Career As Idris Phillips
Becoming formally and professionally known as Idris Phillips in 2005, the writer/performer has recently found recognition worldwide for his melodic compositions which blend varying musical styles (jazz, pop, new-age) with diverse instrumentation. Beyond his work as a composer for Hollywood music libraries, to the growing independent film industry of the Middle East, Phillips' music was recently used to underscore the Egyptian documentary "The Fog Is Lifting" and acted as the theme music for the Islam Channel program "Hayyat".
Phillips returned to live performance in June 2006, reaching out to international audiences alongside Canadian folk/world-music artist Dawud Wharnsby at a concert in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (performing alongside South African singer-songwriter Zain Bhikha and Malaysian boy-band Raihan.) The concert also aired in Malaysia on the national holiday of Eid ul Fitr in November 2006.
In November 2006 Phillips and Wharnsby also toured the United Kingdom with Canadian percussionists The Fletcher Valve Drummers, concluding their tour of UK with a brief performance of their song "War" at the Global Peace and Unity Event held in London's Excel Center, to an audience watching various acts and speakers throughout the weekend of over 20,000. The event was televised via satellite by England's Islam Channel throughout Europe and North Africa.
As the lawfulness of "musical instruments" has long been a debate among teachers and students of the Islamic faith, Idris Phillips' rendition of "War" - with guitar - at the Global Peace and Unity event marked the first time in British history that a Muslim musician appeared on stage with a stringed instrument at a major mainstream Islamic religious conference. His performance challenged stereotypes that "music" is "categorically unlawful" according to Islamic theological teachings, warming the audience and the stage for world renowned singer-songwriter and peace activist Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) who performed immediately afterward, also with guitar.
In 2009 Idris Phillips toured as percussionist with South African singer/songwriter Zain Bhikha in the USA and Holland.
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