by Yaminah Muhammad
HARLEM—Majestic vibrations filled the sixth floor of the Alhambra Ballroom on Saturday, August 24, as the Nation of Islam’s Musical Ensemble performed classical sounds of harmony.
The historic performance served as the ensemble’s second stop on their groundbreaking “Sounds of Harmony Tour.” Taking center stage, the skilled musicians demonstrated a rich refinement of culture and artistry through their masterful recitals of classical music.
The Nation of Islam’s Musical Ensemble is comprised of young performers ranging from the ages of 9 to 23. Inspired by the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and the musical proficiency of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, the youthful musicians embody the high level of culture and civilization fostered within the Nation of Islam (N.O.I.) through their vocal and instrumental discipline.
This includes the soprano operatic music by vocalist Khadijah Muhammad, and the playing of string instruments such as violin, viola, cello and piano by Amirah H. Muhammad, Henry Leon Akbarkhan Muhammad, Naseem Muhammad, Malik Muhammad, Khalilah Muhammad, Abdul Malik Muhammad, Amirah I. Muhammad, Sajdah Muhammad, Timothy Muhammad, Maryam Muhammad, and Jamilah Shakir Muhammad.
To showcase their sophisticated culture and civilized training, the ensemble embarked on a nationwide tour starting on June 29 in Houston, Texas, at the Joe Ratliff Lifelong Center—just months after their debut in Detroit, Michigan, during the N.O.I.’s annual Saviours’ Day Convention.
Following up on their first tour stop, the ensemble hit the stage in Harlem, New York, performing complex classical arrangements. Led by composer/arranger and Music Director Farrad Muhammad, the musicians beautifully performed highly respected pieces, including Symphony No. 2 in D Major (Mvt. 1) by Chevalier de Sainte George, and for their Finale, “Ode to Joy,” from Symphony No. 9 by L.V. Beethoven followed by the Fight Song by the Most Honorable Elijah.
To put their creativity on full display, the ensemble also played a variety of original compositions—written, performed and directed by members of the ensemble themselves.
The four-hour musical event, hosted by Muhammad Mosque No. 7, the East Coast Regional Headquarters of the Nation of Islam and the Student Regional Laborers of the Eastern Region, allowed the audience to experience the young ensemble’s exceptional musicianship, artistry and dedication to the elevation of their craft. Bringing the crowd to a standing ovation after every performance, the ensemble set forth a new and inspirational wave of Black youth in classical arts.
“We are pushing the needle forward relative to promoting the arts. In the past, we may have done a Poetry Slam or Hip-Hop and R&B Jam, but we never promoted the classics. So, this means a lot because it is expanding our offering to the Black community,”
Student Minister Arthur Muhammad of Mosque No. 7 told The Final Call. Speaking to the youthfulness of the ensemble, he added, “We are investing in our future, not that there isn’t any talent amongst the elders and the seasoned believers, but we need to invest in our young people because they’re going to be here for a very long time.”
In the same regard, a member of the Shura Executive Council of the Nation of Islam, Student National Secretary Sa’ad Alim Muhammad told The Final Call, “Us promoting the youth in our Nation is giving them a different perspective and showing them that the Nation of Islam is working and values what they have dedicated their lives to.
We are striving to heighten the trajectory of their thinking in these performances, and prayerfully, it will translate into higher energy, higher spirit and higher civilization, which the Saviour came to give us.”
To demonstrate the answer to that prayer, audience members expressed the elevated ways in which the performances resonated with them.
“It was amazing. I think the ages of the children is just phenomenal for the music that they’re performing, and I can only imagine how great their futures will be if they continue on this path,” healthcare provider Trese Prton, 40, told The Final Call.
“Music is something that comes from the soul and unites people. It knows no race, boundary or color. So, I think music is the future and from what I see here, the future is bright,” she continued.
Similarly, Qadirah Muhammad, 26, of Mosque No. 25 in New York also expressed her delight for the future after experiencing the ensemble’s musical greatness.
“I saw very young people play so beautifully and successfully. And still, they have so much more creative growth that will follow them as they continue to perfect their techniques.
It showed me that we are absolutely on the road to success and gave me a glimpse into what the future looks like for us as a people if we continue to strive in unity to bring our ideas to life,” Sister Qadirah told The Final Call. “It gave me great joy, peace, and a feeling of calm and security,” she added.
While the audience looked into the future, members of the N.O.I. Musical Ensemble grew inspiration from the past. For them, the musical concert came as a close to a weekend full of culture-infused excitement.
Indulging in the iconic art, music, and literature of Harlem, the young musicians toured popular historic locations, including the National Jazz Museum and the Apollo Theater ahead of their performance on Aug. 24. While at the Apollo Theater, the musicians were awarded the opportunity to perform on stage as a part of their private tour.
Violist and ensemble member Amirah H. Muhammad, 23, saw the expeditions as an inspirational cultural awakening for the young performers.
“The excursions were very educational, informational and fun. I think as performers, we were all excited to see how lively and rich the culture in Harlem was.
Just seeing and learning about all of the many great Black performers and how they have contributed to the culture made us excited to make our mark there as well. In honor of the history, it made us want to continue working hard at our music and our craft so we, too, could fit into that history,” she told The Final Call.
The N.O.I. Musical Ensemble’s “Sounds of Harmony Tour” is scheduled to run from Summer 2024 to February 2025. In September, the tour is scheduled to make its next stop in headquarters of the Nation of Islam—Chicago, Illinois.
