The Oasis with A.Haqq Islam

From Sudan to Stardom: This episode features a conversation with Alsarah, the East African retro-pop artist, poet, whose journey from Khartoum to musical success is as inspiring as her soulful sound. She opens up about her roots in Sudan, navigating cultural identity as a Muslim, and how her family's resilience shaped her creative path. Discover how her deep connection to East African traditions and life experiences fueled her rise in the music world and led her to form her own rock band, Alsarah & The Nubatones. From her early days exploring Sudanese music to embracing African American sounds like gospel, jazz, and blues, Alsarah shares how she built her career as an independent artist from studying greats like Erykau Badu, Learn how she financed her albums, negotiated licensing deals, and took bold steps to preserve her authentic voice amidst industry norms. This episode also dives into her activism for Sudan, her reflections on revolution, and her ability to craft music that transcends borders and genres. Whether you're a fan of cultural exploration, Islam, or simply enjoy authentic artistry, this episode is for you! Don't miss her heartfelt insights, her latest album "Seasons of the Road," and how she landed a record deal. Be sure to Rate and Review on Apple Podcast and subscribe to stay tuned for more inspiring tales from artists redefining success and pushing boundaries. #sudanesemusic #ethnomusicology #eastafricanculture #eastafricamusic CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 02:06 - East African Retro Pop Overview 03:59 - Her Genesis Story 10:05 - Moving to America 12:12 - What is "Tarab Music" 13:20 - Discovering African American Music 16:16 - Graduating from Wesleyan University 18:49 - Moving to New York City 22:06 - Starting Her Band Journey 24:34 - Securing A Record Deal 30:09 - Releasing a New Album After 9 years 34:40 - Sudan’s Future Perspectives 35:54 - Alsarah's Music Journey 39:54 - Artists She Wants go on Tour With 42:12 - Outro

This episode of The Oasis features a candid and enriching conversation with Ishmael Muhammad and India Y. Ali, a power couple whose journey began during a spiritual pilgrimage to Umrah. From their first meeting in Mecca to their heartfelt three-hour conversation in Egypt, they share how their love blossomed into a beautiful partnership. Growing up Muslim in Texas, Ishmael reflects on the values that shaped his identity, while India reveals her journey from attorney to co-founder of a community-focused law firm. Together, they discuss how their shared faith in Islam and commitment to service have strengthened their bond and their mission to empower their community. Whether you're a fan of inspiring love stories, a "90 Day Fiancé" enthusiast, or someone seeking insight into how cultural identity and personal growth intersect with love, this episode is for you. From navigating life and business together to expanding their vision across borders, Ishmael and India showcase an extraordinary partnership that builds on love, trust, and purpose. They even touch on the importance of estate planning, combating gentrification, and creating a lasting legacy for future generations. Get ready for a story of love, resilience, and vision that will leave you inspired. Don’t forget to like, comment, and SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring stories and thought-provoking conversations. #marriageadvice #umrahexperience #umrahjourney #familydynamics #candidconversationsmarriage CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 01:26 - Growing up in Texas 04:53 - College Basketball Journey 08:33 - Transition to Real Estate Career 12:21 - How He Met His Wife 17:10 - Vision for the Law Office of India Y Ali 20:53 - His and India’s Love Story 29:50 - Understanding Trusts 32:53 - Working Together in Business 37:03 - Expansion to Ghana 39:55 - Final Thoughts and Reflections 40:38 - Advice for Married Couples in Business 43:30 - Closing Remarks

Step into this heartfelt episode of The Oasis where Haqq sit's down with Kadjahtou Balde, the passionate force behind Modify Thrift- A Harlem based pre love thrift shop. Kadjahtou's story begins long before she ever opened her own shop—it starts with her father, a Harlem staple who ran his store in the neighborhood for years. When she stepped in to carry that legacy forward, she wasn’t just taking over a business she was continuing her family's legacy. In this intimate conversation, she opens up about the moment she asked herself, What can we build with low overhead that still allows us to thrive? That question sparked the birth of Modify Thrift, a unique space offering modest, sustainable, pre-loved clothing for all women Her mission is rooted in sustainability, accessibility, creativity, and honoring the community that raised her. You’ll hear how her upbringing shaped her identity, how sustainability became a core value, and how she turned her father’s Harlem hustle into a modern, purpose-driven business. This episode dives deep into themes of family legacy, faith, resilience, entrepreneurship, and reimagining what thrift culture can be. If you’re navigating your own path, dreaming of building something meaningful, or simply love a good story of grit and growth—you’re going to feel right at home here. Don’t forget to like, comment, and SUBSCRIBE #thriftshopping #harlemcommunity #modestfashion #muslimfashion #fashionhub CHAPTERS: 01:07 - Intro 01:59 - Her Early Life 04:02 - College Experience 06:20 - First Job Insights 09:47 - Her Dad’s Business Journey 15:35 - Understanding Modify Thrift 17:43 - Dad's Reaction to Thrift Store Idea 21:10 - The Light Bulb Moment 24:09 - Green Light from Dad 27:50 - Meaning of Modify Thrift 30:34 - Sharing Her Journey Publicly 32:30 - Her Dad's Coolness 34:04 - The Modest Closet Refresh 42:09 - Curating Your Clothes 45:36 - Personal Insights 48:40 - Balancing Responsibilities 50:54 - The Muslim Community Impact 53:25 - What's Next for Modify The Oasis with Haqq Islam Podcast Subscribe to Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@haqqislamoasis Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oasis-with-a-haqq-islam/id1740666577 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haqqislamoasis/?hl=en Follow on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@haqqislamoasis Oasis Podcast Website: https://www.theoasispodcast.com/

This episode features a heartfelt conversation with Imam Khalid Latif, the visionary leader of the Islamic Center of New York City. Known for his groundbreaking work in interfaith dialogue and community development, Imam Khalid shares his transformative journey from a third culture kid with Kashmiri roots to becoming a leading advocate for spiritual leadership and social justice. Throughout the episode they discuss the profound concept of transformative love as the cure for a lonely generation, touching on the damaging effects of transactional relationships, the rise of artificial connections, and the importance of meaningful human bonds. With insights into the challenges faced by millennials and Gen Z, the discussion also delves into the intersection of cultural identity, the role of Islam in fostering community, and the resilience required to overcome societal inequities. Imam Khalid's personal story is filled with inspiration, from his experiences at NYU and Princeton to founding Pillars of Peace, an organization supporting survivors of domestic violence. Learn how he balances advocacy, artistry, and spirituality while building a new chapter for his community in the West Village—a space designed to heal, empower, and unite. Don’t miss this compelling discussion that will leave you reflecting on the power of love and community in a rapidly changing world. Be sure to like, comment, and SUBSCRIBE to our channel for more inspiring conversations that elevate diverse voices and perspectives. #humanconnection #aifriendship #youthengagement #humanconnection #pastoralcare CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 02:56 - Kashmir Conflict 07:37 - First Muslim Chaplain at NYU 12:12 - First Muslim Chaplain at Princeton 19:20 - Teaching Spiritual Leadership 22:05 - Essence of the Islamic Center 26:35 - Importance of Art in Religion 32:44 - Concept of Love 38:30 - Understanding Loneliness 43:46 - Prophet's Wives Attraction 49:16 - Interfaith Dialogue Importance 58:57 - Pillars of Peace 1:02:55 - Relationship with Allah 1:05:39 - Future of ICNYC 1:08:31 - How to Support ICNYC

In this episode Haqq Islam sits down with the extraordinary Abir Ibrahim, a development economist, public historian, and author of *“Love Letters to Sudan.” Together, they explore Sudan's complex cultural identity, history, and legacy as the cradle of civilization. Abir shares her journey of balancing a multifaceted identity shaped by Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. This engaging conversation dives deep into Sudan’s ancient history—its rich Kushite civilization, its role in world history, and the societal challenges that have stemmed from colonial fragmentation. Abir opens up about growing up in a family with ties to literary revolutions, her time working in the development sector, and her groundbreaking travels across 50+ countries. She also reflects on her first job in the field—as a Peace Corps volunteer in Tanzania and how that transformative experience sparked her lifelong commitment to development work, cultural connection, and empowering communities across the globe. Beyond history and heritage, Abir reflects on what it means to find the courage to step outside what’s familiar and beyond family expectations, to take up space in rooms that once felt intimidating or out of reach. She shares how embracing her voice and purpose has allowed her to stand confidently at powerful tables and encourage others to do the same, reminding listeners that they, too, have something valuable to offer wherever they go. Abir also discusses her upcoming book, Stolen Genius, which highlights African innovations and their impact on the world, challenging narratives of erasure and reclaiming stories of brilliance and creativity. Whether you’re curious about African history, cultural resilience, or stories of empowerment, this episode is for you. The Oasis with Haqq Islam Podcast Subscribe to Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@haqqislamoasis Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oasis-with-a-haqq-islam/id1740666577 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haqqislamoasis/?hl=en Follow on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@haqqislamoasis Oasis Podcast Website: https://www.theoasispodcast.com/ Subscribe to Abir Ibrahim Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMFv9FbDv4XZGJOeo0b1JWw Abir Ibrahim Instagram: instagram.com/itsabiribrahim Abir Ibrahim Website: abiribrahim.com

This episode features a conversation with visionary leader Mansa Suliman Al Kushi the man behind the creation of the Kingdom of Kush, a nation reclaiming African unity and empowerment. Situated between Egypt and Sudan, this new nation is rooted in pan-Africanism and serves as a sanctuary for people of African descent worldwide. Mansa shares the incredible 30-year journey of building this country, from claiming uninhabited land in 1993 to fostering unity among tribes and the African diaspora. Discover how the Kingdom of Kush is creating infrastructure, utilizing natural resources like gold and oil, and building a future driven by innovation, sustainability, and cultural pride. Explore the deep ties to African history and Islam, as well as the vision of making Kush a global powerhouse akin to Wakanda. This episode is for you if you're inspired by cultural identity, unity, and the dream of a brighter future for African people worldwide. Join the discussion on pan-Africanism, black nationalism, and the power of economic independence. Don't miss this fascinating story of resilience, vision, and hope. Like, comment, and SUBSCRIBE to support more conversations with #KingdomOfKush #AfricanUnity #PanAfricanism #Islam #VisionaryLeadership # #unity #historyfacts #history #kushiteempire #ancienthistory CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introduction 00:57 - Claiming the Land 12:21 - Infrastructure Overview: Building the Kingdom 14:31 - Citizens of Kush: Who Lives Here? 1 6:34 - Financing the Kingdom: Economic Strategies 18:53 - Currency System: Managing Money 19:45 - Population Insights: Demographics of Kush 21:10 - Government Structure: Leadership and Law 22:20 - Public Information: Transparency in Governance 27:30 - Military Forces: The Army of Kush 29:15 - Moving to the Kingdom of Kush: Relocation Guide 30:15 - International Recognitions: Status of Kush 31:35 - Current Developments: What's There Now 34:30 - Future Vision: The Kingdom's Goals 37:10 - Countrypreneur Concept: Entrepreneurship in Kush 38:24 - Vision for 20 Years: Future of the Kingdom 40:10 - Mansa Suliman Al Kushi: Key Figure 45:55 - Final Words: Concluding Thoughts 49:10 - Contacting the Kingdom of Kush: How to Reach Out

Born into two worlds, Oddisee third culture journey is a story of resilience, creativity, and identity. This episode features a conversation with the extraordinary lyricist, producer, and artist Oddisee, as he discusses how his unique upbringing—being raised between his Sudanese father’s collectivist values and his African-American mother’s roots—shaped his worldview, music, and artistic vision. As a proud third culture kid, he shares profound insights on balancing family, Islam, and his creative passions, all while navigating life as a bridge between two vibrant yet contrasting cultures. From his early days immersed in music and poetry to touring internationally and producing for notable artists like Joey Bada$$, Oddisee reveals how his cultural duality has influenced his craft. Hear him reflect on his connection to Sudan, his approach to blending intellect and creativity, and how he finds peace within the chaos of life. Whether you’re inspired by stories of perseverance, fascinated by the life of a modern poet, or simply curious about the intersection of culture and art, this episode is for you. Join the discussion, explore his rich cultural heritage, and discover the journey behind one of today’s most visual lyricists. Don’t miss out—like, comment, and SUBSCRIBE to stay tuned for more compelling conversations! #tck #culturalidentitytheory #depressioninthirdculturekids #selflove #beingathirdculturekid CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 02:21 - ODDISEE - That's Love 03:58 - Early Life and Cultural Experiences 11:09 - Starting Rapping Journey 14:16 - Convincing Parents for Music Career 21:15 - Oddisee on the Diamond District 23:12 - Choosing Independence in Music 24:25 - Transition from Analog to Digital Music 28:03 - Meaning Behind the Name "Oddisee" 30:20 - Impact of Washington Post Article Recognition 34:59 - Fond Memories of Sudan 37:26 - Experience Inside the Pyramids 41:21 - Musical Inspirations 44:15 - Joey Bada$$ Influence 49:25 - Family's Role in Grounding 49:55 - Meeting Your Wife 55:23 - Life with Kids 57:52 - Connection to Sudan 1:00:33 - Work-Life Balance Insights 1:04:02 - What's Next for Oddisee 1:05:24 - Finding Oddisee Online 1:05:40 - Outro