B-SHAF’s Mission To Save The Youth Through Music
A Nasheed artist is contributing to positive change in his hometown of Bolton through his lyrics as opposed to violent and misogynistic themes found in mainstream rap, Grime and Drill music.
Bilal Shafiq, 32, was born and raised in Haugh, a crime-ridden area of Bolton which saw violence between Asian youth and drug dealing was rife.
Shafiq said things have changed a lot as the troublemakers are either in jail or have moved away. There were even murders and a car bombing at one point.
“Things have now changed,” said Shafiq, “Now we have a good community where everyone knows each other, and there’s a mix of people including Indians, Pakistanis and white people. The drug wars were between rival Asian areas, but there’s never been any racism in the community for decades.”
Regarding his passion for music, he added: “I have always been attracted to music. It perks my ears. When I was young I used to listen to Craig David and Nelly among others. I soon got into rap music and followed the likes of Biggy and Tupac. Their music actually affected me because what I saw in my area was what they used to talk about.”
The father-of-two was never involved with drug dealing because he was never a “sheep” and didn’t just follow the crowd. He was hardened by his experiences and witnessed his friends being assaulted.
“I was always interested in American rap and hip-hop whereas others used to follow UK Garage music. I never enjoyed listening to Grime or Drill music,” said Shafiq.
His father was a huge influence on him until he passed away. Being a very pious man, he didn’t approve of music, especially when Shafiq’s music was played on the radio. His father wanted him to use Nasheeds to educate young people about Islam.
His father passed away in 2022, thankfully, before he died Shafiq had given up on rap music.
“I stayed away from Islamic rap because at the time I didn’t want to sing about Islam without practicing it fully myself. I was in a Satanic trap until I was guided by my mentor – Sajid Hussain (Founder of Seek2Change) – who advised me.
“I realise now that if you sacrifice something for Allah, he replaces it with something better. After my dad passed away, my mentor advised me that if you have a talent you should use it for Allah or you may end up using it for the Devil. ”
Shaykh Dabbagh – a spiritual master – gave Shafiq his rap name after he sought permission to start rapping about Islam. He named him B-SHAF and five months ago he released his first single to critical acclaim and was featured on BBC Radio Manchester and the BBC Asian Network. He also performed alongside Muslim Belal and Khaled Siddiq, big names on the Islamic rap scene.
“Like when I grew up I now realise how music influences and shapes our perspectives and views of the world. It’s important that the youth need to be influenced in a good way and for them not to waste their lives,” said Shafiq, “What they listen to nowadays is about selling drugs and making money and living the high life. Some rap music is about violence and murder. As Muslims we need to promote peace in every scenario. I have two little daughters, and now the music I produce can be played to them.”
