Labbayk

History

In May 2004, Labbayk were formed within the Muslim society of Secondary School in London, England. Masum (born 1987), Imran (born 1991) and other students showed an interest in the idea and sang at Islamic events for the school. In 2006, Ehsaan Tahmid (born 1987) joined the group. In 2015, Shafi (born 1990) also joined the group as its fourth member. The group members are all of Bangladeshi descent.

Labbayk are represented by Gloucester-based record label Safar Media.

Style

Musical instruments are not utilised in composing the vocal harmonies in Labbayk's nasheeds. The style of their nasheeds is Islamic a cappella, using their voices only. Their singing styles originate from Bengali, Pakistani, Indian, Arab and Western melodies. Their aim is to give dawah (inviting others to Islam) through melodies and lyrics that portray a positive message of Islam to the world.

Labbayk ensure that the lyrics and content are verified by independent Islamic scholars. The scholars include Dr. Shaykh Hussain Ahmed (UK), Mufti ‘Umair Zulfiqar (UK), Imam Tahir Anwar (U.S), Shaykh Muhammad Sibbini (UK) and Shaykh Suliman Gani (UK).

Recording

In August 2008, Labbayk's debut album Rhymes of Praise was released by Safar Media. It also features Qur'an recitation by Shaykh Shah Mizanul Hoque. The lyrics and content were verified by Muslim scholars in order to maintain the limits and boundaries of Shari’ah (Islamic law). In May 2010, a charity album in aid of Ebrahim College titled O' My Lord was released, credited under 'Ehsaan and Friends' featuring Labbayk, Muhammad Islam, Ali Gulam, Mahdud, Sayed, Ridwan and RepDaDeen. In August 2012, Labbayk's second album The Greatest Gift was released on an Internet Based radio station called Al Mubarak Radio hosted by Umar Faruk Dhorat and digital downloads were available the following week. In June 2016, the group released their fourth album titled Gratitude, which features nasheeds in various different styles for diverse audiences.

In August 2009, a collaborative charity single "Feed the World, Feed the Fasting" was released by Muslim Aid. The song featured Labbayk along with artists Rizwan Hussain, Abdullah Rolle, Muslim Belal, Khaleel Muhammad and Mecca2Medina.

Performances

Labbayk have performed at international events, including Global Peace and Unity in ExCeL Exhibition Centre, London (2008), Eid in the Square in Trafalgar Square, London (2009), Mahdin in Kerala, India (2009), Youth Tarbiyah Conference in Toronto, Canada (2010), Souk in Durban, South Africa (2010), Fanar Expo in Doha, Qatar (2011), Islamic Central Council Switzerland (ICCS) Annual Conference in Bern, Switzerland (2011), and Day Against Islamophobia and Racism in Bern, Switzerland (2012). They have also performed in a number of other events in South Africa and the U.S.

The group also perform at private events such as weddings, Iftar gatherings, Eid parties, charity fundraisers and conferences across the UK.

Media appearances

In March 2013, Labbayk appeared on Channel 4's 4thought.tv. In October of the same year, Masum was interviewed by Nadia Ali on BBC Asian Network. In March 2017, Masum also interviewed as part of a BBC Radio 4 Documentary titled The Sound of Bombs which explores how nasheeds are being misused by extremists as propaganda material.