De Nieuwe Liefde and Generation Halal proudly present artist, producer and activist Bamba Nazar. Coming Thursday, October 27, 2011, Bamba will perform at ‘De Avond van De Koran’, (Night of the Quran) at venue 'De Nieuwe Liefde’ (The New Love) in Amsterdam. Who is Bamba Nazar? Generation Halal asked him five big questions, about Islam, his art and life. 

Brooklyn, USA, ’88 provided the backdrop to Bamba Nazar’s introduction and embrace of Islam, guided by the spiritual M’backe family, descendants of the legendary mystic Cheich Ahmadou Bamba from Senegal. Bamba had now come to grips with his natural self and experienced a sense of 'homecoming’. A reconnection to his African roots.

1: What is the role of role of Islam in your life? 

It’s the foundation I stand on. My guidance and solitude.

2: To what extent can art contribute to a better image of Islam?

Art can contribute to a more balanced and realistic picture of Islam. Different art disciplines will introduce the many different interpretations of the word and the faces behind it. The beauty of Islam is within its diversity. It was given to mankind universally, therefore variations to the theme are inevitable. Art is the catalyst that will reintroduce the Islam to the world.

3: Which Muslim role models do you admire?

The role models I grew up on were Muhammed Ali, El Hadj Malik Shabbaz (Malcolm X), Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Outside of these four there are many more, non- Muslims included, that have made an honorable contribution to the freedom and independence of my people.

4: In what way does your art relate to Islam?

My art relates to Islam in that it stands for the principles of truth, justice and equality. It aims to communicate to the struggling masses. To be proactive passed prayer and make a difference to the reality we live in. To be fearless and fee from intimidation and limitation. To bring an awakening through music that resonates with people, universally.

5: How do you see the future of Islam in Europe?

Allah knows what the future of Islam holds. I personally believe that the current course of events dictate that as Islam is increasingly used as a political scapegoat to serve political agendas, Muslims will at some point draw a line and say, enough already. Many of us tried and are still trying to make positive contributions to society. But the very society we support excludes many of us from really participating. Not just Muslims, but people of color period. This is where I believe a shift will occur in due time. Many will revert back to their respective backyards and abandon Europe as the economy disintegrates, anti-Islam / anti-“allochtoon” propaganda increases and safety can’t be guaranteed. Bottom line: Europe has many spiritual and moral outstanding bills to settle with much of the world. A time will come where it will have to answer for how it constructed the house it build.

More info: www.blackstereo.tv or www.bambanazar.com

Pictures: Courtesy of Black Stereo