BOSNIA: FORMER POP STAR CAT STEVENS GIVES RARE PERFORMANCE

(25 Jan 1997) English/Nat

The former pop star Cat Stevens, who converted to Islam and changed his name to Yusuf Islam, has given a performance in Sarajevo of his latest work which he says was inspired by Bosnian music.

The singer told a packed audience of his faith in Islam, saying his music went to the heart of the Koran.

Yusuf Islam had originally planned to visit Bosnia in 1992 but was forced to cancel the trip after war broke out.

Yusuf Islam - better known as 60s pop star Cat Stevens - gave a rare performance on stage in the Bosnian capital Sarajevo Friday night.

The singer has become as famous for converting to Islam as he is for his songs.

He said when he first read the Koran he recognised something he had been seeking all his life.

But he found nothing about music in the book so he decided to stop singing.

At the beginning of the 1990s however he obtained a tape of Bosnian religious songs which, he says, inspired him to resume his musical interests and write a new album.

Yusuf Islam said religion and belief is the source of most music.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"The roots of much of Western music is found either in its religious expression or its pagan expression."
SUPER CAPTION: Yusuf Islam, singer

The singer said music goes to the heart of Islam.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"But for Islam the roots go deeper to finally the message of the Koran and the way of the Prophet."
SUPER CAPTION: Yusuf Islam, singer

He said Bosnia was a leading example of religious-inspired music.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"It seems that Bosnia has absorbed that source of culture and has found an expression which is unique."
SUPER CAPTION: Yusuf Islam, singer

Yusuf Islam told the audience Bosnian music was easier for Westerners to appreciate than other foreign music.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"For people of Western tastes I believe it is much more easy to enjoy and to take part in than some of the most Eastern music."
SUPER CAPTION: Yusuf Islam, singer

Yusuf Islam had originally planned to visit Bosnia five years ago but the trip was put off after the civil war broke out.

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