Sacred Music

Satnam Galsian is a British-Punjabi vocalist and songwriter based in Leeds, celebrated for her innovative fusion of North Indian and Western music traditions. A graduate of Birmingham Conservatoire, she has performed nationally and across Europe, collaborating with a diverse array of artists and lending her vocals to both Radio 4 plays and drum and bass tracks .

Vijay Venkat is a versatile multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and composer, specialising in South Indian Classical (Carnatic) music on violin, flute, and the rare vichitra veena. An empanelled artist of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, he represents Indian classical music internationally, with performances at the Madras Music Academy, Autumn Festival (Paris), and Manchester International Festival. Equally skilled in solo concerts, ensemble work, dance productions, theatre, and storytelling, Vijay brings classical rigour to a wide range of genres. His collaborations span world music, jazz fusion, and sacred traditions, and include composing and performing with members of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. A committed and innovative artist, Vijay is known for blending tradition with experimentation, creating music that is both culturally rooted and globally resonant. He holds an M.Phil in Anthropology from the University of Madras and a Master’s in Music from Middlesex University, London.

Awais Ahmed is a British-Pakistani vocalist known for his heartfelt recitation of Naats and Nasheeds in praise of Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He began reciting at just 8 years old and has since developed a powerful and moving voice, performing in Arabic, English, Punjabi, Urdu, and Farsi. Based in Batley, Awais regularly performs across the UK and travels throughout the Muslim World with Ziyara Tours, sharing his voice with audiences in countries such as Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. During these journeys, he has had the honour of reciting at some of the most sacred Islamic sites, adding a spiritual depth to each visit. One of his early milestones was winning first place at the Ghausia Naat and Nasheed Academy competition in Nottingham in 2011. Awais is also a Hafiz of the Qur’an, having completed his memorisation at the age of 17. Today, he dedicates his time to teaching and inspiring children and young people aged 5 to 21, passing on his knowledge and love for recitation.

Furaha Mussanzi is a singer, songwriter and storyteller originally from DR Congo passionate about using music and storytelling to plant seeds of hope and healing. She came to Bradford 22 years ago as a refugee fleeing the war with her family and completed her Master’s degree in African Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Bradford 10 years ago. Currently, Furaha works part-time as the Pastoral Care Leader for the Light Church, her local church and is also the Ecumenical Canon at Bradford Cathedral. She finds joy in working as a freelance storyteller in schools running workshops and training for students and teachers around migration and peace-building but is also the deputy music director for Bradford Friendship Choir, a wellbeing music space for asylum seekers, refugees and their friends.

Chuks Ukor is a dedicated music artist, songwriter, and worship leader with a fervent passion for gospel music. He is also a strong advocate for youth empowerment, providing substantial platforms for young talents to showcase their musical gifts through the annual music concerts he organizes.
Renowned for his ability to blend various music genres seamlessly, Chuks creates an exceptional sound that resonates deeply with his audience.