His nationwide performances have been varied with headline performances at various clubs, art centres and outdoor events such as Cheltenham Literature Festival and as far afield as the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. Now, British recording artiste Yussef Ahmed latest CD, Circles, is to be launched on June 14.
Born in England, Ahmed was raised in East Dry River, Port-of-Spain, until the age of 17, when he returned to his birth place. Alternative topical, witty and enlightening, Ahmed is a poet, musician and cultural activist who has performed extensively across the UK, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Ahmed has been on the cutting edge of literature and music, bridging the gap and making the art form more accessible to a wider audience. Dubbed as a musical poet extraordinaire, his uniqueness as a performer stems from his ability to captivate an audience through a stunning delivery of his perspective and often wry lyrics, which covers a range of subjects on the poetic licences that he now endorses.
Sharing the stage with the likes of Youssou N ’Dour, Jazz Jamaica, Benjamin Zephaniah and Gabriel with his unique style of social commentary fused with urban grooves, Ahmed’s performances leave audiences with a feeling of unity and happiness as his poems dance from the page to the stage.
Following Ahmed’s 1990 debut outing—Rootical Ties Of Poemology—for Manchester’s label BOP Recordings, his other recordings include a track on the War in Want compilation album Harambee Africa and a track on the German Soulciety album Funk Food as well as a limited-edition single entitled Don’t Crack. Ahmed was subsequently selected by the London Music Circuit to participate in the Young Gifted And Black National Tour.
Since the year 2000, Ahmed has produced five full-length albums on his Hilal On Wax label—Love Of Life (2001); Against all Odds (2004); Rejuvenation (2006); Totally Live (2009); and, Circles (2013). His Rejuvenation album was co-produced by Paul Brook who has worked with the likes of Coldcut.
Ahmed’s poem For No One and lyrics on New World and Go Boy have been recorded by the widely acclaimed group Zap Mama. His music has also been featured in an award-winning documentary by the Hal Aqah Press entitled 500 Years Later.
Ahmed’s extensive touring has fulfilled engagements throughout the UK and Europe which has lead to his performances being broadcasted on Calton TV Channel 4 and BBC Radio 2. His music has also been used on the BBC programme Points of View.
According to Ahmed, “we make music to keep your feet moving and your mind working, hence there will always be meaningful lyrics copulated with spirited energy of organic grooves from the soul of the Diaspora.”
Commenting on Ahmed, Senior BBC Broadcast Journalist Chris Highton said: “A man with a compelling story to tell. His poetry and music gets you thinking about freedom, peace and the way we live with each other.”
About the artiste, the National Poetry secretariat posted: “A unique talent, a poet and lyricist with a rare gift for satire and celebration.”
Yussef’s Discography
Love of Life - CD Album
(Hilal On Wax/2001)
Against All Odds - CD Album
(Hilal On Wax/2004)
Rejuvenation - CD Album
(Hilal On Wax/2006)
Travel On - CD Single
(Hilal On Wax/2007)
Totally Live - CD Album
(Hilal On Wax/2009)
Aboriginal Dreams - CD Single
(Hilal On Wax/2010)
Remember Lumumba - CD Single
(Hilal On Wax/2012)
Circles (Radio Edit) - CD Single
(Hilal On Wax/2012)
The Weatherman - CD Single
(Hilal On Wax/2012)
Circles - CD Album
(Hilal On Wax/2013)