Shaheer Nasheeds- Taking the nasheed industry by storm

When it comes to Nasheeds in South Africa, Shaheer Nasheeds is definitely taking the industry by storm. Hearing the latest nasheed which was launched on Mother's day as a tribute to the artists mom, the song has touched the hearts of thousands of people across the globe. The man behind Shaheer Nasheeds is none other than Shaheer Karrim. Born in Durban, South Africa, not only is Shaheer a biokineticist and a soldier by profession, but he is also an aspiring singer and song writer. Read on to find out more in his own words.

Drink you would order at a coffee shop: hot chocolate 

Favourite cologne: cool waters

Favourite cuisine: I'm a pizza guy

1. Wow Shaheer, Your resume is truly impressive. Tell me a little more about your family background and life from childhood until present?

I had a very mixed childhood. On one hand, I grew up in a great complex with loads of friends, who are more like family to me now. I did great with sports through out school, had great times, won loads of trophies etc. and on the other hand I had to deal with my parents divorce, which occurred when I was around 10 years old. For me, this event was the beginning of a challenging emotional/spiritual journey  which taught me so much and made me the person I am today. I believe that these challenges Allah SWT gives us are there to strengthen and shape us for the purpose He SWT wants us to fulfill. 

2. Not many Indian boys desire to enter the army. What made you join the army and how was the experience over all.?

I qualified in 2007 with honors in biokinetics, but during my studying years I visited the military biokinetics department to help out and learn from them. It was very very different and exciting to meet actual soldiers and do exercise testing on them. In my final year, I was fortune to find out that a military biokineticist had transferred. I then applied early and got the post. Alhamdulilah. The experience has been amazing. It's a different world that we soldiers live in. The rules are different, and putting on the uniform is a real privilege and honor. The basic training that all officers have to do when you join was probably the highlight. Five and a half months in the small town of Heidelberg, living with other soldiers in a communal setting, away from normal life. We also did a bush phase where we lived in the bush for a while. I can still remember walking in the dark through grass that was almost my height, hearing animal sounds and being told 'okay, we going to sleep here tonight'. We all just looked at each other confused(it's our first time) and abit scared. But we made through and actually enjoyed it. I endured one of my hardest nights ever in my life when it stormed one of the nights. It rained so hard that our makeshift tent collapsed and we obviously got really wet. And to make matters worse it was a really cold night so we really struggled all night holding on to each other for warmth. Desperate times calls for...but it was actually fun when I look back.

3. Music is a very controversial topic within the Islamic world. Have you ever received criticism or a back lash from within your community for singing nasheeds with musical instruments?

I haven't had much criticism in terms of people confronting me directly, although I do get a few comments on social media once in a while. There was that article written recently on the Hartley fair and souk where I was named personally, but those things don't bother me. In fact, it probably gives me more conviction. I won't discuss why, all I will say is that Iv done research and read Istikhara before embarking on this path, so I'm fine with it in my heart. I think it's a general problem that we (including me) as human beings find it hard to accept that our own opinion is not absolute and that other opinions can be accommodated (Even if you disagree). Maybe it makes us feel insecure. However, I think there are some great Leaders emerging around the Muslim world that are teaching tolerance and acceptance of diversity, so that's promising. I think It's also a matter of environment. In other parts of the world,especially Muslim countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, Islamic music is common and a huge industry. So their artists get loads of support and attention. But I think people should listen if they feel it's okay and don't listen if it's their opinion that it's wrong.

4. Do you think that the decision made by the SABC, for all radio stations to play 90 percent local music is applaudable? Do you think it will be of advantage to upcoming artists like yourself?

It will definitely improve the chances of getting local talent out there. But the question being asked by most artists who are going the extra mile in terms of production, is that, will the quality of the songs be at the required level to be on radio? Will it improve or weaken the industry? I think we'll have to wait and see. I believe it will definitely encourage younger artists to begin their journeys. But there's a huge difference between just getting a song out there and making a world class hit. As an upcoming artist I can tell you it's not easy or cheap trying to get out international quality. So hopefully the decision doesn't make us artists complacent in terms of the overall quality, but inspires us to take the opportunity to reach new levels of excellence. 

5. Are South African artists on par with international singers? If yes, why do you think so and if No, how can these artists improve themselves in order to reach an international standard?

I don't know too much about the mainstream singers. But I do know that our local sound doesn't really match the international style of music production, so it's hard to compare in terms of quality. In terms of Nasheeds, we are getting there slowly. Iv been forced to use mainstream producers at times to get the right quality for certain tracks, because there's not many Muslim producers with those specific expertise. I'd say that we lack Muslim producers more than artists. I think working with mainstream producers is excellent idea because they have in-depth knowledge of music, academically and also in terms of experience. Reaching an international standard? That was really challenging for me. With my debut single Veils, I had redone the song about 7 times before getting something  that was worth showing the world. I was new to the industry so I made loads of mistakes. I'd say the lessons that others can take heed from are: 1) make sure you compare your end product with artists who already have an international standard and don't give up until you find a way to get the same quality. 2) be patient and look for a producer who is the ability and equipment to give you what you want 3) You get what you pay for, so sometimes it's better to pay abit more. 4)let people you trust evaluate your song and don't be resistant to criticism, Let non musicians listen to the song and take their advice seriously, because they are your main listeners. 6) Reach out to international stars, some will reply and help you out as they were once amateurs and know the struggle.

6.What has been your most memorable experience in your life thus far?

Hmmm, i was always a person searching for deeper meaning and understanding. So I'd say there's a phase of my life that is most memorable, in which I met many spiritual people and got most of my questions answered, went for Haj and gained a lot of peace. Alhamdulilah 

7. Have you performed abroad?

I have not. Once my full album is out, it will make more sense for me to go abroad and promote it. Right now I've released only two songs

8. If you could be granted one wish and have any skill or talent in the world, what would it be?

I would definitely wish for equality, peace and love in the world. So much of violence and poverty throughout the globe, I would want that to instantly disappear 

9. What are your favourite websites?

Desert moon obviously, lol. I'm on Facebook and Instagram mostly.

10. Define success. What does success mean to you?

Success to me is realizing and pursuing your passions, striving to be better and aligning everything you do to your ultimate goal, which is Taqwa and realization of Allah SWT within every moment of your life. I think with that philosophy the accolades and milestones will come on there own.

11. Did you wish to collaborate with other artists in the future? Have you already worked with other artists in the nasheed industry?

I'm currently collaborating with Indonesian artist Yoga Al Ghazali who's signed to the Ana Muslim record label. We are doing an English version of His already famous track HasbunAllah. It will be released in Indonesia and Malaysia this Ramadaan InshaAllah. I hope I get to collaborate with lots of artists. I enjoy the process and love to connect with other artists. I'm also planning other collaborations with comedians and hope to have some fun doing something different. Can't say too much now. Will have to wait and see InshaAllah 

12. Where do you see yourself five years from now? What are your plans for the future?

I see myself doing lots of things to be honest. I'm learning about myself everyday and I'm open to almost anything at the moment. But in terms of music, in 5 years I would like to think that I would have already done lots of traveling and live performances for huge crowds. I see myself producing for other artists, doing exciting collaborations with international entertainers and having lots of fun. I would also include some acting roles. I'd love to try myself out at acting, I think i have it in me. And most of all, I hope to connect with people and inspire them to live lives that are in alignment with things that make them happy and please God, Most High

13. Are there any other special experiences that have occurred within your life that you wish to share the blog readers?

18 months ago I had no idea that I would be singing professionally.I knew I could sing a bit, but didn't really believe in my ability. I thought,nah it takes much more than what I have to be a professional. But Somehow, I listened to that inner voice and I decided to try out this passion of mine. I made Dua, got help from people in the industry and gave it my all. Today my videos are watched and downloaded by people all over the world. I've got acknowledgement from established  international artists from different continents and I haven't released my first album as yet.

So my message to people is, if you love something but doubt your capabilities. Take the first step and believe in yourself. Listen to that voice that's pushing to try it out. You never know what can happen, maybe it will be a life changing decision,like in my case

Thank you Shaheer Karrim for taking the time to answer these questions.

Desert Moon wishes you all the best in your future endeavours and beyond.