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Hamza was born in January 1982. He wasn't born
into a Muslim family but chose to follow Islam
when he was 21 years old. He grew up in Oldham,
UK.
He thought school was alright but couldn't wait
to move on and get more involved in music. The
lessons he enjoyed most were Music and Drama.
After that he went on to college and did a performing
arts popular music course for two years which
was really enjoyable and met some good friends
there with whom he shared common interests.
Hamza's background was not a musical one when
growing up. His grandmother used to play the piano
and he remembers his grandfather playing the harmonica.
His mother used to play the violin but she gave
it up when she was very young. When he grew up,
Hamza always wanted to be a performer as he really
enjoyed acting when he was younger. As he got
older, he got more into listening to and writing
his own music. His musical influences are Pink
Floyd, Paul Weller, Thin Lizzy, Magnum, Peter
Gabriel, Iron maiden, Sami Yusuf, Cat Stevens
(Yusuf Islam).
Hamza is still based in his home town of Chadderton
in Oldham, UK. He is currently working on a new
album which will have all instruments including
piano and guitar. He says it's going very well
and the writing is almost finished. He's really
looking forward to recording and producing it
in the studio. Before converting to Islam, his
influences were very similar to what they are
now. Although he now realises just how important
it is to spread a good message as he can see the
effect it has on peoples lives coming from the
music scene which he is involved in. In his music
he likes to send out a message of peace and harmony
and of a balancedway of living which is achievable
for us all.
He considers his best achievement to date to
be his performance at Wembley. Saying that to
be able to play a grand piano on a big stage like
that was a really big thing for him and he worked
very hard to get to that point.
In his spare time he likes to spend it with his
wife, family and friends. He also loves to lock
himself in the studio and rock out! He likes to
go to local Muslim gatherings and talks, and think
gaining knowledge is a thing that we should all
endeavour to do. I like walking in the countryside
as this inspires me to write.
His plans for 2008 are to release a second album
and to perform it internationally. He would like
to reach those who have not been fortunate enough
to know about the teachings of Islam and to inspire
truth in their hearts. He believes there are many
beautiful people out there with good hearts and
if they were shown the truth they would embrace
Islam just like him.
He is currently married and expecting a baby
boy in February. Hamza's message to his fans is:
"Keep your faith and this life is meant to
be difficult as it is a test so don't give up
hope and stay strong."
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