, utilised wide-ranging musical instrumentation. Considered a breakthrough album, it sold over four million copies globally<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2013/09/27/sami-yusuf-to-hit-the-national-stadium-saturday/|title=Sami Yusuf to hit the National Stadium Saturday|date=27 September 2013|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref> and was well received, particularly by young people, who identified closely with the themes of Yusuf's lyrics.<ref name="wfp.org" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.festivalmawazine.ma/en/mawazine-accueille-sami-yusuf-et-nawal-al-zoghbi/|title=Mawazine presents Sami Yusuf and Nawal Al Zoghbi|website=Festival Mawazine|access-date=14 October 2017|archive-date=15 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015044805/http://www.festivalmawazine.ma/en/mawazine-accueille-sami-yusuf-et-nawal-al-zoghbi/|url-status=live}}</ref>
-Yusuf left [[Awakening Music|Awakening Records]] following a controversy over [[Without You (Sami Yusuf album)|''Without You'']], an album that he claimed was released without his knowledge or consent.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2009-02-11|title=Boycott the Fake Album "Without You"|url=https://samiyusufofficial.com/boycott-the-fake-new-album/|access-date=2021-11-29|website=Sami Yusuf Official|language=EN}}</ref>
+Yusuf left [[Awakening Music|Awakening Records]] following a controversy over [[Without You (Sami Yusuf album)|''Without You'']], an album that he claimed was released without his knowledge or consent.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2009-02-11|title=Boycott the Fake Album "Without You"|url=https://samiyusufofficial.com/boycott-the-fake-new-album/|access-date=2021-11-29|website=Sami Yusuf Official|language=EN|archive-date=6 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206015710/https://samiyusufofficial.com/boycott-the-fake-new-album/|url-status=live}}</ref>
 ===2010–2016===
-''Wherever You Are'', Yusuf's third official album, was released in March 2010. ''Rolling Stone'' called the album "beautifully produced".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thearabdailynews.com/2014/08/30/sami-yusuf-perform-washington-dc-area/|title=Sami Yusuf to perform in the Washington DC area|date=30 August 2014|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref> With its release, Yusuf welcomed what he termed a "new chapter" in his professional career and music.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/life-style/music/sami-yusuf-releases-new-album-in-dubai-1.709058|title=Sami Yusuf releases new album in Dubai|author=Samia Badih|date=9 November 2010|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref><ref name="thenational.ae1" />
+''Wherever You Are'', Yusuf's third official album, was released in March 2010. ''Rolling Stone'' called the album "beautifully produced".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thearabdailynews.com/2014/08/30/sami-yusuf-perform-washington-dc-area/|title=Sami Yusuf to perform in the Washington DC area|date=30 August 2014|access-date=14 October 2017|archive-date=15 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015051218/http://thearabdailynews.com/2014/08/30/sami-yusuf-perform-washington-dc-area/|url-status=live}}</ref> With its release, Yusuf welcomed what he termed a "new chapter" in his professional career and music.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/life-style/music/sami-yusuf-releases-new-album-in-dubai-1.709058|title=Sami Yusuf releases new album in Dubai|author=Samia Badih|date=9 November 2010|access-date=14 October 2017|archive-date=15 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015201818/http://gulfnews.com/life-style/music/sami-yusuf-releases-new-album-in-dubai-1.709058|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="thenational.ae1" />
-Yusuf's fourth album, ''[[Salaam (album)|Salaam]]'', was released in December 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/life-style/music/sami-yusuf-launches-new-album-salaam-1.1154407|title=Sami Yusuf launches new album 'Salaam'|author=David Tusing|date=5 March 2013|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref> Within four months of its launch it achieved platinum status in Southeast Asia and was the best-selling album in the Middle East and North Africa.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.albawaba.com/entertainment/sami-yusuf-453619|title=Sami Yusuf hopes to draw in the ME big bucks with 'Peace'|date=2 December 2012|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/SamiYusuf/photos/a.414375362139.188259.15489312139/10151994549127140/?type=3&theater |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/15489312139/10151994549127140 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|title=Sami Yusuf|website=Facebook.com|access-date=14 October 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="todayszaman.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.todayszaman.com/news-311367-singer-sami-yusuf-promotes-new-album-salaam-in-istanbul.html |title=Singer Sami Yusuf promotes new album 'Salaam' in İstanbul |access-date=14 October 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603085053/http://www.todayszaman.com/news-311367-singer-sami-yusuf-promotes-new-album-salaam-in-istanbul.html |archive-date=3 June 2013  }}</ref> The album includes the song "Hear Your Call," composed by Yusuf to call attention to the situation of people who are affected by natural disasters.<ref name="todayszaman.com" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-11168106|title=Singer Sami urges Pakistan relief|date=2 September 2010|access-date=14 October 2017|work=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/46123/uk-singers-support-flood-relief-campaign/|title=UK singers support flood relief campaign – The Express Tribune|date=4 September 2010|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref><ref name="musicweek.com1">{{cite web|url=http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/sami-yusuf-records-single-for-victims-of-pakistan-floods/043496|title=Sami Yusuf records single for victims of Pakistan floods – News – Music Week|website=Musicweek.com|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref>
+Yusuf's fourth album, ''[[Salaam (album)|Salaam]]'', was released in December 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/life-style/music/sami-yusuf-launches-new-album-salaam-1.1154407|title=Sami Yusuf launches new album 'Salaam'|author=David Tusing|date=5 March 2013|access-date=14 October 2017|archive-date=6 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006012322/http://gulfnews.com/life-style/music/sami-yusuf-launches-new-album-salaam-1.1154407|url-status=live}}</ref> Within four months of its launch it achieved platinum status in Southeast Asia and was the best-selling album in the Middle East and North Africa.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.albawaba.com/entertainment/sami-yusuf-453619|title=Sami Yusuf hopes to draw in the ME big bucks with 'Peace'|date=2 December 2012|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/SamiYusuf/photos/a.414375362139.188259.15489312139/10151994549127140/?type=3&theater |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/15489312139/10151994549127140 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|title=Sami Yusuf|website=Facebook.com|access-date=14 October 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="todayszaman.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.todayszaman.com/news-311367-singer-sami-yusuf-promotes-new-album-salaam-in-istanbul.html |title=Singer Sami Yusuf promotes new album 'Salaam' in İstanbul |access-date=14 October 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603085053/http://www.todayszaman.com/news-311367-singer-sami-yusuf-promotes-new-album-salaam-in-istanbul.html |archive-date=3 June 2013  }}</ref> The album includes the song "Hear Your Call," composed by Yusuf to call attention to the situation of people who are affected by natural disasters.<ref name="todayszaman.com" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-11168106|title=Singer Sami urges Pakistan relief|date=2 September 2010|access-date=14 October 2017|work=BBC News|archive-date=14 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414162657/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-11168106|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/46123/uk-singers-support-flood-relief-campaign/|title=UK singers support flood relief campaign – The Express Tribune|date=4 September 2010|access-date=14 October 2017|archive-date=15 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015045924/https://tribune.com.pk/story/46123/uk-singers-support-flood-relief-campaign/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="musicweek.com1">{{cite web|url=http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/sami-yusuf-records-single-for-victims-of-pakistan-floods/043496|title=Sami Yusuf records single for victims of Pakistan floods – News – Music Week|website=Musicweek.com|access-date=14 October 2017|archive-date=15 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015044246/http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/sami-yusuf-records-single-for-victims-of-pakistan-floods/043496|url-status=live}}</ref>
-''The Centre'' was released in 2014 and is a collection of 13 songs in which Yusuf hopes his listeners will find inspiration to seek their individual spiritual centres.<ref name="arabtimesonline.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.arabtimesonline.com/news/gems-thousand-years-yusuf-unveil-barakah/|title=Gems of thousand years – Yusuf to unveil 'Barakah' – ARAB TIMES – KUWAIT NEWS|date=5 December 2016|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref><ref name="auto2" /> It is a new sound that has multicultural influences, employing traditional as well as contemporary Middle Eastern, North African, and European poetry, instrumentation, and melodies.
+''The Centre'' was released in 2014 and is a collection of 13 songs in which Yusuf hopes his listeners will find inspiration to seek their individual spiritual centres.<ref name="arabtimesonline.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.arabtimesonline.com/news/gems-thousand-years-yusuf-unveil-barakah/|title=Gems of thousand years – Yusuf to unveil 'Barakah' – ARAB TIMES – KUWAIT NEWS|date=5 December 2016|access-date=14 October 2017|archive-date=15 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015095135/http://www.arabtimesonline.com/news/gems-thousand-years-yusuf-unveil-barakah/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto2" /> It is a new sound that has multicultural influences, employing traditional as well as contemporary Middle Eastern, North African, and European poetry, instrumentation, and melodies.
-Yusuf's sixth album, ''Songs of the Way'', was released in January 2015. All lyrics are by the noted philosopher [[Seyyed Hossein Nasr]] and are from his books of poetry, ''Poems of the Way'' and ''The Pilgrimage of Life''. Except for two tracks in Persian and Arabic, the songs are in English.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.mehrnews.com/news/105359/World-renowned-Sami-Yusuf-newest-album-released|title=World-renowned Sami Yusuf newest album released|date=5 January 2015|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref>
+Yusuf's sixth album, ''Songs of the Way'', was released in January 2015. All lyrics are by the noted philosopher [[Seyyed Hossein Nasr]] and are from his books of poetry, ''Poems of the Way'' and ''The Pilgrimage of Life''. Except for two tracks in Persian and Arabic, the songs are in English.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.mehrnews.com/news/105359/World-renowned-Sami-Yusuf-newest-album-released|title=World-renowned Sami Yusuf newest album released|date=5 January 2015|access-date=14 October 2017|archive-date=7 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907165550/http://en.mehrnews.com/news/105359/World-renowned-Sami-Yusuf-newest-album-released|url-status=live}}</ref>
-''Barakah'', Yusuf's seventh album, was released in February 2016 by Andante Records.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arabtimesonline.com/news/gems-thousand-years-yusuf-unveil-barakah|title=Gems of thousand years – Yusuf to unveil 'Barakah' – ARAB TIMES – KUWAIT NEWS|date=5 December 2016|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref> It is the result of extensive research into the traditional music and poetry contained in the album. Yusuf said it is his musical response to the increasing chaos and noise of today's world, and his wish is that these music and lyrics offer a window onto an inner oasis of peace and harmony.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/barakah/id1080734017|title="Barakah" by Sami Yusuf on iTunes|website=itunes.apple.com|date=February 2016|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/life-style/music/sami-yusuf-to-launch-new-album-in-dubai-1.1873839|title=Sami Yusuf to launch new album in Dubai|date=4 August 2016|access-date=23 October 2017}}</ref> The song "Mast Qalandar" from ''Barakah'' reached #1 on World Music charts on iTunes and BBC Music.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/life-style/music/sami-yusuf-teams-up-with-rahat-fateh-ali-khan-1.1717213|title=Sami Yusuf teams up with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan|author=David Tusing|date=20 April 2016|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1147071/rahat-fateh-ali-khan-love-collaborate-artist/|title=Rahat Fateh Ali Khan would love to collaborate with this artist – The Express Tribune|date=22 July 2016|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://samiyusufofficial.com/mast-qalandar-2-on-the-official-bbc-asian-music-charts/|title='Mast Qalandar' #2 on the official BBC Asian Music charts! - Sami Yusuf Official|website=Sami Yusuf Official|access-date=14 October 2017|date=2 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://samiyusufofficial.com/mast-qalandar-reigns-at-1-on-itunes/ |title='Mast Qalandar' reigns at #1 on iTunes! |website=Sami Yusuf Official |date=11 May 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/playlists/zzzz6z |title=Sounds – Mixes |website=BBC }}</ref>
+''Barakah'', Yusuf's seventh album, was released in February 2016 by Andante Records.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arabtimesonline.com/news/gems-thousand-years-yusuf-unveil-barakah|title=Gems of thousand years – Yusuf to unveil 'Barakah' – ARAB TIMES – KUWAIT NEWS|date=5 December 2016|access-date=14 October 2017|archive-date=15 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015095135/http://www.arabtimesonline.com/news/gems-thousand-years-yusuf-unveil-barakah/|url-status=live}}</ref> It is the result of extensive research into the traditional music and poetry contained in the album. Yusuf said it is his musical response to the increasing chaos and noise of today's world, and his wish is that these music and lyrics offer a window onto an inner oasis of peace and harmony.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/barakah/id1080734017|title="Barakah" by Sami Yusuf on iTunes|website=itunes.apple.com|date=February 2016|access-date=14 October 2017|archive-date=20 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820081803/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/barakah/id1080734017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/life-style/music/sami-yusuf-to-launch-new-album-in-dubai-1.1873839|title=Sami Yusuf to launch new album in Dubai|date=4 August 2016|access-date=23 October 2017|archive-date=26 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240826184414/https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/music/definitely-maybe-gallagher-brothers-tease-oasis-reunion-1.1724666296102?articleTypeSuffix=Package|url-status=live}}</ref> The song "Mast Qalandar" from ''Barakah'' reached #1 on World Music charts on iTunes and BBC Music.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/life-style/music/sami-yusuf-teams-up-with-rahat-fateh-ali-khan-1.1717213|title=Sami Yusuf teams up with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan|author=David Tusing|date=20 April 2016|access-date=14 October 2017|archive-date=13 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013153925/http://gulfnews.com/life-style/music/sami-yusuf-teams-up-with-rahat-fateh-ali-khan-1.1717213|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1147071/rahat-fateh-ali-khan-love-collaborate-artist/|title=Rahat Fateh Ali Khan would love to collaborate with this artist – The Express Tribune|date=22 July 2016|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://samiyusufofficial.com/mast-qalandar-2-on-the-official-bbc-asian-music-charts/|title='Mast Qalandar' #2 on the official BBC Asian Music charts! - Sami Yusuf Official|website=Sami Yusuf Official|access-date=14 October 2017|date=2 May 2016|archive-date=15 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015044900/http://samiyusufofficial.com/mast-qalandar-2-on-the-official-bbc-asian-music-charts/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://samiyusufofficial.com/mast-qalandar-reigns-at-1-on-itunes/ |title='Mast Qalandar' reigns at #1 on iTunes! |website=Sami Yusuf Official |date=11 May 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/playlists/zzzz6z |title=Sounds – Mixes |website=BBC |access-date=23 October 2017 |archive-date=2 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171102161200/http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/playlists/zzzz6z |url-status=live }}</ref>
 According to Yusuf, the new album aims "to respond to the growing extremism in our world with a call for a return to harmony and balance."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/multimedia/gntv/life-style/sami-yusuf-barakah-is-my-response-to-atrocities-carried-out-in-the-name-of-islam-1.1877718|title=Sami Yusuf: 'Barakah' is my response to atrocities carried out in the name of Islam|date=11 August 2016|access-date=14 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015201934/http://gulfnews.com/multimedia/gntv/life-style/sami-yusuf-barakah-is-my-response-to-atrocities-carried-out-in-the-name-of-islam-1.1877718|archive-date=15 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
@@ Line 69: / Line 69: @@
 In 2017, Yusuf performed in New Delhi, India. 4 songs from the performance were released in 2019.
-In 2018, Yusuf released his new EP, ''SAMi'', as a side project that grew out of his desire to explore his British musical roots.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/music/sami-yusuf-takes-musical-ride-home-with-new-ep-1.60968710|title=Sami Yusuf takes musical ride home with new EP|website=gulfnews.com|date=16 December 2018 |language=en|access-date=4 October 2019}}</ref> The song collection, with its accessible sounds and direct lyricism, finds Yusuf's exploring the western sounds emanating from his childhood growing up in London.<ref name="auto4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/music/exclusive-singer-sami-yusuf-announces-new-album-for-this-year-1.812830|title=Exclusive: singer Sami Yusuf announces new album for this year|website=The National|date=14 January 2019 |language=en|access-date=4 October 2019}}</ref>
+In 2018, Yusuf released his new EP, ''SAMi'', as a side project that grew out of his desire to explore his British musical roots.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/music/sami-yusuf-takes-musical-ride-home-with-new-ep-1.60968710|title=Sami Yusuf takes musical ride home with new EP|website=gulfnews.com|date=16 December 2018|language=en|access-date=4 October 2019|archive-date=14 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414151647/https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/music/sami-yusuf-takes-musical-ride-home-with-new-ep-1.60968710|url-status=live}}</ref> The song collection, with its accessible sounds and direct lyricism, finds Yusuf's exploring the western sounds emanating from his childhood growing up in London.<ref name="auto4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/music/exclusive-singer-sami-yusuf-announces-new-album-for-this-year-1.812830|title=Exclusive: singer Sami Yusuf announces new album for this year|website=The National|date=14 January 2019|language=en|access-date=4 October 2019|archive-date=26 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240826184419/https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/music/exclusive-singer-sami-yusuf-announces-new-album-for-this-year-1.812830|url-status=live}}</ref>
-''SAMi'' has sold well and topped a number of iTunes charts since its release, and Yusuf says he is grateful and somewhat surprised that he wasn't criticised for the commercial nature of the project.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/music/sami-yusuf-if-one-has-a-strong-spiritual-discipline-it-lessens-the-burden-1.813322|title=Sami Yusuf: 'If one has a strong spiritual discipline, it lessens the burden'|website=The National|date=15 January 2019 |language=en|access-date=4 October 2019}}</ref>
+''SAMi'' has sold well and topped a number of iTunes charts since its release, and Yusuf says he is grateful and somewhat surprised that he wasn't criticised for the commercial nature of the project.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/music/sami-yusuf-if-one-has-a-strong-spiritual-discipline-it-lessens-the-burden-1.813322|title=Sami Yusuf: 'If one has a strong spiritual discipline, it lessens the burden'|website=The National|date=15 January 2019|language=en|access-date=4 October 2019|archive-date=15 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515013453/https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/music/sami-yusuf-if-one-has-a-strong-spiritual-discipline-it-lessens-the-burden-1.813322|url-status=live}}</ref>
 Yusuf performed in Baku, Azerbaijan, in 2019 (''A Timeless Presence'') with nine new songs exploring Azerbaijani culture and all instruments except for the piano being Azerbaijani.
@@ Line 82: / Line 82: @@
 == Notable tours and concert performances ==
-Playing in Farum Arena, Denmark, [[Grugahalle]] in Germany, and [[De Doelen]] in the Netherlands, Yusuf introduced his forthcoming album, ''Wherever You Are''.<ref>[http://www.samiyusufofficial.com/main/timeline/ All tours and concert details listed in the SYO Timeline]. Samiyusufofficial.com. Retrieved on 30 July 2011.</ref>
+Playing in Farum Arena, Denmark, [[Grugahalle]] in Germany, and [[De Doelen]] in the Netherlands, Yusuf introduced his forthcoming album, ''Wherever You Are''.<ref>[http://www.samiyusufofficial.com/main/timeline/ All tours and concert details listed in the SYO Timeline] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627142351/http://www.samiyusufofficial.com/main/timeline/ |date=27 June 2016 }}. Samiyusufofficial.com. Retrieved on 30 July 2011.</ref>
-He performed in [[Azerbaijan]] for the first time in 2006, for the second time in 2015 (14–15 March), and 22 March 2017 in [[Heydar Aliyev Palace]] in [[Baku]], 250,000 people attended his performance in [[Taksim Square]] in [[Istanbul]] to see Yusuf perform in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/arts-entertainment/music/sami-yusuf-to-perform-in-oman-1.1214411|title=Sami Yusuf to perform in Oman|date=29 July 2013|website=Gulfnews.com|access-date=17 November 2016}}</ref> Yusuf has played across four continents, packing venues such as [[Wembley Arena]] in London, [[Shrine Auditorium]] in Los Angeles and [[Bellville Velodrome|The Velodrome]] in Cape Town, South Africa. He sings in English, Arabic, Turkish, Persian, Azerbaijani, Malay and Urdu and is backed by a range of both classical and ethnic instruments.<ref>[http://www.samiyusufofficial.com/tour/ Sami Yusuf Tour and concert List]. Samiyusufofficial.com/tour. Retrieved on 26 September 2014.</ref> Yusuf also performed in [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref>[http://www.strathmore.org/EVENTSTICKETS/calendar/view.asp?id=10995 Sami Yusuf in DC]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006065546/http://www.strathmore.org/EVENTSTICKETS/calendar/view.asp?id=10995 |date=6 October 2014 }} Samiyusufofficial.com. Retrieved on 26 September 2014.</ref>
+He performed in [[Azerbaijan]] for the first time in 2006, for the second time in 2015 (14–15 March), and 22 March 2017 in [[Heydar Aliyev Palace]] in [[Baku]], 250,000 people attended his performance in [[Taksim Square]] in [[Istanbul]] to see Yusuf perform in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/arts-entertainment/music/sami-yusuf-to-perform-in-oman-1.1214411|title=Sami Yusuf to perform in Oman|date=29 July 2013|website=Gulfnews.com|access-date=17 November 2016|archive-date=17 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130817080700/http://gulfnews.com/arts-entertainment/music/sami-yusuf-to-perform-in-oman-1.1214411|url-status=live}}</ref> Yusuf has played across four continents, packing venues such as [[Wembley Arena]] in London, [[Shrine Auditorium]] in Los Angeles and [[Bellville Velodrome|The Velodrome]] in Cape Town, South Africa. He sings in English, Arabic, Turkish, Persian, Azerbaijani, Malay and Urdu and is backed by a range of both classical and ethnic instruments.<ref>[http://www.samiyusufofficial.com/tour/ Sami Yusuf Tour and concert List] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141003113758/http://www.samiyusufofficial.com/tour/ |date=3 October 2014 }}. Samiyusufofficial.com/tour. Retrieved on 26 September 2014.</ref> Yusuf also performed in [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref>[http://www.strathmore.org/EVENTSTICKETS/calendar/view.asp?id=10995 Sami Yusuf in DC]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006065546/http://www.strathmore.org/EVENTSTICKETS/calendar/view.asp?id=10995 |date=6 October 2014 }} Samiyusufofficial.com. Retrieved on 26 September 2014.</ref>
-Yusuf performed in Dubai for the first time in December 2016. He premiered the song "Glorification", inspired by the poetry of His Highness [[Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum|Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum]], Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://gulfnews.com/life-style/music/sami-yusuf-to-perform-in-dubai-for-first-time-1.1918948|title=Sami Yusuf to perform in Dubai for first time|date=26 October 2016|newspaper=GulfNews|access-date=10 November 2016}}</ref>
+Yusuf performed in Dubai for the first time in December 2016. He premiered the song "Glorification", inspired by the poetry of His Highness [[Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum|Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum]], Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://gulfnews.com/life-style/music/sami-yusuf-to-perform-in-dubai-for-first-time-1.1918948|title=Sami Yusuf to perform in Dubai for first time|date=26 October 2016|newspaper=GulfNews|access-date=10 November 2016|archive-date=10 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161110112434/http://gulfnews.com/life-style/music/sami-yusuf-to-perform-in-dubai-for-first-time-1.1918948|url-status=live}}</ref>
 == Humanitarian work ==
-Since early in his professional career, Yusuf has participated in humanitarian initiatives by performing benefit concerts, releasing charity singles, and acting on behalf of organisations to relieve suffering and poverty.<ref name="musicweek.com1" /> In response to the [[2010 Pakistan floods]] that wreaked havoc in the country and affected 20 million lives in the summer of 2010, he promptly released a charity single entitled "Hear Your Call", performed in English and Urdu, to raise funds for the displaced Pakistanis in a joint-effort with the UN-sponsored charity organisation [[Save the Children]].<ref name="auto">[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11168106 BBC: Singer Sami Yusuf Donating Music Profits to Pakistan]. 2 September 2010</ref><ref name="auto1">[http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2010/09/09/barnett.pakistan.aid.singer.cnn?iref=allsearch Muslim Rock Star Helps Flood Victims]. CNN video. 9 September 2010</ref>
+Since early in his professional career, Yusuf has participated in humanitarian initiatives by performing benefit concerts, releasing charity singles, and acting on behalf of organisations to relieve suffering and poverty.<ref name="musicweek.com1" /> In response to the [[2010 Pakistan floods]] that wreaked havoc in the country and affected 20 million lives in the summer of 2010, he promptly released a charity single entitled "Hear Your Call", performed in English and Urdu, to raise funds for the displaced Pakistanis in a joint-effort with the UN-sponsored charity organisation [[Save the Children]].<ref name="auto">[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11168106 BBC: Singer Sami Yusuf Donating Music Profits to Pakistan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180717060235/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11168106 |date=17 July 2018 }}. 2 September 2010</ref><ref name="auto1">[http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2010/09/09/barnett.pakistan.aid.singer.cnn?iref=allsearch Muslim Rock Star Helps Flood Victims] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230111923/http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2010/09/09/barnett.pakistan.aid.singer.cnn?iref=allsearch |date=30 December 2010 }}. CNN video. 9 September 2010</ref>
-In 2014, he was appointed "UN Global Ambassador" for the World Food Programme.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www1.wfp.org/private-sector|title=Private sector|website=1.wfp.org|language=en|access-date=6 December 2018}}</ref>
+In 2014, he was appointed "UN Global Ambassador" for the World Food Programme.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www1.wfp.org/private-sector|title=Private sector|website=1.wfp.org|language=en|access-date=6 December 2018|archive-date=7 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207144003/http://www1.wfp.org/private-sector?|url-status=live}}</ref>
 == Personal life ==
-Sami spoke of his background as "diverse" and cited this as evidence for his "tendency to bring people together".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hasan Ali|first=Salma|date=6 February 2015|title=Centered: The Music and Passion of Sami Yusuf|url=https://www.theislamicmonthly.com/centered-the-music-and-passion-of-sami-yusuf/|access-date=16 November 2020|website=The Islamic Monthly}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite episode|title=International sensation Sami Yusuf|series=The Stream|series-link=The Stream (news programme)|network=[[Aljazeera English]]|date=23 December 2011|quote=You know, that's it. That's what I love. I love to bring people together. I'm an Iranian-born ethnic Azeri who grew up in England, married a German lady, and embraced Sunni Islam. That's a really interesting combination. . . . I'm not interested in politics, generally. I don't like politics, including Islamic politics.|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MRunwy16oc&feature=youtu.be&t=829 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/3MRunwy16oc |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|time=13:50, 14:15, and 15:15}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He is a Sunni Muslim.<ref name=":1" />
+Sami spoke of his background as "diverse" and cited this as evidence for his "tendency to bring people together".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hasan Ali|first=Salma|date=6 February 2015|title=Centered: The Music and Passion of Sami Yusuf|url=https://www.theislamicmonthly.com/centered-the-music-and-passion-of-sami-yusuf/|access-date=16 November 2020|website=The Islamic Monthly|archive-date=14 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414151643/https://www.theislamicmonthly.com/centered-the-music-and-passion-of-sami-yusuf/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite episode|title=International sensation Sami Yusuf|series=The Stream|series-link=The Stream (news programme)|network=[[Aljazeera English]]|date=23 December 2011|quote=You know, that's it. That's what I love. I love to bring people together. I'm an Iranian-born ethnic Azeri who grew up in England, married a German lady, and embraced Sunni Islam. That's a really interesting combination. . . . I'm not interested in politics, generally. I don't like politics, including Islamic politics.|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MRunwy16oc&feature=youtu.be&t=829 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/3MRunwy16oc |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|time=13:50, 14:15, and 15:15}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He is a Sunni Muslim.<ref name=":1" />
-Sami Yusuf married in {{circa|2005}}. His wife is of [[German people|German origin]] and had [[convert to Islam|converted to Islam]] before she met Yusuf.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sami Yusuf: A sacred trust|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/music/sami-yusuf-a-sacred-trust-1.554860|newspaper=[[The National (Abu Dhabi)]]}}</ref>
+Sami Yusuf married in {{circa|2005}}. His wife is of [[German people|German origin]] and had [[convert to Islam|converted to Islam]] before she met Yusuf.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sami Yusuf: A sacred trust|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/music/sami-yusuf-a-sacred-trust-1.554860|newspaper=[[The National (Abu Dhabi)]]|access-date=23 November 2020|archive-date=20 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420084116/https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/music/sami-yusuf-a-sacred-trust-1.554860|url-status=live}}</ref>
-=== Religious and political views ===
-{{See also|Islamic music}}
-Sami Yusuf has gained widespread popularity throughout the Muslim world for his spiritual music.<ref name=":2" /> But artists like him and [[Maher Zain]] have faced some opposition from conservative Muslims who deem music impermissible.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Shahid|first=Omar|date=4 December 2013|title=The rise and rise of Islamic music|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2013/12/4/the-rise-and-rise-of-islamic-music/|access-date=17 November 2020|website=[[Aljazeera English]]|language=en}}</ref> In 2006, British journalist and convert to Islam [[Yvonne Ridley]] wrote an article criticising Yusuf for displaying patriotic sentiments at his concerts and supporting the [[Metropolitan Police]]'s recruitment of British Muslims, writing that "If he is so proud to be British, why is he living in the great Middle Eastern democracy of Egypt?"<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Ridley|first=Yvonne|date=24 April 2006|title=Pop Culture in the Name of Islam|url=http://www.dailymuslims.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1807&Itemid=238|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060904002820/http://www.dailymuslims.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1807&Itemid=238|archive-date=4 September 2006|access-date=17 November 2020|website=Daily Muslims}}</ref> In response, Sami wrote an open letter extensively discussing his stance on music and the modern art industry in general from both an [[Islamic jurisprudence]] perspective and a social one.<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal|last=Otterbeck|first=Jonas|date=2014|title=What is Islamic Arts? And what makes art Islamic? The example of the Islamic discourse on music|url=https://www.cilecenter.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/Recommended-Article-English-What-is-Islamic-Arts.pdf|journal=CILE Journal|pages=7–29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Yusuf|first=Sami|date=6 January 2009|title=Open letter from Sami Yusuf to Yvonne Ridley|url=http://www.samiyusuf.com/messages/Sami_Yusuf_open_letter.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106160719/http://www.samiyusuf.com/messages/Sami_Yusuf_open_letter.htm|archive-date=6 January 2009|access-date=17 November 2020|website=Samiyusuf.com|publisher=[[Awakening Music]]}}</ref> The response was commended by several commentators.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3" />
-In a previous interview, Yusuf described himself as generally apolitical.<ref name=":1" /> Later in 2017, he wrote an open letter criticising the [[Trump Muslim ban]]. Quoting [[First they came ...|First they came]], Yusuf emphasised solidarity between the Western and Muslim worlds and opposed [[Trumpism]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Yusuf|first=Sami|date=31 January 2017|title=Sami Yusuf's Open Letter regarding President Trump's Muslim Ban – Sami Yusuf Official|url=http://samiyusufofficial.com/sami-yusufs-open-letter-regarding-president-trumps-muslim-ban/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203170555/http://samiyusufofficial.com/sami-yusufs-open-letter-regarding-president-trumps-muslim-ban/|archive-date=3 February 2017|access-date=17 November 2020|website=Samiyusufofficial}}</ref>
 == Honors and awards ==
-In 2009, Yusuf was awarded an honorary [[Doctor of Letters]] in recognition of his "extraordinary contributions to the field of music" by [[Roehampton University]], London.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.roehampton.ac.uk/general-information/honorary-degrees/|title=Honorary Degrees|website=University of Roehampton|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://vimeo.com/13996275|title=Sami Yusuf – Doctor of Letters Graduation Ceremony|website=Vimeo|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref> [[Silatech]] appointed him as their first Global Ambassador in the same year, later joining [[Ahmad Al Shugairi]] in the same position.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Silatech &#124; Yong People.. Enterprise.. Employment..|url=http://40.67.197.105/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101012171043/http://www.silatech.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=140&Itemid=120|archive-date=12 October 2010|website=Silatech}}</ref>
+In 2009, Yusuf was awarded an honorary [[Doctor of Letters]] in recognition of his "extraordinary contributions to the field of music" by [[Roehampton University]], London.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.roehampton.ac.uk/general-information/honorary-degrees/|title=Honorary Degrees|website=University of Roehampton|access-date=14 October 2017|archive-date=15 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015100343/https://www.roehampton.ac.uk/general-information/honorary-degrees/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://vimeo.com/13996275|title=Sami Yusuf – Doctor of Letters Graduation Ceremony|website=Vimeo|access-date=14 October 2017|archive-date=18 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018202342/https://vimeo.com/13996275|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Silatech]] appointed him as their first Global Ambassador in the same year, later joining [[Ahmad Al Shugairi]] in the same position.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Silatech &#124; Yong People.. Enterprise.. Employment..|url=http://40.67.197.105/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101012171043/http://www.silatech.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=140&Itemid=120|archive-date=12 October 2010|website=Silatech}}</ref>
-Widely regarded as the highest profile Muslim musician in the UK, Yusuf has appeared each year since 2010 on the list of the "World's 500 Most Influential Muslims".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://affadshaikh.com/2013/06/25/40-out-of-500-influential-muslims-in-the-world-are-american/|title=40 Out of 500 Influential Muslims in the World Are American|date=26 June 2013|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://themuslim500.com/profile/sami-yusuf|title=Yusuf, Sami – The Muslim 500|website=themuslim500.com|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref>
+Widely regarded as the highest profile Muslim musician in the UK, Yusuf has appeared each year since 2010 on the list of the "World's 500 Most Influential Muslims".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://affadshaikh.com/2013/06/25/40-out-of-500-influential-muslims-in-the-world-are-american/|title=40 Out of 500 Influential Muslims in the World Are American|date=26 June 2013|access-date=14 October 2017|archive-date=15 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015044908/https://affadshaikh.com/2013/06/25/40-out-of-500-influential-muslims-in-the-world-are-american/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://themuslim500.com/profile/sami-yusuf|title=Yusuf, Sami – The Muslim 500|website=themuslim500.com|access-date=14 October 2017|archive-date=10 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110121004/http://themuslim500.com/profile/sami-yusuf|url-status=live}}</ref>
-In 2014, the United Nations appointed him Global Ambassador Against Hunger, and in 2015 the UN appointed him as an "Elite Ambassador" for the UN World Interfaith Harmony Week.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wfp.org/news/news-release/singer-sami-yusuf-joins-wfp-global-ambassador-against-hunger|title=Singer Sami Yusuf Joins WFP As Global Ambassador Against Hunger|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/un/status/504432218304151552|title=Singer @SamiYusuf joins @WFP as a Global Ambassador -- against #hunger|website=Twitter.com|date=26 August 2014|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref>
+In 2014, the United Nations appointed him Global Ambassador Against Hunger, and in 2015 the UN appointed him as an "Elite Ambassador" for the UN World Interfaith Harmony Week.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wfp.org/news/news-release/singer-sami-yusuf-joins-wfp-global-ambassador-against-hunger|title=Singer Sami Yusuf Joins WFP As Global Ambassador Against Hunger|access-date=14 October 2017|archive-date=30 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030073525/https://www.wfp.org/news/news-release/singer-sami-yusuf-joins-wfp-global-ambassador-against-hunger|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/un/status/504432218304151552|title=Singer @SamiYusuf joins @WFP as a Global Ambassador -- against #hunger|website=Twitter.com|date=26 August 2014|access-date=14 October 2017|archive-date=9 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200709211154/https://twitter.com/UN/status/504432218304151552|url-status=live}}</ref>
-In 2016, Yusuf received a Recognition Award for his contributions to promoting the message of peace and tolerance as part of the [[Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum]] World Peace Initiative.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/culture/four-poets-of-peace-honoured-in-dubai-1.1677971|title=Four Poets of Peace honoured in Dubai|author=Noorhan Barakat|date=23 February 2016|access-date=10 October 2017}}</ref>
+In 2016, Yusuf received a Recognition Award for his contributions to promoting the message of peace and tolerance as part of the [[Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum]] World Peace Initiative.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/culture/four-poets-of-peace-honoured-in-dubai-1.1677971|title=Four Poets of Peace honoured in Dubai|author=Noorhan Barakat|date=23 February 2016|access-date=10 October 2017|archive-date=7 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707093722/http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/culture/four-poets-of-peace-honoured-in-dubai-1.1677971|url-status=live}}</ref>
-In 2019, Yusuf received an honorary diploma from the First Vice-President of Azerbaijan for his contributions to promote Azerbaijani music and culture.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/3127176.html|title=Azerbaijan's First VP presents honorary President of Azerbaijan diploma to famous singer, composer Sami Yusuf (PHOTO)|date=2 October 2019|website=Trend.Az|language=en|access-date=19 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.azernews.az/culture/156735.html|title=First VP Mehriban Aliyeva presents Sami Yusuf honorary diploma [PHOTO]|date=2 October 2019|website=AzerNews.az|language=en|access-date=19 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.az/articles/politics/142091|title=First VP Mehriban Aliyeva presents honorary President of Azerbaijan diploma to famous singer Sami Yusuf|website=news.az|access-date=19 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ona.az/en/culture/mehriban-aliyeva-presented-sami-yusuf-honorary-diploma-of-president-of-azerbaijan-8998|title=Mehriban Aliyeva presented Sami Yusuf honorary diploma of President of Azerbaijan|last=ONA.az|website=ONA|language=az-AZ|access-date=19 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mehriban-aliyeva.az/en/news/node/848086|title=First Vice-president Mehriban Aliyeva presents an Honorary Diploma of the Azerbaijani President to renowned singer and composer Sami Yusuf|website=mehriban-aliyeva.az|language=en|access-date=19 October 2019}}</ref>
+In 2019, Yusuf received an honorary diploma from the First Vice-President of Azerbaijan for his contributions to promote Azerbaijani music and culture.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/3127176.html|title=Azerbaijan's First VP presents honorary President of Azerbaijan diploma to famous singer, composer Sami Yusuf (PHOTO)|date=2 October 2019|website=Trend.Az|language=en|access-date=19 October 2019|archive-date=19 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019072514/https://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/3127176.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.azernews.az/culture/156735.html|title=First VP Mehriban Aliyeva presents Sami Yusuf honorary diploma [PHOTO]|date=2 October 2019|website=AzerNews.az|language=en|access-date=19 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.az/articles/politics/142091|title=First VP Mehriban Aliyeva presents honorary President of Azerbaijan diploma to famous singer Sami Yusuf|website=news.az|access-date=19 October 2019|archive-date=19 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019072518/https://news.az/articles/politics/142091|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ona.az/en/culture/mehriban-aliyeva-presented-sami-yusuf-honorary-diploma-of-president-of-azerbaijan-8998|title=Mehriban Aliyeva presented Sami Yusuf honorary diploma of President of Azerbaijan|last=ONA.az|website=ONA|language=az-AZ|access-date=19 October 2019|archive-date=19 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019072516/https://ona.az/en/culture/mehriban-aliyeva-presented-sami-yusuf-honorary-diploma-of-president-of-azerbaijan-8998|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mehriban-aliyeva.az/en/news/node/848086|title=First Vice-president Mehriban Aliyeva presents an Honorary Diploma of the Azerbaijani President to renowned singer and composer Sami Yusuf|website=mehriban-aliyeva.az|language=en|access-date=19 October 2019|archive-date=19 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019072521/https://mehriban-aliyeva.az/en/news/node/848086|url-status=live}}</ref>
 === In the media ===
 *"Islam's Biggest Rock Star" – ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine (2006)
-*"Biggest Star in the Middle East" – ''[[The Guardian]]'' (2006)<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/apr/27/1 The biggest star in the Middle East is a Brit]. The Guardian. 27 April 2006</ref>
+*"Biggest Star in the Middle East" – ''[[The Guardian]]'' (2006)<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/apr/27/1 The biggest star in the Middle East is a Brit] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414151643/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/apr/27/1 |date=14 April 2019 }}. The Guardian. 27 April 2006</ref>
-*"King of Islamic Pop" – [[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]] (2007)<ref>{{cite web|author=Riz Khan|author-link=Riz Khan|date=2 October 2007|title=Sami Yusuf: King of Islamic Pop|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/rizkhan/2007/09/200852519283149.html|access-date=18 February 2017|publisher=Al Jazeera}}</ref><ref name="yt1">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dws-be02S94 Riz Khan – Sami Yusuf: King of Islamic Pop – 1 Oct 07]. YouTube</ref>
+*"King of Islamic Pop" – [[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]] (2007)<ref>{{cite web|author=Riz Khan|author-link=Riz Khan|date=2 October 2007|title=Sami Yusuf: King of Islamic Pop|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/rizkhan/2007/09/200852519283149.html|access-date=18 February 2017|publisher=Al Jazeera|archive-date=19 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219012525/http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/rizkhan/2007/09/200852519283149.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="yt1">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dws-be02S94 Riz Khan – Sami Yusuf: King of Islamic Pop – 1 Oct 07]. YouTube</ref>
 *IOL Star of 2009 (2009)<ref>[http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1262372552744&pagename=Zone-English-News/NWELayout IOL] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100811235457/http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1262372552744&pagename=Zone-English-News%2FNWELayout|date=11 August 2010}}. Islamonline.net (20 January 2010). Retrieved on 2011-07-30.</ref>
-*BBC's 30 More Famous Britons (2009)<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8189249.stm 30 more famous Britons you've probably never heard of]. BBC. 10 August 2009</ref>
+*BBC's 30 More Famous Britons (2009)<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8189249.stm 30 more famous Britons you've probably never heard of] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808175729/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8189249.stm |date=8 August 2022 }}. BBC. 10 August 2009</ref>
 == Discography ==
@@ Line 249: / Line 243: @@
 [[Category:Rotana Records artists]]
 [[Category:Awakening Music artists]]
-[[Category:Arabic-language singers]]
+[[Category:Arabic-language singers of Iran]]
-[[Category:Persian-language singers]]
+[[Category:Arabic-language singers from the United Kingdom]]
-[[Category:Turkish-language singers]]
+[[Category:Persian-language singers of Iran]]
+[[Category:Turkish-language singers of Iran]]
+[[Category:Persian-language singers from the United Kingdom]]
+[[Category:Turkish-language singers from the United Kingdom]]
 [[Category:21st-century male singers]]
 [[Category:World Food Programme people]]
@@ Line 257: / Line 254: @@
 [[Category:Iranian emigrants to England]]
 [[Category:21st-century British singers]]
-[[Category:Azerbaijani-language singers]]
+[[Category:Azerbaijani-language singers of Iran]]
+[[Category:Azerbaijani-language singers of the United Kingdom]]
 [[Category:Universal Music Group artists]]
 [[Category:British male singer-songwriters]]

Authority control databases
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National	Germany United States France BnF data
Artists	MusicBrainz