CHICAGO—Who says Muslims don’t have fun?
The M.G.T. and G.C.C. (Muslim women of the Nation of Islam) presented a night of entertainment on December 16 at Muhammad University of Islam (MUI), which is on the grounds of Mosque Maryam, the National Headquarters for the Nation of Islam. The evening featured performances from vocalists, musicians and spoken word artists.
Brother Toure Muhammad, one of the emcees for the event, told The Final Call he enjoyed every bit of the evening.
“We have definitely enjoyed their talent,” he said. “It was on point and beautiful as always. There were some new people, Brother Darren; Sister Khadijah, just beautiful … .”
He continued to say that social events like the night of entertainment are healthy for Believers.
“It’s always a great time for the Believers to come together and mentally, let our hair down and see the talent that we have and celebrate each other,” he said. “I think that it was the tip of the iceberg. I’m sure that there is more talent.”
Sister Kacia Muhammad, a vocalist at the event, told The Final Call, “I was working with talented people, people who already have a skill set and are musically inclined. The organizing of it was pretty easy. … Overall, I thought the show went very well. … I think it’s important that we do these types of shows because, otherwise, where do we get the clean glass?”
She also said she was nervous to perform but the energy from the audience helped her through: “I have to give my shoutouts to the M.G.T.: Sister Captain Naeemah Muhammad, First Officer Sister Gina Muhammad, all the M.G.T.”
Khadijah Y. Muhammad, dedicated a part of her vocal performance, which was the song “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys, to her late great grandmother.
“I was very nervous if I’m being honest,” she told The Final Call. “I had to say several prayers to Allah because as much as I love to sing and I know I can sing, it’s still humbling to perform in front of other people, and you know, you could still mess up because you’re human.”
She said the show was a great opportunity for everyone to enjoy talent that many may not see every day. “It allows us to come together and see each other in other lights,” she said. “These events also show the love that we have for one another. I feel like the more time I spend with the Believers, I find more reasons to love them and I see more ways that they love me.”
Sister Auset Abdullah was one of the attendees who came just to support and enjoy the talent.
“It was very nice!” she said. “Everyone had a great time singing along to the songs and the energy was pure fun. I enjoyed myself thoroughly because I love music.”
