REVIEW OF TARIQAT CD BY SHAFIQ MORTON

 

SHAFIQ MORTON

DESERT ROSE, A HIDDEN TREASURE

 

DESCRIBING South African group Desert Rose, especially to one who hasn’t heard their inspiring sounds, is difficult. This is no Sami Yusuf spin-off, or yet another Rayhan clone. There is nothing “pop” about Desert Rose, yet their music has massive appeal.

 

Desert Rose – fronted by Lynne Holmes and Yusuf Ganief from Cape Town – is inimitably Desert Rose. As a Muslim journalist I’m familiar with the world Islamic musical landscape, and I’ve never heard artists anywhere quite like them.

 

This is because there aren’t many groups performing Sufi-Arabic-African cross-over in the defining way that Desert Rose does.  Desert Rose’s music, laced with raw emotion, reaches the innermost depths of the soul and then lifts it to the highest aesthetic station.

 

For Desert Rose, loads of hard work, experimentation (and consultation with scholars) has led to their truly unique synthesis of soothing electronic resonance, African instrumentalisation and sweet vocalisation.

 

On their latest CD, Tariqat (the Path), one is taken on a journey of evocative sound and vocalisation. The first track, Bismillah (in the name of God), begins slowly and then evolves into a percussional rhythm, fading slowly and peacefully as it nears its end.

 

It’s a fitting start to a truly inspirational session of listening. One of my favourite tracks is Remembrance of My Lord, hauntingly moving in its arrangement and hankering for a taste of the Divine.

 

On the other hand, Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum is a track that makes one jump out of one’s skin. Underscored by classic African percussion, its addictive rhythms make the heart dance with joy.

 

But the most appealing track by far is Ya Rahman, now something of a standard for Desert Rose. Here Yusuf Ganief’s voice soars to sublime heights, and one is taken away to a place of harmony, light and peace.

 

Without doubt, South Africa’s Desert Rose is one of the Islamic world’s hidden treasures.  Listen, you won’t be disappointed.

 

14 Feb 2013. Review of Desert Rose’s album, Tariqat (The Path) by Shafiq Morton.

 

 Shafiq Morton, author and photo-journalist voted one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world by the Royal Islamic Strategies Centre, 2009-2012.

ARHCBISHOP TUTU'S TESTIMONIALS

ARCHBISHOP EMERITUS DESMOND TUTU

“I commend the initiative by Desert Rose Music to combine the rich cultural tapestry of Africa in commemoration of the ideals of hope, love, peace and harmony amongst all the sons and daughters of Africa, as so beautifully illustrated by the life and messages of the late and great Chief Albert Luthuli. I wish Yusuf Ganief and his team the best of luck in their aspirations of contributing to the upliftment of Africa through the power of the arts. God has blessed our country with unique artistic talents and we should proudly use it to elevate our collective experience as South Africans, irrespective of our cultural diversity and human challenges.” said Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, who like Luthuli was recipient of a Nobel Peace Prize, about the album, Spirit of Africa.....17 November 2007:

 

“I would like to commend Desert Rose for their initiative to promote religious tolerance and understanding with their CD, The Awakening. The song, The Lords Dua, is a prime example of how music has the power to illustrate our common humanity and our universal spirituality. I personally endorse this kind of peace initiative and welcome other artists to follow suit in using music as a universal language to bridge the many cultural and religious divides. I urge the Muslim leadership to co-endorse this song as a symbol of our mutual commitment to peaceful coexistence and interfaith harmony” said Archbishop Desmond Tutu about the song, The Lord's Dua on the album, The Awakening......7 August 2009

“I commend and support the social initiative by Desert Rose to address the issues of religious intolerance and cultural prejudice though their musical drama, Silence of the Music. Their ongoing perseverance to create music for the purposes of promoting common spirituality in the face of growing extremism, Xenophobia and declining spirituality is much needed and should be supported by everyone who cares about establishing a society of healing and peaceful co-existence.”…..said Archbishop Desmond Tutu about the musical, Silence of the Music, produced by Desert Rose....13 September 2010

UK TESTIMONIALS

JON BOYS, LETCHWORTH, UNITED KINGDOM



"I have been a musician and composer of my own songs for over 40 years and have attended thousands of live performances of every genre of music available to my ears. The music of Desert Rose is something of a new league to me. It reaches the innermost depths of your soul and you feel the raw emotion of what is going on in the music. I will only be happy when I have heard them perform in world class venues to massive crowds. The work they are doing to bring the world’s eclectic mix of people together through music is truly wonderful. I plan to do everything I can to ensure that next time they tour the UK they have a professional agent who paves the way for them to be a global phenomena. I would highly recommend anyone goes and hears their beautiful sounds. Love and light"....says Jon Boys, Director, Inner Peace Centre For Conscious Living, Letchworth, UK.......30 June 2012

It would not be an exaggeration to say that I was transfixed by the sounds and rhythms of the music. I found it quite magical the way the sounds of Islam merged with the sounds of Africa and Muslim and Jewish lyrics were woven together in at least one of the songs.

The evening gave me a new insight into the meaning of diversity and it was a truly spiritual experience. I felt a rare and inexplicable calm by the end of the evening and it came on slowly and lingered. I lived in the Middle East for several years and am familiar with the sounds of the muezzin. Listening to Islamic chanting is not what I grew up with but I think it was the compositions and the context of the music that made it such an enduring and moving encounter.

John Battersby, UK Country Manager, Brand South Africa......30 June 2012

Wallee McDonnell, Events Manager,

"I was taken by surprise with the immense talent on show and how cleverly the group wove Sufi traditional songs with African rhythms and visa versa. All music arrangements and most of the compositions are credited to Lynne Holmes who played the keyboard but the outstanding singing from Yusuf Ganief and Nceba Gongxeka was something special. Complimenting this were Sisonke Godlo on African percussion, Farah Jawitz on Clarinet and Lynne Holmes’ daughter, Michaela on vocals, who is a talented singer in her own right with an interesting future ahead of her. Nceba Gongxeka also played a number of instruments some of which I’d not seen before, e.g. Mbira, African Mouth Bow, African Harp and Shakers. He also showed off some great dancing moves when he stepped off the stage and went into a short set of well known South African songs.  Desert Rose carries a wonderful spirit with them from their Sufi teachings and possess a sound that is indeed unique, exciting and definitely uplifting. The combination of the five musicians presented  a marvellous show and  feedback from those attending has been nothing but complementary. Hopefully they will swing by London again on another occasion and when they do, we’ll be happy to host them again." said  Wallee Mc Donnell, Music Events Co-ordinator, St Ethelburgas Centre for Recociliation and Peace.....30 June 2012

Thank you so much for Saturday’s concert in London it was a profound & beautiful experience & am so soo happy to finally meet all of you!! after all this years of listening to your wonderful music !!
hope to see you again soon in London !!
love & best of grace to all :-*:-*

From Livia Maritzia, London

Desert Rose are certainly a group of talented individuals, but what sets them apart is the fusion they bring across colours, cultures and religions. The fusion is brought together in style, grace and harmony to provide uplifting entertainment.

Haider Naqvi, Luton, UK

"Desert Rose’s music and singing never fails to open my heart every time I hear it - and resonates in my whole being. I never tire of playing it.

What a fabulous combination of performers - African singing, dance and drumming that is deeply moving - and a true representation and message of hope from a true Rainbow Nation -"

Sue Lake and Bilal, Clophill, UK

SOUTH AFRICAN TESTIMONIALS

POPS MOHAMED

" I enjoyed working with Desert Rose and their ability to combine classical orchestration with indigenous music is truly a gift to the South African music world. I hope this music will serve as an inspiration to not only the South African music enthusiast, but to the rest of the indigenous musicians all over the world. Desert Rose and myself are dedicated to the protection and preservation of indigenous African instruments in both ancient and modern context's. Welcome to the Future!!", says Pops Mohamed, world renowned South African indigenous musical icon.....November 2007

DR SADIYYA SHAIKH

"I want to congratulate you on your performance and amazing music. The ways in which Desert Rose brings together traditional Qawali music based in the South African Indian spiritual heritage and the Malay style of musical recitation is quite unique. Your extraordinary synergy of musical styles, languages and inclusion of other religious forms of music as well, makes a rich contribution to the musical and aesthetic mosaic of South Africa. The pluralistic elements of your work which combines and incorporates religious music and prayer from various religious traditions is potent and powerful - it conveys a strong message of unity and beauty shared by all human beings across traditional religious boundaries. I have no doubt that your music has appeal to all South Africans and adds much value to universal concepts of human spirituality", says Dr. Sa'diyya Shaikh, Senior Lecturer, Department of Religious Studies, University of Cape Town....April 2009

"I was introduced to your music through my yoga classes and never before has music \"spoken\" to me the way your does. It's so beautiful & for some reason I particularly feel connected to Remembrance. The first time I heard Remembrance during relaxation in one of my yoga classes a few months ago, Yusuf’s voice sent “chills” running right through me, rising & falling in waves throughout the song. Even though I had no idea of the meaning of the words being sung/chanted, I felt a surreal connection to what I was hearing, and an “I’m so happy I want to cry” feeling arose within me that I couldn't quite put my finger on but somehow I knew it stemmed from reverence for our Creator, and a tear drop just rolled from each corner of my eyes - within those two tears lay sadness, happiness, love, joy, peace, gratitude, devotion, awe & wonder and so much more. At some level I "knew" I was worshipping God in that moment yet I didn't quite know how I knew - hard to explain, as is the nature, I have found, of most spiritual experiences...........from what you mentioned, it was obviously my heart centre opening. What a beautiful feeling/experience." Delia Styles, Cape Town, South Africa

“We can only strive to serve and The Desert Rose Concert has emphatically endorsed the conditions of "God Consciousness". This message was very evident throughout the performance, and transcended all religious barriers. I am lost for words to describe my feelings and emotions during the performance, only to say that I wish everyone in the audience shared this amazing experience”, commented a spiritually uplifted Mr Khalil Amod of Kampress, Lansdowne, Cape Town....20 Feb 2009.

"I loved your show today! Bought the CD. Have booked to see it again on the 30th. Beautiful, inspiring message, and oh that music!‌", Monica Cromhout, SA’s leading Astrologer

 The show transcends the visual into the realm of aural bliss. And as it celebrates difference and invokes glorious mutation it reminds us of the opulence of our cultural wealth…. review by Dex Goodman of WhatsonSA, 15 April 2011

Die musiek verdien vyf sterre. Die idea ook. In die rolverdeling is daar ook ten minste 5 skitterende sterre. Om a groep op die verhoog te kry wat die meeste van die gelowe in Kaapstad verteenwoordig en te hoor hoe die musiek van een groep naatloos by die ander aansluit, is werklik spesiaal.” Mariana Malan, Die Burger, 26 Sep 2010.

 

“The music is the big draw card here. It is epic, diverse and impressive.” Zane Henry, The Argus, 28 Sep 2010.

“It has a vibe that can only be described as euphorically multicultural; quite unlike anything I have experienced in a show in quite some time.”, Peter Tromp. Review in Next 48 Hours, 7 Oct 2010