Dawud Wharnsby

Listed as on of the 500 Most Influential Muslims (2009-Present) for contribution to Arts and Culture. Canadian born poet and songwriter Dawud Wharnsby began sharing his songs with audiences as a street performer in his late teens. Over two decades later, his career as a troubadour has yielded a string of fifteen solo albums, five poetry anthologies, numerous sound-track credits, performances in some of the world’s most prestigious theatres and collaborations with several celebrated artists (including Irshad Khan, Chris McKhool, Danny Thompson, Stephen Fearing, Yusuf/Cat Stevens, Hadiqa Kiani and Zain Bhikha).

In true folk-music tradition, Wharnsby’s songs have taken on a life of their own ~ spreading around the world, ringing out in primary schools, universities, places of worship, rallies and conventions ~ with words that have found their way into listener’s hearts, regardless of age.

His work and reputation as a pioneer in the composing of English language anasheed (muslim hymns) has him referenced in textbook publications affiliated with Harvard University in the USA, Cambridge University Press in the United Kingdom and others. The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre (Jordon) has included Dawud on their list of the 500 Most Influential Muslims (2009 – Present) for his international artistic efforts, while his universalist approach to religion keeps him actively engaged with inter-faith and peace efforts world-wide.

As a result of his global efforts in community bridge-building, Dawud Wharnsby (a passionate environmentalist and lover of the out-doors) was declared an Ambassador of Scouting by the UK Scout Association as of June 2010. He also serves as an ambassador for the British based environmental charity MADE in Europe. As a voice for the socially-conscious and spiritually-driven, Dawud’s poetry, songs, articles and intimate live performances have inspired a generation of educators, musicians, poets, artists and professionals.

He manages his own music publishing company, audio studio and independent music label Enter Into Peace, which help fund his ongoing work alongside several humanitarian and educational initiatives. Though he continues to write, record and occasionally tour internationally ~ in recent years Dawud has become a strong advocate of Simple Living. He resides with his family in Kitchener, Canada where he writes, records, tends to household chores and is involved with educational puppetry.

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