Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 27 December 2002 — Page 12

PAGE B4

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27,2002

MUSUMHIMIOrtMW

Native Deen raps for Allah NEWARK, N J. (AP) - This is one hip-hop group that puts the Prophet before the profit Native Deen, named after the Arabic word for “religion” or “way of life,” sings solely about Islamic topics. The trio charges only $600per show, and won’t perform where alcohol is served or mixed dancing is permitted. Its members strive to be role models for young music fans who might otherwise be drawn to gangsta rap or other explicit forms of entertainment and hope to educate others about their religion. “Islam is our daily life,” said Joshua Salaam, 29, a Camden native who now lives in the Washington, D.C., suburbs. “That’s the difference between Muslims and non-Muslims. It forms what you do, who you are, what you eat, when you sleep, how you pray, beats driven by electronic rhythms “There’s not a lot of substance of the countiy’s most respected everything. We just sing about and multitiered vocal tracks. there. You have to realize the Muslim organizations. Ahmad, a what we know, and who we are." Lyrics touch on topics like the power ofmusic. You have 5-year- Connecticut native, lives in the There is a niche for what they tensions between Islamic and olds memorizing your songs and Washington area and works as a do. Religious performers sold secular lifestyles, religious obli- maybe acting on that.” web designer. Muhammad is a nearly $918 million worth of re- gations and pride in Islamic cul- The group hosts a Friday after- lifelong Baltimore resident, where cordings last year, acconnting for tine. The chorus of the group’s noon Internet broadcast on the he works as a project manager for 6.7 percent of the global $13.7 signature song goes, “M-U-S-L- Islamic Broadcasting Network a technical company, billion market, according to the I-M, I’m so blessed to be with that has a global audience. Native Deen’s fan base is alRecording Industry Association them.” “They’re being received quite most exclusively Muslim, alofAmerica. Most of those were by Another track, “Hellfire,” de- well, especially by the youth,” said though group members say they Christian acts; the association did tails the worldly struggles of a Hana Baba, the Virginia-based would like someday to have a not have an estimate ofhow many halfhearted Muslim who drifts network’s program director. “I get greater reach and spread knowlwere by Islamic artists. away from his faith and into ma- e-mails from people saying how edge of Islam to those of other Native Deen is working on its terialism and drugs, before real- glad they are that finally the Mus- faiths. Salaam said that although first album, and is seeking a record izing the error of his ways and lim community is able to produce the three are all African-Ameri-contract. But the group has re- begging forgiveness from Allah, something that’s entertaining as can Muslims, Native Deen is not leased many singles and cassettes “A lot of folks in the Muslim well as informative.” associated with The Nation of Isindependently and over the community recognize the need for Native Deen had its origins in lam or the Five Percenters. He Internet, enough to gain a steady Muslim media,” said Yaser El- an annual Islamic youth confer- described the group’s beliefs as following that keeps it perform- Menshawy, chairman of Majlis ence in Minnesota. On the last “mainstream Islam.” ing at mosques, weddings and Ash-ShuraofNew Jersey, a Mus- day of each conference, partici- Because its fans are mostly conferences. It most recently per- lim religious council. “The kids pants would sing or rap on a stage Muslim, the group rarely gets formed before 400 teens at the want something to listen to. If for their peers. Salaam, Abdul- asked about the Sept. 11 terror Muslim Youth Center in Brook- you don’t give them something Malik Ahmad and Naeem attacks. Still, Salaam is quick to lyn, N.Y. that conforms to Muslim guide- Muhammad all met at these con- denounce the killings. The group uses only percus- lines, theyll find something else.” ferences, and struck up a friend- “Anytime a life is taken withsion and voices, in deference to a Indeed, Salaam said Native ship and formed the group two out cause, you are killing all hudebate in religious circles as to Deen wants to be an alternative years ago. manity in Islam,” he said. “It was whether wind and stringed in- to groups who make millions rap- The three still have their day deplorable.” | $truments are forbidden under ping about killing and chilling. jobs. Salaam has adegree in crimiIslam. Given the self-imposed “You hear them talking about nal justice and works in the civil For more information, visit limitations, its music is surpris- taking your clothes off, or some rights division of the Council on Native Deen’s Web site at: http:/ ingly rich, with layers of tonal girl doing something,” he said. American Islamic Relations, one /www.nativedeen.com.

RELIGION BRIEFS

New Year*s service Scott United Methodist Church invites you to begin the New Year at the church on 2153 Dr. Andrew J. Brown Ave. The Watch Night Service starts at 10:30 p.m. Dec. 31 and the theme is “Great is thy faithfulness.” The service will include a time of testimony, hymns and Wesley’s Covenant Service. Overcoming Church adds services To accommodate their growth, Overcoming Church is expanding to two services starting Jan. 5. The first service will begin at 8 a.m. and the second starts at 11 a.m. Overcoming Church is located at 2203 N. Columbia Ave. on the corner of

22 nd and Columbia. For more information call (317) 931-8025. Petition drive to stop pornography The Religious Alliance Against Pornography (RAAP) and the National Coalition for the Protection of Children & Families have launched a petition drive aimed at getting Fortune 500 companies out of the pornography business. The drive follows a meeting of delegates from the RAAP and National Coalition with Attorney General John Ashcroft. AT&T, which is present in millions of households, has been providing the Hot Network, which features hardcore pornography, as well as the Playboy Channel and other soft-core porn channels for years.

DANIELS ► Continued from Page 1 Containing compositions like “Joy Unspeakable” and “Hold On,” this effort received airplay in various markets, culminating in Daniels’ “overdue” recognition earlier this month. “Man, my goal is to help listeners become more receptive to God’s message by presenting his word in musical form,” Daniels stated. “Even at times when I might be in pain, I hope that what I do can lift somebody else up.” The minister creates material on his own label, Collegian Records, which he created in response to what he views as a growing undercurrent of negativity in the

gospel music industry. He said, “Contrary to popular belief, it’s very hard to make it in this industry if you don’t know the right people or have the right label. Even still, the larger labels dump an artist when somebody more commercially appealing comes along. It doesn’t matter how talented or spirit-filled you are. That’s why I and many other artists have decided to go independent.” Daniels added that he would like to eventually sign other artists to his label. “I hope, in the near future, to work with young artists who are serious about spreading the truth of Jesus.”

INDIANAPOLIS YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE MESSIAH BAPTIST CHURCH FAMILY For Our First WATCH NIGHT SERVICE CELEBRATION In Our New House at 5640 E. Off" Street JOIN US ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2002 - 10:00 P.M. PRAISE & WORSHIP MESSIAH MASS CHOIR Under the Leadership of Our Own BRO. VtMVME HWLEY ** Music Director & SIS. CANDACE HENLEY Praise & Worship Leader Special Music Guest The Gospel Songbird SIS. LEMME BATTLES Featured Soloist on the Chicago Mass Choir Stellar Nominated Saved, Sealed and Delivered THE PREACHED WORD Our Own Senior Pastor REV. STEPHEN J. CLAY SEE YOU IN THE CELEBRATION!

140th Observance and Our 59th Annual GUEST SPEAKER Emancipation Day Celebration

OUR GUEST SPEAKER

1863

%

2003

O'

;*** ■

Julia Carson US. CONGRESSWOMAN INDIANA 7™ CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Wednesday, January, 1,2003 10:00 a.m. Dr. Melvin B. Glrton, Sr., Program Chairman Services Sponsored by Interdenomlnetlonel Ministers’ Missionary Baptist Ministers’ Alliance Alliance of Indianapolis Dr. FHzhugh L Lyons, Sr. Dr. Herbert Qatar, Jr., President President Christ Missionary Baptist Church 1001 Eugene Street Dr. MsMn B. Qlrton, Sr., Host Pastor

)

i

i.

V

I