National Festival of Making has been collaborating with internationally recognised Nasheed artist Hussnain Hanif to create a Blackburn-based Nasheed Choir, who are performing at this year’s Festival.

Over the course of 12 sessions, Hussnain has been working with students from Roe Lee Park Primary School and St Mary’s & St Joseph’s R. C. Primary School to bring the timeless beauty of Nasheeds to life in this new choral performance.

Mohammed Hussnain Hanif, known locally as Hussnain Hanif, is a celebrated Nasheed artist who has worked with over 80 schools nationwide. His practice blends Western and Islamic musical traditions to create a powerful and beautiful sound. Rooted in the Sufi tradition of Islam, Nasheeds are poetic expressions of love, peace, and spiritual devotion—an art form passed down through over 1,400 years of cultural heritage. Driven by the belief that music unites, heals, and elevates, Hussnain champions its power to foster peace, tolerance, and shared humanity. 

Want to find out more? Keep an eye on our social media, where we’ll be sharing updates as the choir learns new vocal techniques and harmonies, all through the lens of this sacred tradition.