Avitas, comprising Kinan Tassi and Victoria Wilson James of The Shamen and Soul II Soul fame, released its debut album A Course in Miracles on 12 June 2006. Sharq interviews the award-winning producer, composer and singer about his fusion of musical genres, his roots, and his future plans.

 

 

Our paths crossed at a dinner party in the summer of 2000. Shortly thereafter, we began experimenting to synergise the ancient and contemporary musical influences of the Occident and the Orient, incorporating East and West, Arabia and India, classical and medieval Europe, and the influences of Asia, Africa and the Far East. The result is this groundbreaking album.

 

I was born in the US in 1975, but I am from a pretty old, established family in Syria.

 

It has always been my parents' wish that I took the best of Eastern and Western traditions and cultures. Finding your way through these rather different ways of life and outlooks was a challenge, but also a great source of growth and discovery.

 

While living in Saudi Arabia as a child, I learned more about my Muslim heritage and practiced it, though I do not consider myself religious, just spiritual.

 

For non-Arabs, it is uplifting, intriguing and unique. They find it relaxing and great to chill out to and reflect upon. Many people have commented about the beauty and depth of Night of Power, and are fascinated that it is sung in Arabic and English.

 

Some have said it has piqued their interest in Arab culture and language. Others have said it has helped introduce them to the more peaceful, universal and accepting aspects of Islam, rather than the negative press that is generated by much of the Western media.