Zain Bhikha was born in 1974 in Pretoria, South Africa to parents Rashid and Mariam Bhikha. The only son, with three sisters, Zain showed a keen interest, from a young age in entertaining his friends and family with his beautiful singing.
Zain was not aware of his full potential until 1994 when he won a singing competition on Radio 702, a local radio station. A simple song which he recorded on his home karaoke system brought him out tops among mostly professional participants. After this great accomplishment, he seriously considered recording an album. This consideration was put into action after he was approached by a local Muslim School who asked him to write and record their school anthem. Zain took it a step further and composed a full album, entitled “A Way of Life”. This was a compilation of basic Acapella Islamic songs, mostly in English covering the various tenets of Faith. The album, which was the beginning of greater things, only took Zain two weeks to complete.
“A Way of Life” sparked the beginning of many more album releases namely “Praise to the Prophet (P.B.U.H)” (1996), “Fortunate is He” (1997) and “The Journey” (1998). Zain Bhikha’s song served to be very popular throughout South Africa, especially for young children who found the songs educational and inspiring. Its popularity caused it to filter abroad and come to the ears of World Renowned Muslim activist Yusuf Islam, better known as Cat Stevens.
Yusuf Islam was working on a momentous project entitled “A is for Allah” and believed Zain could contribute by lending his voice to some of the songs. In 1999, Zain flew to the United Kingdom to join Yusuf Islam’s Mountain of Light Studios to begin recording. This opportunity was a lifelong dream for Zain. To top it off, he was given the chance to perform in seven of the eight songs on the album. Zain also gained much experience from Yusuf Islam as he had no previous formal music training. It was during the production of this album that Zain was brought on board as an artist under Mountain of Light’s cultural label called “Jamal Records. With the backing of Jamal Records, Zain planned the world-wide release of two compilation albums incorporating all material he had done thus far. These albums were entitled “Children of Heaven” and “Towards the Light”, featuring some remixed songs.
Under the guidance of Mountain of Light and the world-wide distribution power of Jamal Records, Zain released his first new album under the label entitled, “Faith” (2001). The songs in this album deal with a broad spectrum of emotions from hardships to happiness but always invoke a constant consciousness of the Almighty. The album also brought about collaborations between Zain and well-known Canadian songwriter, Dawud Wharnsby Ali.
With his popularity rising and live performances around the globe, Zain Bhikha released “Our World” in 2002. This album was a portrayal of the diversity of mankind and the richness of all cultures, languages and traditions that are united through the Will of God. Zain’s eldest son, Rashid’s, melodic voice is introduced to us on this album. The title track for his album is a prayer for a better world for all people, one free of prejudice and war.
In 2005 Zain established a South African based production company called “Zain Bhikha Studios”. This company serves to house all of Zain’s present and future works in all fields be it song albums, educational projects through schools, workshops or theatre productions. Zain also began this with the intention of giving local and international artists the platform to gain exposure through his experience and resources in the industry.
With the birth of his new company came the first album to be produced under the Zain Bhikha Studios label, “Mountains of Makkah” (2005). This album was inspired by Zain’s pilgrimage to Makkah in 2004. Both the content and composition of this album shows much maturity. The lyrics are a ‘personal reflection’ of his thoughts and feelings while partaking in this profound spiritual journey.
A year later and Zain was at it again with the release of an album dedicated to the journey of children into young adults. A tribute to his eldest son Rashid, the album entitled “Allah Knows” (2006) this album was for the young (and the young at heart). 'Allah Knows' featured the musical talents of Dawud Wharnsby Ali, Abdul-Malik Ahmad and Rashid Bhikha, in addition to introducing Naadira Alli and the young Muhammad Bhikha who made his first recording debut on this album. The album, is a collection of songs to help the youth through the early mysteries of life and the social challenges that present themselves to much of them, it is a ground breaking approach to tackling the questions of a youthful mind and the innocent hearts of our children.
From the time that Zain recorded his first album in 1994 to establishing “Zain Bhikha Studios”, his experience as an artist has grown tremendously, increasing his exposure both at home and globally. Zain remains a pioneer in the Nasheed genre and as one of the first English Islamic singers, he opened the door for many other artists. His albums have been launched in many countries including the United Kingdom, North America, Malaysia, France, Turkey, Holland, India, The Middle East, and Australia. He has performed live in cities across most continents and has become somewhat of a household name when it comes to spiritual music.
In addition to producing music, he also writes and directs theatrical productions written specifically with a positive and spiritually uplifting message. One of his many successful productions, “An Orphans Tale”, which he produced in conjunction with a South African School, was a great success and brought a full house for all three nights that it ran in October 2003.
Zain Bhikha also dedicates his time to delivering workshops aimed at young people, wherein he motivates the youth to utilize their own creative talents for the benefit of society. His ground breaking day-long workshop entitled “The Art of Creative Expression” began in South Africa in 2008 with over 1000 attendees nationwide. This was then followed up in London on 2009, in association with Dawud Wharnsby and the Rebdridge Council. Zain aims to take these workshops to many more countries in the next few years.
Zain has performed with a long list of artists such as Dawud Wharnsby, Outlandish, Native Deen, Sami Yusuf, Khalid Belhrouzhi, Imad Rami, Khaleel Mohamed and not forgetting his mentor, Yusuf Islam.
Zain’s songs are mainly self written or adapted from poems and traditional Arabic songs. His songs are driven by emotion and the need to reassure people that turning and submitting to Almighty God is the answer of hope and the core for our everyday questions and confusion. Many of his songs represent different times in his life when he is learning and remembering how necessary Allah’s presence is. Zain’s songs provide young and old with an alternative to the modern music which often carries a destructive message. His music promotes spiritual contemplation and encourages every person to be proud of their faith, who they are and to work towards a better world.
Zain confidently adds that much of his support has come from his parents and family over the years. He now lives with his wife, Zaheera and four children in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
