Sami Yusuf is a British composer, artist and musician. He was born in July 1980 into a musical family of Azeri origin, and music consequently played an integral part in his life. Sami learned to play several instruments at a young age and gradually began to show a keen interest in singing and composing. He studied music at several institutions and with renowned composers and musicians including composers from the Royal Academy of Music in London. Sami has been composing from a very young age and his beautiful voice is supplemented by his knowledge of music theory and harmony; he also has a good understanding of the Middle Eastern poetic modes. Sami is a devout Muslim who sees nasheeds as a means of promoting the message of love, mercy, peace and tolerance, and a tool for encouraging youth to be proud of their religion and identity.