About

Abdullah Hamzah aka”Celt Islam” is an English convert to Islam, Sufi and a member of the northern British alternative dub/breaks outfit “Nine Invisibles ” and ” Analogue Fakir ” . Celt-Islam uses a fusion of music from Dub/Electro/Drum andBass and collaborates it with Islamic/world grooves to create a Dub driven dance crossover.

Celt Islam works with many musicians and artists including Inder Goldfinger { Ian Brown- Natacha Atlas-Apesta} Mick Reed { 1919 , Ship of fools and Nine Invisibles } , Bongo Chilli , D Bo General and DanMan { Iration Steppers }.

Celt Islam has just released his track Time/Space on 12″ { Kritical Mass records}and appeared on many compilations from the Buddha Lounge { Shisha Soundsystem }, Sounds from the big town { Chocolate fireguard } and is about to release the track Dervish on the new Cafe paradiso: Park Lane Presents Luxury Chilled Grooves compilation compiled by Shisha Soundsystem which will be out on major release and will be available in all major record shops world wide.

Celt Islam creates music in quite a diverse range of styles and genres. He produces Sufi inspired Global Grooves to create a sometimes Meditative Dub that transfixes everybody who comes across it, to Electro-Dub driven Drum and Bass to satisfy the dance world.

The only analogy that could be drawn to similar artists is that to Mercan Dede but only in terms of concept…Sufism…whereas the sounds, image and distinction of musical styles between the two could not be further apart.

Celt Islam is probably best known to date for his work in the Sufi-Dub genre which he is probably alone in trying to create and to help define as a sub-genre. He does so in collaboration with some respected names such as Inder Goldfinger, tabla player for Stone Roses legend, Ian Brown’s band and Natacha Atlas and Dawoud Kringle who has recorded and performed with the likes of Lauryn Hill.

Celt Islam’s Sufi-Dub work has appeared on some best selling compilations including 2 by UK global music tastemakers Shisha Sound System. Offers are currently on the table from other tastemakers and labels for licensing of his works for compilations.

He is also beginning to gain greater exposure in the UK as Radio 1 DJ’s like Bobby Friction and Pathaan make his music a regular feature on their shows. Celt Islam also has some remixes under his belt for the likes of Karen David and is currently working on a remix in collaboration with DJ UMB from Shisha Sound System for artists on the Swiss/Moroccan Barbarity label.

Celt Islam also has just recently released his anti war dub track ” Gaza” which appears on the VIVA PALESTINA THE ALBUM compilation which features artists as Drew McConnell from Babyshambles, Lowkey, to name a few.

“When it comes to drum and bass Celt Islam is the only Muslim artist worth mentioning. Having consistently released quality material he is never afraid to venture into new areas. Heavily influenced by the sounds of Sufi mysticism and traditional Arabic and Asian music, Celt Islam (the name being derived from his racial and religious background) is in a world of his own.” { Tawheed is Unity }