Music
Press
Haji Basim With a soulful voice and acoustic guitar, Basim’s music is almost entrancing; a certain element of relativity makes his songs personable and inviting. His voice is reminiscent of John Legend with a certain uniqueness that is refreshing. He has a neo-soul style of playing that mixes in a little folk and hip-hop. Addicting and memorable, he will have you humming the tunes of his music. With Yaddatu, Moses, Missing You Dearly and more. $10-$12. Tremont Music Hall. www.tremontmusichall.com. - Creative Loafing Charlotte
Charlotte may not be able to produce a rapper ready for the big time, but there's something in the water around here that kicks out good, soul artists consistently.
Haji Basim is a rising acoustic soul artist calling the Queen City home after performing a ton down in Atlanta, up in Seattle and all over the East Coast. His musical exploration as a student at Johnson C. Smith University was the driving force behind the blend of urban folk music he does now and you'll hear influences of folk, soul, hip hop, flamenco, bossa nova and neo soul in his songs.
- Creative Loafing Charlotte
Discography
Urban Folk Vol.1 4/09
Grattitude 7/10
Photos
Bio
Haji Basim’s art truly reflects life. His music speaks from the experiences of a soul that you will become drawn to upon listening. His brand of urban folk music takes you on a tour that begins as a child in a strict religious household where secular music was forbidden. These humble beginnings are something that many great musicians have in common because, as Haji makes evident, it is not genre that makes music great, but the ability to translate emotion and thought. Haji finds influence in several styles including folk, soul, hip hop, flamenco, bossa nova and neo soul. The impact of being introduced to a wide variety of music in college can be felt as these styles mingle and shake hands in every composition. Haji’s music speaks from a spirit that was driven to communicate through song during the dark days following the adventures of higher education. In 2002, after connecting with the guitar, this singer/songwriter began his journey sharing experiences with the world and exploring other instruments of expression. You can hear the beginnings of something great as you listen to his current album Urban Folk: Acoustic Garden Vol. 1 and soon you will be able to further follow this man’s journey on Urban Flamenco. To date Haji has taught himself nine acoustic instruments and has performed for crowds in several states and London. He has performed extensively in Atlanta and Seattle while also touring the east coast. Haji’s art continues to grow as he travels the world learning, teaching, and sharing music.
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