Bilal Shafiq, who performs as B-SHAF, has pioneered “halal rap” that aligns with his Muslim faith while bringing a message of positivity to his listeners.
This week he has been selected as the BBC Asian Network’s Artist of the Week, a major milestone in the proud Bolton lad’s career.
Bilal said: “As a local lad from Bolton, it’s exciting to be getting this kind of recognition.”
He added: “My music is made in a way that Muslims can listen without guilt or fear of going against God.
“And my lyrics focus on positive themes like self-improvement, faith, and resisting temptation, rather than the negativity often found in mainstream rap.”
Bilal, who attended Bolton Parish Church School, Little Lever Secondary School, Bolton Sixth Form College, and Bolton University, says it is hugely exciting to be getting national recognition.
The unique artist is looking forward to bringing his distinctive musical stylings to a wider audience still as more and more people discover what he has to offer.
Having worked as a cloud engineer, the recognition from radio stations and prestigious venues, Bilal says he is thrilled to take his musical passions to the mainstream.
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As well as his recognition with the BBC Asian Network, Bilal was also chosen to perform for South Asian Heritage Month at Manchester Museum.
This saw Bilal perform alongside a range of other artists form the “theme” launch, that featured all kinds of celebrations of South Asian culture.
But this is only the beginning of Bilal’s journey, with filming already underway for the video for his next song, which he hopes will be released around June 1 this year.
From his roots in Bolton, to bursting onto the mainstream nationwide, Bilal is more than ready to take his message of positivity to all kinds of audiences.