Egyptian nasheed artist Mostafa Atef says he is on a “mission to spread love and mercy”, at a time where the world is more divided than ever before. The gifted 26 year old vocalist is in Cape Town for the first leg of his South African tour, which kicks off on Saturday night at the CTICC at 6.30pm. Capetonians will be mesmerised by Atef’s powerful voice and his soul-stirring nasheed and qasaa-id.

“I’m very thankful to Allah (swt) for being able to praise our Rasullulah (pbuh). I have been fortunate to travel around the world and my purpose for coming to South Africa is for us to get to know each other.  My visit to South Africa is also about spreading mercy. So I am very proud to be part of this journey,” he told journalists through a translator at a press conference this week.

Atef is a student of the Faculty of Arabic and Islamic Studies at Al-Azhar University and has a strong, sharp and a resonating voice; very much reflected in his Quranic recitation and Qasidah. Through his official YouTube channel, he has attracted more than 3 million viewers worldwide.

Atef firmly believes his vocal prowess is part of a spiritual journey in which he is able to spread the beauty of Islam and its values.

“We are not here because we want to be here. We are chosen to be here. What He chooses for you, that’s an honour. When you mention Allah, Allah mentions you,” he said.

“Our forefathers have worked hard for us. It’s about the calling for mercy, tolerance and the importance of unity and brotherhood. We should take that message forward.”

Local nasheed group Khuddamul Islam will be the supporting act for the concert, and described being “honoured and humbled” by the prospect of singing with one of their rolemodels.  Their harmonious acapella and soulful drum beats made a huge impact on Atef, who broke into a standing ovation.

Later on, Atef gave an emotional rendition of ‘Qamarun’, his most popular nasheed song, joined in heartfelt backing vocals by Khuddamul Islam.

“I can’t describe how happy I am and the efforts put in to promoting the event. I want to also say a huge thank you to Khuddamul Islam. That love is very sincere,” he said humbly.

The Mostafa Atef South African Tour 2016 is presented by Anonymous Branding and sponsored by Al Jeem, MK Travel Agency, Fibre World and Timbuktu Coffee Shop. VOC, Muslim Views and ITV DSTV Channel 347 are the official media partners.

VOC said it was proud to be associated with Mostafa Atef, who has become an exemplary role model to many youth confronted by a myriad of social challenges in the contemporary context.  Atef has influenced many aspiring nasheed and qasaa-id artists with his unique vocal ability.

Representing Muslim Views, Mahmood Sanglay said Atef’s message of love, mercy and tolerance also came at an opportune time, as Muslims mark the month of Rabi ul Awwal, the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), also known as Moulood.  VOC