Artscape Hosts Historic Nasheed Concert with Mohammad Tarek
- Kauthar Bassadien
- Sep 25, 2025
- 5 min read
Cape Town’s Artscape Theatre came alive with soul-stirring performances, breathtaking vocals, and an atmosphere of unity as The Mohammad Tarek Show debuted on South African soil on Tuesday, 24 September. Hosted at the iconic venue with two sold-out shows at 15:00 and 19:00, the event proved to be a landmark moment for nasheed lovers and the wider Muslim community of Cape Town.
The event was presented by Africa Rise Entertainment, a company founded in 2019 that has rapidly grown into a global platform for Islamic arts and culture. Their vision, “connecting hearts through nasheed, culture and world-class experiences,” was felt in every moment of the show. From the professionalism of the staging to the carefully curated lineup, Africa Rise demonstrated once again why they are regarded as pioneers in the space of Islamic events.
A Lineup that Showcased Local Talent
The afternoon began with a heartwarming performance from Al-Azhar Primary School, winners of the Primary School Nasheed Competition. Their voices, filled with youthful energy and innocence, reminded the audience of the bright future of nasheed in Cape Town.
“It’s inspiring to see children so young performing with so much confidence,” said one parent in the audience, “they’re proof that the tradition of nasheed will live on.”
Following them was none other than Quloob un Nur, a group whose name has become synonymous with quality performances and electrifying stage presence. Known affectionately as Cape Town’s favourite and “the talk of the town,” they delivered a performance that left the crowd amazed. Their blend of strong harmonies, emotional depth, and commanding presence brought the audience to their feet.
“Quloob un Nur always brings goosebumps,” a fan shared, “they’re not just performers, they make you feel every word.”
The stage then welcomed the Africa Rise Entertainment Academy Group, a shining achievement of the host company. The academy was created as part of Africa Rise’s mission to train, nurture, and empower nasheed performers from within the community. Their performance was more than just entertainment, but it was a testament to the hard work, hours of training, and commitment that Africa Rise has invested in building a sustainable future for nasheed artistry in South Africa.
The excitement continued as Darul Arqam High School, winners of the AMS High School Nasheed Competition, showcased their talent. Their youthful energy, discipline, and dedication captivated the audience, proving why they had secured the top spot.
“Seeing our school performed tonight was an honour and they really stood out,” remarked a student from Darul Arqam in the audience, “they gave us excitement and an amazing performance.”
The Main Event: Mohammad Tarek
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for. When Mohammad Tarek stepped onto the stage, the entire atmosphere shifted. The applause was deafening, the cheers electric, and the energy in the room soared. From his very first note, it was clear that the audience was in for something extraordinary.
Tarek’s voice, powerful yet soothing, filled the Artscape Theatre and immediately wrapped the crowd in an aura of peace and joy. His charisma shone through in every gesture, every interaction, and every smile. He sang not just with technical mastery but with a depth of sincerity that reached directly into the hearts of the audience.
“It felt like he was singing to each of us individually,” said a young attendee. “The way he connects with the crowd is something you can’t explain, you just feel it.”
The crowd responded with boundless enthusiasm. Families sang along, young people recorded the moment on their phones, and elders swayed gently, visibly moved by the spirit of the evening.
“This is the best show Cape Town has seen in years,” one audience member said. “We needed something like this to remind us of the beauty of faith and unity.”
Africa Rise Entertainment’s Vision in Action
Much of the evening's success can be attributed to Africa Rise Entertainment, whose dedication to creating world-class Islamic events was on full display. Since their establishment in 2019, they have become a beacon for excellence in Islamic cultural programming. Their vision is not only to bring international stars like Mohammad Tarek to South Africa but also to elevate local talent by providing them with a platform to shine.
This event reflected the essence of Africa Rise: a balance of global artistry and community celebration. By showcasing school competitions, academy groups, and internationally acclaimed performers, they demonstrated their holistic approach to event curation. The professionalism, organization, and passion that went into this production were clear, and the audience recognized it with gratitude and admiration.
Africa Rise Entertainment is not just an events company; it is a cultural movement. With every show, they prove that Islamic art and nasheed can be celebrated on a global stage while still honouring community roots. Their ability to combine spirituality, culture, and entertainment into seamless experiences sets them apart and ensures their legacy will continue to grow.
A Night to Remember
As the evening came to a close, the excitement and joy lingered in the air. Smiles stretched across the faces of attendees as they poured out of the Artscape Theatre, carrying with them memories of a night that will be spoken about for years. For many, it was their first time experiencing a nasheed concert of this scale; for others, it was a moment of pride to see Cape Town positioned on the map of global Islamic arts.
The Mohammad Tarek Show was more than a performance; it was a celebration of culture, faith, and togetherness. It brought people of different ages, backgrounds, and walks of life into one shared space of joy and reflection. And while the memory of Mohammad Tarek’s powerful performance will remain etched in the hearts of attendees, the event also highlighted the incredible role that Africa Rise Entertainment continues to play in connecting hearts through art.
“Tonight was unforgettable,” said one attendee as he left the theatre. “It wasn’t just a show, it was a reminder of who we are, what we value, and how beautiful it is when we come together.”
Cape Town was given a gift that night, and it is one the community will not soon forget.
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