Presenting “Arziyan” — A Sufi cover collaboration by Iman Esmail and Shama Judah, two Ismaili artists from Los Angeles, USA. The two showcase their love and devotion to the Imam through the art of dance and music. This special piece solidifies the importance of faith in their daily lives and serves as a reminder for hope and that He is always with us.
Background on Dancer/Choreographer, Iman Esmail:
Iman Esmail has 15 years of experience in semi-classical, Bollywood, and fusion dance styles. She has been featured as a dancer on the Disney Channel, Barbie, and other commercial projects. Iman represented the USA Jamat at the International Jubilee Arts Festival in Lisbon, Portugal as cofounder, choreographer and dancer of the group Ilahi.
Most recently, she hosted her very first Bollywood-fusion dance workshop in Los Angeles, which gained incredible traction and success. Iman believes that dance will allow her to spread love and hope, especially during these unprecedented times. Her aim is to balance her passions of dance and helping others by professionally pursuing a career as a counselor.
Background on Vocalist, Shama Judah:
Shama Judah is a passionate vocalist who has been reciting Ginans since the age of five. Her musical passion broadened in 2015 when she joined the Ismaili band in Los Angeles. Since then, she has been training in Hindustani Classical music as a means to continue to pursue her love for devotional and folk music. It is through music she finds a way to inspire others and connect her soul with the Divine.
During the Diamond Jubilee year, Shama was featured on three different Diamond Jubilee albums and performed two solo pieces at the International Jubilee Arts Festival in Lisbon, Portugal. She currently leads the Ismaili Muslim Choir of Los Angeles, where she performs in a variety of languages, such as Arabic, Farsi, Hebrew, Pashto, Swahili, and Urdu, to name a few. She has also had the opportunity to perform at Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s National Day of Prayer event. Additionally, she has been teaching devotional literature for over nine years to both children and adults.
Shama and Iman performed in Stories: Our American Journey as a vocalist and dancer, respectively. Stories was a national theatrical production during the Diamond Jubilee year that toured several cities across the USA; it gave these artists opportunities to perform at various renowned venues, such as the Walt Disney Theater.
Follow Shama Judah on:
Instagram – @shamajudah
Facebook – @shamajudah
YouTube – Shama Judah
Follow Dancer/Choreographer — Iman Esmail on:
Instagram – @iman1013
YouTube – Iman Esmail
Audio Mixing — Shariq Lalani (Dallas, USA)
Instagram – @shariqlalanimusic
Facebook – @shariqlalanimusic
Ismailimail 
Iman, This song has a special meaning and so peaceful. Your choreography and collaboration with Shama has made it super awesome. Wish you the best !!
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Iman, you choreographed and danced beautifully. Shama accompanied you with her beautiful voice and made it superb. Keep it up. All the best.
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