Maher Zain fever... or is it?

Since d end of 2009, my working place Warta Bangi has been berkumandang with his songs. I can't deny it sounded good at first but as it went on for months, and since all I can hear is Insya Allah from our boutique, I got bored. But then, as I pass by the kiosk playing his music, bit by bit I could listen to d wordings. Maybe it's d barakah from the effort of its artist, producers etc, I finally looked up for the whole album in d net. First, I downloaded them, as usual. But then.... there's sumthing in these songs and Maher Zain's voice that has some kinda charm and keep me magnetized to it until I can't hold myself from buying d CD any longer.

So really, is it Maher Zain's fever or its just.... an Awakening?

Maher Zain is one of the extraordinary artists from Awakening Records. With a tagline Islamic Media Redefined, this is one Muslim recording company which produces some quality music, just like what Raihan started in Malaysia. This recording company was established in the year 2000, kita je yg tatau kat Malaysia ni. Itsa good effort, introducing Islam in a good modern way. This is what it says in the Who We Are and What We Do section:

Awakening was created in 2000 to offer a wide range of products for a new modern Islamic market. Combining modern manufacturing and contemporary design, we set out to set new standards in print, media and audio products. Awakening Records continues this trend by introducing exciting new recording artists to the Islamic nasheed and music market. The company strives to provide the very best in live and recorded entertainment.

Rather than tread the paths of our competitors, Awakening Records intends to set new standards in every way possible - respecting the past but with an eye on the future. We wish to present a modern and dynamic view on Islam through our products. Our forthcoming range of DVDs will further this goal adding a level of interactivity. Awakening Records signs, produces and manages a range of acts including Sami Yusuf who received worldwide critical acclaim for his first album 'Al-Mu'allim'. We continue to seek new talent all round the world. Dependent on the market, artists will be promoted with a worldwide print and media campaign alongside conventional video clips for broadcast on satellite television.

Get the picture?
Do give their webbie a visit http://www.awakeningworldwide.com/

Maher Zain on the other hand, is a 28 years old young Muslim who just have a good talent in music. He is a Swedish singer and music producer of Lebanese origin. His first album Thank You Allah was released on 1st  November 2009. His music videos on Youtube has collectively gained more than one million of views. He  was born on 1982 in Lebanon. His family moved to Sweden when Maher was only eight, where he continued his schooling. Maher got his first keyboard when he was only ten. Jangan tak tau, Maher Zain  got a Bachelors degree in Aeronautical Engineering! Ha~ In his adolescence he liked to spend late nights at school with his friends where they would sing, rap, compose and experiment with music in every way. dat's how he got discovered and was introduced to RedOne, a music producer in the music scene in Sweden, and later moved to New York. In January 2009, Maher Zain began work on an album and signed with Awakening Records. Maher’s first musical inspiration came from his father, who was a singer himself, performing locally in the Mediterranean city of Tripoli, Lebanon.

Insha Allah is an amazing [not to forget touching song] and nowadays I play it while driving almost everyday, even Kyra dah hapal lirik dia hehe~

But dats not just it, watch this video. Kalau tak insaf-insaf jugak lepas tengok ntahlah.... hati batu agaknya korang. I am just touched by the vid, the whole concept is beautiful. Masya Allah~