One of my favorite bands of all time is Outlandish. Though not popular in the United States, the Denmark band has won a multitude of awards in Europe with their singles at the top of the charts in various European countries.

The band, founded in 1997, has a unique sound, one that I don’t categorize by any one genre on my iPod. Their music ranges from hip-hop, rap, alternative, and indie.

The band is so unique because if it’s diverse members. The tree men that make Outlandish have backgrounds from Morocco, Pakistan, and Honduras. Their lyrics are in English, Spanish, Arabic and Urdu, yet each of their songs has a universal
meaning. Two of the members are Muslim and the third Catholic, which contributes to the universal messages their songs convey.

One of the reasons I love Outlandish so much is because they have great music, but it’s music with a meaning. Their song “Look Into My Eyes,” is about the Israel Palestine conflict, and the video is amazing, featuring the story of Little Red Riding Hood but tying the classic tale to the present Middle East conflict. Their video for “Aicha” features different Muslim women in the world today, from different backgrounds and lifestyles, and won the Best Music Video award.

The band is also daring, and obviously not afraid to be different. Their song “Nothing Left to Do,” is about a Muslim man who catches HIV, a taboo in many Muslim countries.

Releasing their 3rd album this year, Outlandish is also planning their first ever U.S. tour this summer. I would highly encourage everyone to check out the band and to be prepared to be enlightened. – Maahum Chaudhry