Ilm Arts Festival – Passionate About Knowledge & Arts

PERFORMING ARTISTS

Sajid Hussain

The Maestro

Sajid Hussain

The founder and brainchild of Ilm Arts Festival is the philanthropist Sajid Hussain aka “The Maestro”. Born and raised in the UK, from a young age Sajid has always been an entrepreneur at heart. From Wall Street to being the COO of a global charity, Sajid has the gift of bringing people together.

Aerosol Ali

Graffiti Artist

Aerosol Ali

Graffiti was often a self-glorification of one’s identity, the ‘tag’ being the focus. Mohammed began exploring simple messages which at the heart of were still – the words – but words which pointed to other than the ‘self’, with a deeper message, that was speaking to the public, and relevant to the wider society. Mohammed was recently invited by the Pope to perform at the Vatican and delivered a memorable experience for all those who attended.

Fatiha Elghorri

Comedian

Fatiha Elghorri

Fatiha is a London based comedian who appears around the country with her stand up documenting her time on the streets through to her family life. Fatiha also works on many social and humanitarian causes with her comedy, having appeared on BBC Radio London.”

Aman Ali

Storyteller

Aman Ali

Aman Ali is an award winning storyteller in New York City and one of the most engaging social media personalities in the Muslim community today. His passionate and animated tales he regularly posts to Facebook continue to go viral by the thousands daily. He is also one of the only young American Muslims in the public spotlight today. He’s made appearances on various media outlets and also is as a producer & comedian.

Karim Jabbari

Light Painter

Karim Jabbari

Karim Jabbari began his artistic journey at the tender age of 12. A difficult childhood was made easier through the power of calligraphy, allowing him to express what he could not in words. His love for the Arabic language intensified as he began to delve deeper into its beautiful letters, words, and syllables. Inspired by old arabic scriptures, Karim developed his own abstract form of calligraphy using different patterns, shapes, and colors.

Belal Khaled

Calligrapher

Belal Khaled

Belal Khaled is an upcoming calligraphy and graffiti artist with a passion for photography from Gaza. Belal’s unique blend of graffiti writing reinvents traditional Arabic calligraphy and gives hope to all those who encounter his work in Palestine.

Mariah Idrissi

Model

Mariah Idrissi

Mariah Idrissi is fast becoming the face of modest fashion and a global influencer. She is the world’s first Muslim woman to model in hijab for the second largest retailer – H&M. Using her presence in fashion as a platform, she is also a motivational speaker, entrepreneur and has worked with various charitable organisations.

Dr Omar Suleiman

Scholar

Omar Suleiman

Omar Suleiman was born and raised in Louisiana, and connects to a range of audiences through his character, knowledge and charisma. Omar has shared platforms with world leaders including President Barak Obama, served as an Imam in New Orleans and is dedicated to teaching. Omar is also a strong advocate of community service, interfaith dialogue, and in 2010, the Mayor and City Council of New Orleans awarded him for “Outstanding Civic Achievement”.

Muslim Belal

Spoken Word

Muslim Belal

Ashley Chin aka “Muslim Belal” is an English actor, screenwriter, spoken word performance poet and former rapper of Jamaican descent. Reverted to being a young Muslim of Islam and coming from the ghetto upbringing of the streets of London, Muslim has dazzled and shared his journey with thousands across the world with his story. Muslim spends his spare time helping the youth by giving inspiring talks and doing interactive workshops.

Edris Khamissa

Public Speaker

Edris Khamissa

Edris Khamissa is a well known international educationist and trainer who has conducted workshops / seminars around the world. Edris is an excellent motivational speaker who has tremendous faith in man’s capacity to make a change. His attendees find his programmes life-changing. What permeates the workshop is his passion and commitment. His anecdotes together with his knowledge make his presentations animated and insightful.

Faisal Salah

R&B

Faisal Salah

At Just 19 years of age, Faisal Salah with his unique, powerful voice and thought provoking lryics narrates his journey back to islam to all. He has been known to leave crowds in awe as he tells stories of his past and emotional choices through his pieces. For someone so young he has shared the stage with many names such as, Mecca2Medina, Poetic Pilgrimage, Muslim Belal, Amir Khan and many others.

Nour Abou-zeid

Nour Abouzeid, a generation Y Muslim Australian, frustrated with the world and has a lot to say. Having always enjoyed English and poetry coupled with his love for hip-hop and conscious lyrics, spoken word poetry became for him the ideal artistic medium to fight misconceptions, challenge the status quo and try to assert with pride a Muslim identity.

Essam Muhammad

Rapper

Essam Muhammad

Essam Muhammad is from South Seattle, WA, USA of Moroccan descent. He harmonizes Rhythm And Poetry into his art which brings a unique and contemporary aspect into the Islamic realm of creativity. He comes from a community where the youth all share something in common, which is experiencing trauma from a young age. The arts became an outlet of expression to escape from the internalized oppression he has faced.”

Mizz Nina

Designer & Singer

Mizz Nina

Mizz Nina is a renowned Malaysian singer, songwriter and business women. With an illustrious career going back to 1999 when she formed Teh Tarik Crew and after various achievements she went solo in 2010 with her album “What Are You Waiting For”. After returning from Hajj, in 2014 she announced she will only sing to women audiences and embarked on the launch of her fashion outlet Madeena.

Daood Butt

Youth Counsellor

Daood Butt

Shaykh Daood Butt obtained a degree in Automotive Technology and was nominated amongst Canada’s Top Graduates of 2002. He went on to study at the Islamic Uni of Madinah for 7 years, after which he did a Master of Arts Degree in Islamic & Other Civilizations from the IIUM, Malaysia. Daood has developed as one of the leading youth councillor of our time and travels the globe parting knowledge.

Castillo

Nasheeds

Castillo

Romero Castillo is a Singer, Songwriter, Producer and Composer currently recording on his first album in London, UK. Castillo is currently doing a PhD in Islamic studies and works for Sony Entertainment label in the UK. His passion for fitness has also led him to become a part time personal trainer.

Shazet

Beat Boxer

Shazet

Shazet has been taking his originality and creative sounds to the new-school beatboxing scene ever-since the age of 15; especially in South-East Asia. From the shores of Penang, Malaysia and got his big break after winning Beatbox Melbourne Championship 2008 in Australia. He has then performed for various events around the world and represented Malaysia in the Beatbox World Championship 2009 that was hosted in Berlin.

Martin Travers

Visual Artist

Martin Travers

Martin Travers was born and raised in London and is an international muralist and visual artist. His art is a reflection of the struggles of the working class and marginalized communities around the world. He is experienced in a wide range of discipline including murals, fine art, scenic and specialist decorative painting. Martin travels the world painting murals and community arts projects.

Anita Rai

Singer

Anita Rai

Anita Rai is an aspiring singer and songwriter from Melbourne of Indian heritage. With inspiring lyrics and a voice audiences have come to love, she shares her heart through her music. Her appearances include opening act for some of Bollywood’s greatest singing and acting legends such as; Adnan Sami, Sunidhi Chauhan, Farhan Akhtar etc. Her journey to Islam has been exciting and full of challenges.

Fynn Jamal

Poet

Fynn Jamal

Fynn Jamal is an educator, singer, composer, writer, poet, speaker, emcee, actor and influencer. After wining an array of awards over the last couple of years including 2014 Best New Artist Award for Malaysia, Singapore & Indonesia and 2015 Penyanyi Wanita Paling Popular Award, Fynn is one of Malaysians leading female artist and performer. As a devoted mother and wife, Fynn reflects on her journey & shares her moments.

Muadz Dzulkefly

Nasheed Artist

Muadz Dzulkefly

Muadz is an all Inspiring, empowering, and loves to heal others thru his music. Not only is he a talented an upcoming artist, he is also a multilingual vocalist that aims to touch the hearts of all walks of life via unconventional style. With an array of performances that his done across the world, Muadz has a dedicated group of followers who are not only in love with his music but with his character.

Sahar Al Faifi

Campaigner

Sahar Al Faifi

Sahar Al-Faifi is a molecular geneticist by training and community activist by passion. She focuses on power of civil society, Muslim participation & engagement and building alliances for different campaigns that include welcoming refugees, living wage, anti-racism, women’s empowerment and anti-Islamophobia. She is also a blogger participates on TV shows and debates against UKIP and loves skydiving.

Rakaya Fetuga

Writer

Rakaya Fetuga

Rakaya Fetuga is a poet & creative writer from London of Ghanaian & Nigerian heritage. Winner of the Spread the Word Poetry Prize in 2017 and the Roundhouse Poetry Slam in 2018. She has facilitated workshops around the UK & has been commissioned by the English Touring Theatre, Bloomberg and Vanity Fair. Since receiving the Royal Holloway Creative Writing Prize in 2015 and 2016 as an undergraduate, she is now doing an MA in Fiction Writing.

Madinah Javed

Reciter

Madinah Javed

Madinah Javed is a young reciter who not only has legal career to look forward to but will blow you away by the natural gift in her voice. She showcases that women can achieve both the deen (religion) and duniya (worldly gains) and Madinah is just that. Currently finishing off her legal training she travels the world with her recitation & will leave you feeling empowered by the verses of the quran.

Na’ima B Robert

Author

Na’ima B Robert

Na’ima B. Robert has been telling stories and helping other women tell theirs for over 15 years. As an award-winning author, entrepreneur, coach and motivational speaker, Na’ima B. Robert has touched the lives of thousands around the world. She is the award-winning author of the bestseller, ‘From My Sisters’ Lips’ and founding editor of ‘SISTERS’, the magazine for fabulous Muslim women.

Nafissa Bakkar

Entrepreneur

Nafissa Bakkar

Nafisa Bakkar is the CEO of Amaliah, media company amplifying the voices of Muslim women and Halal Gems, halal food discovery platform and street food festival, which has seen over 150,000 attendees over 3 years. Since inception, Amaliah has been featured in Forbes, CNN and Guardian. Nafisa inspires by sharing her journey on how she built a business and gems that will benefit you.

Annie Zaidi

Football Coach

Annie Zaidi

Annie is the first ever female, hijabi Muslim UEFA B coach since 2007 and has faced sexism, racism & Islamophobia. Honoured in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list for 2017, she was awarded a British Empire Medal for services to football coaching, she now takes on the leading role at Solihull club, appointed National Ambassador for Sporting Equals, Women in Football & Football for Peace.”

Bushra Nasir

Educationalist

Bushra Nasir

Bushra is the 1st Muslim Head teacher of a UK State secondary school & is currently the CEO of Drapers Multi Academy Trust. She holds an Honorary Doctorate from the Uni. of East London & a Fellowship from Queen Mary College London. She was awarded Headteacher of the Year by TES & is currently on the Education Advisory Panel of the Prince’s Trust.

Umm Rayaan

Speaker

Umm Rayaan

Umm Raiyaan reverted to Islam 18 years ago and has been involved in UK dawah for over 15 years. In 2010, she founded Solace UK, a charity that helps revert sisters who are in difficulty. She is a Trainer and Practitioner of NLP and holds a BA (Hons) in English Language and Literature. She is devoted to helping women achieve their full potential and connecting with Allah.

Sabnum Dharamsi

Counsellor

Sabnum Dharamsi

Sabnum co-founded spiritual model of counselling, delivers & develops community services in public health, learning & education, and social work fields across multiple areas. She is a Psychotherapist and Lead Counsellor in Islamic Counselling. She works on teenage pregnancy, convened the Islamic Counselling Module for Cambridge Muslim College’s Diploma and is Chair of the Muslim Women’s Helpline.

Sahar Beg

Mentor

Sahar Beg

Sahar Beg is the current Director and Founder of MindworksUK. She has over 20 years experience of working in the mental health field. Her vision is to make a difference to those who are normally unable to access mental health support due to financial difficulties, cultural or faith differences, or language difficulties. She runs training, workshops and theatre therapy.”

Kamal Saleh

Spoken Word

Kamal Saleh

Kamal has always been someone who has loved to express himself through Art. He is known for his Spoken Word talents on YouTube. He has used his talent of spoken word in order to project the religion of Islam in a positive light. He has shown the Muslim community at large, just how powerful our talents can be in the path of Islam. He has introduced art in the field of Islam.

Sara Mansour

Performing Poet

Sara Mansour

Sara Mansour is the founding board member of NOW Australia & cofounder of Bankstown Poetry Slam. As a practising lawyer & a performing poet, she uses her practise & her art to shed light on issues of political & social importance. Sara has been recognised for many achievements, including Young Citizen of the year, Outstanding Youth Leader at the ZEST Awards 2018

Kauthar Abdulalim

Film Maker

Kauthar Abdulalim

Kauthar’s formal journey in films started in 2012 when she undertook a documentary filmmaking course at Open Channel in Melbourne. Since then she has made a short film titled ‘Found’, a story of an Australian Muslim woman who becomes a victim of an Islamophobic attack in Melbourne as the Sydney Siege crises unfold. ‘Found’ has been selected to screen at a number of local and international festivals and won many awards.”

Alaa El Zokm

Recitor

Alaa El Zokm

Imam Alaa studied at Al Azhar University before residing with his wife in Melbourne. As an Imam, school teacher and marriage counsellor, he deals with the affairs of the local community on a daily basis. With his knowledge of the different Qirat recitations Imam Alaa is gifted in the art of Quranic recitation. Imam Alaa has also been a recipient of the Police Community Exemplary Award

George Green

Author

George Green

George Green is a passionate author/ motivational speaker from New York City who inspires with words and his dedication to giving back to the community. With a degree in English & Psychology, George is also a published author working on a series of children’s books called Childhood Champions. George is also a dedicated youth, alcohol and drug outreach worker who works with Muslim youth in Melbourne.”

Ukht Tee

Comedian

Ukht Tee

Ukht Tee is an emerging Speaker & Comedian, speaking about issues of a South Asian Muslim girl living in Australia. Her topics range from spirituality to marriage to wearing the niqab and anything in between. She is active in producing content such as “halal Muslim memes” and throws a light-hearted, humorous spin on serious issues with a dash of Islamic inspiration.

Shakeel Tariq

Caligraphy

Shakeel Tariq

Shakeel Tariq an Australian born Muslim of Indian origin who began his art career with graffiti as a teenager. He completed his apprenticeship as a cabinet maker and has completed a course in Islamic studies at Darul Ulum, College of Victoria where he learnt Arabic calligraphy and now also teaches.

Zaynab Farah

Rapper MC

Zaynab Farah

Zaynab is a Melbourne-based Spoken word artist. Driven to support and give back to her community. Her pieces explore intricate personal experiences and topics that she’s very passionate about. Zaynab has performed on various platforms, which include both community and local events.

Nur Shkembi

Curator

Nur Shkembi

Nur Shkembi is a curator and writer who is a PhD candidate in the Doctor of Philosophy – Arts at the Uni of Melbourne. Over the past decade, Nur has produced more than 150 exhibitions, events & community engagement projects, both nationally and internationally. Much of her interest has been in the development of community awareness in relation to the arts with”

Amran Abdi

Author

Amran Abdi

Amran Abdi is a Australian author, speaker, poet and Early Childhood educator. She uses her experiences as a young, Somali. Muslim women to bring about understanding of the many cultures and communities she belongs to. In a year of publishing her first children’s book, “The Rainbow Hijab”, Amran has fostered positive international dialogue surrounding the hijab.

Muhammad Khodr

Nasheed Artist

Muhammad Khodr

Muhammad Khodr is a creative and talented nasheed artist from Sydney, Australia who sings nasheeds both in English and Arabic. His words are a celebration of his faith and reaches out across communities by touching the hearts of those who listen to his lyrics. As a recognised and acclaimed High School Teacher with a strong passion for the Quran, Muhammed Khodr is a voice of calmness, beauty and reason.

Eugenia Flynn

Arts Worker

Eugenia Flynn

Eugenia Flynn is a writer, arts worker & community organiser with over 10 years’ experience. Eugenia runs the blog Black Thoughts Live Here and her thoughts on the politics of race, identity, gender and arts and culture have been published widely. Eugenia identifies as Aboriginal (Tiwi and Larrakia), Chinese and Muslim,

Hussain Hanif

Cricket Coach

Hussain Hanif

Hussain Hanif was born in Auckland, New Zealand currently living in Melbourne. Hussain is the current Cricket Victoria Vikings head coach and also the Cricket Australia Assistant coach for the ID cricket team. He has a passion for Diversity and Inclusion and using sport as a vehicle to break down barriers and engage with youth.

Mai Nguyen

Photographer

Mai Nguyen

Maira Nguyen is a teacher, story teller & aspiring filmmaker. She has worked for various media organisations, including ABC, SBS, Human Rights Arts, Film Festival and Meld Magazine. Her debut short film Nur (2014) won 2nd prize at Mokhtar Film Festival (2014) and was shortlisted at Victorian Commission Multicultural Festival (2017). Storytelling is her biggest passion and her latest project is the “Ways to be Muslims” exhibition.

Azhar Usman

Comedian

Azhar Usman

Azhar Usman is a Chicago-based standup comedian, actor, writer, and producer. CNN called him “America’s Funniest Muslim,” and Georgetown University identified him as “one of the 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World.” In 2010, standup icon Dave Chappelle commented “Azhar Usman is untouchable.” As the co-founder of the international comedy showcase “Allah Made Me Funny–The Official Muslim Comedy Tour,” he has toured over 20 countries, on five continents.

Bachar Houli

Footballer

Bachar Houli

Bachar Houli is an Australian rules footballer for Richmond in the Australian Football League. Houli plays as a midfielder and in an interview in 2007 he said he was the first practicing Muslim to play for a senior AFL side. Houli has become a leading influence for many young Australian Muslims; his dedication and commitment to his AFL career has enabled him to become a primary figure in his community.

Aseel Tayah

Installation Artist

Aseel Tayah

Aseel travels around the world to discover, photograph and get inspired by people’s culture and history. She initiated “Fingerprint” project to empower young women in her country of origin, Palestine. She is sharing her 10 years of experience in leadership and community development. She is a creative director, art producer and installation artist and has been using her voice to tell stories in arts venues and festivals.

Peter Gould

Designer

Peter Gould

Peter Yaseen Gould is an Australian designer, creative entrepreneur and digital artist. The BBC described him as “among those young urban global Muslims leading the emergence of a new Muslim cool.” Peter’s spiritual and artistic journey into Islam over the last ten years has resulted in a flourish of creative projects aiming to illuminate and inspire hearts from around the Ummah.

Iman Ayoubi

Illustrator

Iman Ayoubi

Iman is a Sydney-based illustrator that specialises in conceptual art. She does illustrations for Ummah Legends weekly. Nothing about her art journey has been linear when she started off with a science degree & made the leap into Design & Illustration. Thru her art with the use of digital illustrations and traditional mediums; Iman hopes to promote discovery of the self and attract attention to the greatness of the Ummah.

Nour Tohamy

Illustrator

Nour Tohamy

Nour Tohamy is a 20 year old self taught pencil/pen artist, born and raised in Sydney. Her art first gained exposure through her Instagram page, @sparksflyidraw, acquiring her an audience of thousands. Since then it has became a language to convey conceptualism and positivity.

Oznur Ates

Ebru Marbling Artist

Oznur Ates

Oznur is a leading and sought after Ebru Marbling artist in Australia. Spellbound by the dance of the colours on water, Oznur set out to explore this art form several years ago. She is self-taught and amalgamates traditional materials and classical techniques with contemporary ideas to produce these unique artforms. Oznur has showcased her selection of vivid artwork in galleries and art festivals across Australia and now teaches her students in her own studio.

Ibrahim Jaaber

Spoken Word

Ibrahim Jaaber

Ibrahim Jaaber is the President of Color Me Muslim that focuses on Muslim Youth and has been blessed with the opportunity to play professional basketball internationally in the best league in Europe for over 6 years. Ibrahim has also been writing and performing poetry for over 10 years using the art of spoken word as a platform to reach out to the Muslim Youth and relay the message of Islam to anyone willing to listen.

Asia Alfasi

Comic Writer

Asia Alfasi

Asia Alfasi is British Libyan an award winning Manga graphic novelist who spent her formative years first in Tripoli and then in Glasgow, Scotland upon migrating there with her family. The definitive Libyan childhood, at the time, was replete with Arabic-dubbed Japanese anime based on classic novels such as Little Women and Les Miserables, all of which inspired and nurtured her love of the genre.

Rashid Bhikha

Hip Hop

Rashid Bhikha

Rashid is a renowned Hip Hop artist & son of famous singer/songwriter Zain Bhikha. He made his singing debut in 2002 on his father’s album ‘Our World’ & has appeared on Yusuf Islam’s “I Look, I See” album gaining him popularity worldwide. Rashid is an avid footballer and has recently launched his much awaited album “Degrees of Separation”

Roshan Isaacs

Fashion

Roshan Isaacs

Roshan Isaacs is revolutionising the way in which designers, the world over, perceive the modest fashionista. As the IFDC’s South Africa Country Manager, she oversees creative projects as she tackles creative problem solving, business strategies and big picture thinking. With a background in Media her contribution to establishing a voice for the Islamic design industry is priceless.

Omar Basheikh

Reciter

Omar Basheikh

Qari Muhammad Omar Basheikh is Kenyan by birth, Yemeni by Origin and South African by education. He started his hifz at the age of 8 in Nairobi & completed it by the age of 11. In 2007 he enrolled at Darul Uloom Zakariyya an Islamic university in Lenasia and did his Aalim course and completed Qira’ate saba under the tutorship of the world renowned Qari Ayyub Eshack. Qari Umar is currently a presenter on Cii Radio.

Aaliyah Kara

Spoken Word

Aaliyah Kara

Aaliyah believes in art for social change. Since the age of 16 she has a love for Spoken Word & in 2015, she was placed in the Top 8 of the Spoken Word for the World competition. Aaliyah is engaged in her postgraduate studies of English Literature at Wits Uni and her passions include reading, photography, teaching Drama to young actors.

Mishary Al-Afasy

Reciter / Nasheeds

Mishary Al-Afasy

Sheikh Mishary Rashid Ghareeb Mohammed Rashid Al-Afasy is a Kuwaiti national and was born in 1976. He studies at The Islamic University in Medina (KSA), College of the Holy Quran and Islamic Studies and specialized in The ten readings and translation of the holy quran. He has read the quran to Sheikh Ahmed Abdulaziz Al-Zaiat born in 1325H in the year 1907. As well as a being a renowned reciter, Sheikh Mishary is also a prolific Nasheed artist releasing many famous songs over the years.

Amir Khan

Boxer

Amir Khan

Catapulted into the limelight from the 2004 Silver medal Olympic podium Amir Khan has become Britain’s highest-profile boxer racking up an impressive professional fight record; having become the World Light Welterweight Champion in July 2009. Living to box has been a self-proclaimed obsession for Amir Khan; one that has turned him from a talented streetwise boy, into a self-assured man and a World Champion.

Zain Bhikha

Nasheed

Zain Bhikha

Since 1994, Zain Bhikha has inspired fans the world over with his messages of hope and upliftment. As a singer, songwriter and through creative workshops and television, Zain is amongst the most popular English Islamic artists, well-loved by young and old. With twelve albums under his belt and a thirteenth to be released this year, Zain’s audience continues to grow in his country of birth, South Africa, as well as globally.

Nouman Ali Khan

Quran Scholar

Nouman Ali Khan

Nouman Ali Khan is the founder and CEO of Bayyinah and serves as a lead instructor for several programs including a number of traveling seminars and Bayyinah TV. His serious Arabic training began in the U.S. in 1999 under Dr. Abdus-Samie, founder and former principal of Quran College in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Nouman has a worldwide following of millions for his lectures and talks and is one of the most influential Muslims in the world.

Hannah Habibi

Artist & Designer

Hannah Habibi

With her humorous juxtapositions and striking subjects, at first glance Hannah’s bold, playful work raises a smile, however the work is clearly underpinned by a deeper social commentary giving her attractive work depth and poignancy. In 2011 Hannah won the 3FF Urban Dialogues Artist Award for her works “Illumination” and “Chasing Paradise”. Hannah’s creative work has taken pop art to new heights and makes one reflect and ponder.

Ahmed Bukhatir

Nasheed

Ahmed Bukhatir

Ahmed Bukhatir is a name synonymous today with any lover of music, specially the “acapella” style of singing. A singer, par excellence, with over 10 million fans, truly an artiste who proves that “music is a universal language”. He has sung in 3 different languages at this point, English, Arabic and French. Ahmed was born in 1975 into one of the biggest business families and he currently serves as a Senator for the Sharjah government.

Peter Sanders

Photographer

Peter Sanders

Peter Sanders began his career in the mid 1960s as one of London’s key photographers of rock musicians including pictures of Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, The Rolling Stones and many others. In 1970, he set off for India and this trip became a spiritual odyssey that led him to the Holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, where he photographed the hajj, at a time when few professional photographers had done so.

Syafiq Zane

Chef & Entrepreneur

Syafiq Zane

Chef Syafiq Zane trained at the prestigious 3 Michelin Star establishment Jean Georges in New York City. After returning to Malaysia he founded F.I.Q’s (Food, Innovation and Quality) the flag ship resturant in Subang Jaya that represents the foundation of his restaurant and his commitment to not only satisfy the hunger for food but also the hunger for excellence in the field of culinary science.

Jordan Richter

Skateboarder

Jordan Richter

Jordan is a professional skateboarder and founder of the Jordan Richter Skateboard Academy in San Francisco. Known for his innovation and creativity, he remains one of the most influential skateboarders of his generation. Growing up during the mid 80’s in San Diego, the epicenter of action sports culture, Richter spent his days skating at the Del Mar Skate Ranch, where he trained with greats such as, Tony Hawk, Danny Way and Christian Hosoi.

Altimet

Rapper

Altimet

He is not called Altimet for nothing. Whether busting rhymes as an MC, producing tracks, composing music or writing lyrics, Altimet delivers hot hits. Recognised for his talents and charm, Altimet strikes the chords that are deep within you. As a product of Malaysia, Altimet’s performances, videos and songs have been enjoyed by many both locally and globally. Not just a music guru, Altimet has launched his own brand of clothing.

Omar Regan

Comedian

Omar Regan

Omar Regan was born and raised in Detroit, USA and started writing songs at the age of 9. In 1999, Omar jumped on stage as a stand-up comic in local comedy clubs and soon after auditioned and was awarded the leading role in a regional commercial and knew acting was his passion and Hollywood was calling. With various acting roles and with the launch of his new movie American Shariah, Omar is on his way in Halalywood.

Amir Sulaiman

Poet

Amir Sulaiman

Amir Sulaiman is a poet, recording artist, activist and newly appointed Harvard Fellow, born in Rochester, New York. His poems cross subjects of love, tragedy as well as what it means to reconcile humanity with the unprecedented trials of modernity. Amir was first introduced to a National audience in 2005 when he was featured for two seasons on Russell Simmons’ groundbreaking series Def Poetry Jam on HBO.

Baba Ali

Comedian

Baba Ali

Baba Ali uses his sharp-witted style to take a realistic look at the everyday issues Muslims are confronted with, including being a Muslim teen, attending Muslim weddings and dealing with cultural issues that have impacted Muslims. What started out as a YouTube blog has turned into something that people all over the world are glued to, giving Ali the opportunity to travel the world and to perform his rare stand-up comedy.

Safina Sajid

Artist

Safina Sajid

Artist Safina Sajid is a British born Muslim whose creative practices concerns itself with the celebration and exploration of cross-cultures, identities and traditions. She explores the fusion between Eastern and Western cultures through sculpture, installation, painting, printmaking and photography. Influenced by her upbringing, she was surrounded by many forms of art such as colourful fabrics, traditional pottery, architecture and beautiful Arabic calligraphy.

Boonaa Mohammed

Spoken Word

Boonaa Mohammed

Dubbed the “voice of a generation,” Boonaa Mohammed is a critically acclaimed award winning writer and performer with accolades including a playwright residency at Theatre Passe Muraille, a short story published in a Penguin Canada anthology called “Piece by Piece” and various slam poetry titles credits including winner of the 2007 CBC Poetry Face-Off “Best New Artist” award.

Zohayma Montañer

Calligraphy

Zohayma Montañer

Zohayma is of Hispanic Oriental descent and is a 13 time international award winning artist who has become one of the most eminent names in the scope of Islamic art and calligraphy. In 2012, she founded Al Ihsaan Islamic School of Arts an institution that aims to teach children the basic fundamentals of Islamic art and geometric designs. Zohyama is also a leading role model in providing insipiration and support to women.

Tommy Evans

Poet, Presenter

Tommy Evans

Imagination, initiative and industry are embedded in the DNA of Tommy Evans. In his decade long career as a hip hop musician he appeared on over forty releases, managed a record label, collaborated with multi-platinum and underground artists alike and performed in the UK, USA and Europe. Presently, he produces and presents RTV’s “Beard Is Beautiful”; delivers motivational talks and dynamic spoken word performances.

Shinji Moriwaki

Spoken Word

Shinji Moriwaki

Shinji Moriwaki aka Figure of Speech or just Speech, delivers songs that are politically and socially motivated. Born and raised in Kuwait to a Chinese mother and Japanese Father, he was brought up on the BBC and CNN which was his family’s idea of after-dinner entertainment. This daily diet of war and violence influenced his world view and eventually his music.

Aerosol Ali

Graffiti Artist

Aerosol Ali

Fatiha Elghorri

Comedian

Fatiha Elghorri

Madinah Javed

Reciter

Madinah Javed

Omar Suleiman

Speaker

Omar Suleiman

Ilm Arts Festival - KUALA LUMPUR

In 2015, an epic festival was launched in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where a truly diverse range of art forms were experienced under one roof. After ground-breaking events in Kuala Lumpur (10/16), Kuwait (08/16), Melbourne (03/16), Johannesburg (07/17), Melbourne (09/18), London (11-19); it is now finally coming back home to Kuala Lumpur in association with the Garden Of Eid Festival. Prominent artists from a renage of genres including Sports Personalities, Comedians, Influencers, Spoken Word, Poets, Graffiti Artists, Reciters, Rappers, Light Painters and many more all come together for a one-day only festival that you just can’t afford to miss.

About Ilm Arts Festival

The Ilm Arts Festival aims to showcase some of the world’s leading performers and artists to come together in an amazing one day festival, where faith meets creativity.

By engaging audiences, uniting communities and highlighting the challenges the youth are currently facing, the Ilm Arts Festival will be the voice of the unheard. Read more>