Ever wish you had the chance to ask any artist 5 questions?

We did too, so, we created “The DMeth 5”

An opportunity for us to ask an artist, big/small, famous/underground, youget/thepoint , 5 questions we think might be worth asking.

Here’s the first installment, 5 questions for well known, South African based artist Zain Bhikha 

So, who is Zain Bhikha? He’s had his albums launched everywhere including the United Kingdom, North America, Malaysia, France, Turkey, Holland, India, The Middle East, and Australia. He’s performed in countless cities across the world and on almost every continent. He’s started his own label (Zain Bhikha Studios) with distribution ranging from the United States, to the Middle East, to South Africa and Australia. And, he just launched his 7th studio album “HOPE”.

The best part, he’s accomplished all of this producing music that “promotes spiritual contemplation and encourages people to be proud of their beliefs, who they are and to work towards a better world”.

And, when it comes to making the world a better place, he doesn’t just talk the talk. Recently he’s worked on the “16 Days of Activism” campaign (a project creating awareness for the negative impact of violence against women and children) and embarked on education campaigns to fight against HIV/Aids (working with organizations such as the International HIV Fund).

* He has over a 139,000 Facebook Likes ! 

 

Here are “THE DMeth 5″ with Zain Bhikha:

 

*DM: Being involved in creating music for over 15 years, what would you say music has meant to you? What does music mean to you?  

)ZB: I think that true art is an extension of yourself, of who you are…basically putting a piece of your soul into something for the world to see and most often associate with. Whilst others may not be able to understand your specific circumstances, they will definitely understand your emotions. I think music is an amazing medium to convey this, since it crosses all barriers of race, religion, ethnicity etc. Everyone can be moved by a song!

*DM: Having collaborated with an array of artists throughout your career, including Outlandish, Dawud Wharnsby, and Imad Rami among many others, what artists continue to influence you and what have you learned from them in terms of musical developement?

)ZB: I think my closest friend, Dawud Wharnsby is my biggest influence in terms of his songwriting and musicality. He is just an awesome writer and almost like my kindred spirit. We both started around the same time (early 90′s) and continue to support each other in all we do.

*DM:  You have a consistent message of hope, peace and emotional upliftment in your music, did you face any obstacles on the road to this understanding? And if so, how were you able to overcome them?

)ZB: Well, I think we all face a specific time in our lives when we make a decision to live a certain way. My musical journey is very much linked to my spirituality and talks about my journey specifically. In 1994, when I started, I lost my best friend who was shot in a senseless killing, but this gave way to my creative outlet and using my voice to bring hope and positive change. If you look at most of my songs, they’re all linked to pivotal moments in my life that have moved me.

*DM: After achieving worldwide recognition, releasing numerous albums, and lending your voice to promote world peace and tolerance at various events (ie. Dubai Peace International Convention) , what goals inspire you going forward?

)ZB: I see so many things that I can do to make a difference. I love working with young children and young adults because they have so much to offer us and are the leaders of tomorrow. I would much rather spend my time sharing and teaching a group of 20 young people in a classroom then being on stage in front of thousands.

*DM: What lessons would you like to pass on to other artists?

)ZB: Stay true to yourself, try to write your own material, believe in what you’re doing and never underestimate that you can change the world!

*5

 

You can learn more about Zain on his official website here: www.ZainBhikha.com

Become a fan here: www.facebook.com/ZainBhikhaOfficial

Follow his moves here: www.twitter.com/ZainBhikha 

Check out his tunes here: www.cdbaby.com/Artist/ZainBhikha

Watch the “Woman I Love” vid from his latest  album “HOPE” below: