Hope by Zain Bhikha

The album is a contemporary, urban mix with a strong resonance of African culture throughout. The array of songs addresses various issues of humanity, all falling under the banner of Hope. Zain works with some impressive local and international talent, including his 18-year old son Rashid. Other artists include American rapper Khalil Ismail, Fadi Tolbi of the Middle East and Canadian-born Dawud Wharnsby. The songs include a remake of Michael Jackson’s Heal the World, with a South African twist – the video was shot in Soweto this month. In the same theme of hope and healing is the song Guantanamo Bay. Fans will be pleased that the album contains a re-release of his popular World Cup song; First we need the Love, a duet with Rashid, which garnered thousands of supporters worldwide. Included is a tribute to women: the Woman I love, which speaks to three different roles in a woman’s life, daughter, mother and wife.