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"I was invited and warmly welcomed by Awakening
Entertainment and their professional team to attend
the live concert for Darfur at Wembley and to
meet with and see their artist Sami Yusuf. As
an artist what impressed me about Sami's performance
was his vocal tone, charismatic delivery and musical
virtuosity - he is a natural musician of the heart
with the technical ability to match, who engages
with his audience whether singing solo or with
a full orchestra. As a human being what impressed
me is his open hearted warmth and sincerity, his
sense of mission as a modern cultural ambassador
and figurehead to transcend differences and bring
people together in peace, respect, friendship
and dialogue. With the future of humanity at a
crossroads, Sami's work, vision and integrity
on the international arena is a big value creating
step in the right direction. He inspired me as
an artist to continue to walk with courage and
determination, creating and playing great music
that touches peoples' hearts and reverberates
on a universal level - let this be our contribution
and legacy."
Jimmy Golding, Singer/Songwriter
"The Sami Yusuf concert in Wembley Arena
will stand as a marker for the Muslim community
of Britain for years to come. The ten thousand
jubilant fans who came to listen to and enjoy
Sami and his guests were markers in the establishment
of a fully authentic British Muslim expression.
Whilst the audience clapped, sang and cheered
their way through the evening, and the musicians
entertained them, history was being made. The
evening will be remembered as the first of its
kind even when bigger and grander events take
its place."
Sarah Joseph, Emel Magazine
"The Peace Concert for Darfur was an historic
event illustrating the commitment of over 10,000
people coming together and standing in solidarity
with the people of Darfur. It was a night of Peace,
Compassion, Generosity and most of all Humanity.
On behalf of all at Islamic Relief, I would like
to thank the organisers: Awakening Entertainment
for courageously embarking upon such an inspiring
initiative, which not only brought some of the
best talent in the world onto one stage, not only
brought over 10,000 people together under one
roof but brought the reality of the continuing
humanitarian crisis in Darfur to our hearts, minds
and soul and finally allowing us all to contribute
in our own special way to helping spread Peace
in Darfur"
Jehangir Malik, Islamic Relief
"Awakening Entertainment's historical concert
in aid of the Darfur crisis was truly a milestone
in Muslim entertainment; it not only brought light
to the harrowing events of Darfur but also united
10,000 people to fight this crisis. The bringing
together of these world renowned artists including
Sami Yusuf on one stage was the pivotal move to
attract the much needed attention for Darfur,
it combined great entertainment with fantastic
atmospheres to combat poverty and strife. I fully
commend all the strenuous efforts of Awakening
Entertainment and my heart goes out to all those
affected in Darfur".
Dr. Abdul Bari, Muslim Council of Britain
"A Concert for Peace" was a landmark
event - the meeting of cutting edge Muslim culture
with a profound outpouring of British Muslim concern
for the humanitarian catastrophe in Darfur. Sami
Yusuf, Awakening Entertainment and Islamic Relief
have demonstrated the power of popular culture
in mobilising Muslim public opinion and charity.
They have set a new standard for cultural production
and event organisation. May it mark the beginning
an exciting new phase of work that we are proud
to support and be part of."
Fareena Alam, Editor, Q-News
"The concert was a landmark event. It's
success lay not only in the way that it brought
awareness of the situation in Darfur, or how it
raised those much needed funds for the humanitarian
aid, but also the concert highlighted just how
much the british Muslim community have to offer.
I left the concert feeling inspired, and I have
little doubt that the many thousands who witnessed
this historic event felt the same way."
Sadiq Khan, Member of Parliament
"The peace concert for Darfur organised
by Awakening Entertainment was a monumental achievement
for all Muslims, it brought together the biggest
names in Islamic music and put on a show surpassed
by no other Muslim organisation. The event was
of such grandeur that 10,000 people attended,
they clapped and sang along to all Sami Yusuf
songs creating an atmosphere of great joy and
happiness, and all of this for an excellent cause;
the crisis of Darfur. This event will help bring
peoples attention to Darfur, and has taken Islamic
entertainment to another level."
AR Rahman, Composer
"Sami Yusuf is the most important Muslim
singer to appear in the last few years. I feel
strongly that this is one person who has the potential
to communicate to a much wider audience."
Peter Sanders, Photographer
"The peace concert has echoed the call for
unification and affirm standing for the injustice
that has surrounded Darfur all these years. An
awareness was indeed shown on the day that reflected
the beauty of the people of Britain. A sellout
at Londons prestigious venue Wembley Arena merged
the mirror of humanity into an image that enchanted
the call of time in memorial peace. Awakening
Entertianment have put their heart on the line
to make this auspicious event beat in memory,
an achivement of success and prosperity."
Conner Reeves, Singer/Songwriter
"The concert was a first for British Muslims
and if the reaction of the crowd was anything
to go by, this won't be the last. Sami Yusuf and
all the support acts entertained the crowd superbly."
Asad Ahmed, BBC London
"The peace concert masterfully created an
ambience of warmth, generosity and elation and
seriously brought home the devastating news of
the Darfur crisis. British Muslims rose to the
occasion, who all gave a little bit of their heart
for the cause. Thanks to Awakening Entertainment
who made this concert a reality"
Abdur Rahman Helbawi, Chairman, Dometours
"Awakening and Sami Yusuf can take huge pride in what they achieved. The concert was a unique event that brought British Muslims together in support of a cause that has shocked all of humanity. In staging this event to help the work of Islamic Relief in Darfur, they have shown the huge force for good that exists here in Britain. I believe that this is just the start of what can be a truly inspirational movement for positive change."
Ed Owen, Euro RSCG Apex Communications |