‘Degrees of Separation’ the long-awaited debut album of young talent, Rashid Bhikha will be released December 2016. At the tender of age of 23, Rashid has already established himself as an acclaimed artist due to the many collaborations and singles in which he features with his iconic father, Zain Bhikha. However, his debut album, metaphorically and aptly entitled, ‘Degrees of Separation’ is sure to establish this young man as a musician in his own right. Rashid is no stranger to the artistic and creative world. He was exposed to music and stage since childhood and has featured on many of Zain Bhikha’s albums in collaborations as well as singles. His feature album though, breaks away from the Nasheed genre in that it is aimed at a mainstream audience, but with strong philosophical messages that still address the power of God and the afflictions of human nature. Degrees of Separation is sure to leave listeners enraptured. Rashid’s rich voice captivates with its soulful depth and easy-on-the-ear timbre. Each of the album’s eight tracks display Rashid’s maturity as an artist, his passion for music, great versatility of both voice and sound and ultimately come together as a harmonious blend of immense talent. "Degrees of Separation" is a play on the old saying, “6 Degrees of Separation”, and refers to the uncanny connection between every person on Earth. A labour of love that has been in the making since he was eighteen years old, the album title is also a play on his own growth and separation as an artist ready to take flight from the safety of his father’s wings. There is no doubt that this contemporary, Indie-inspired album, with it’s explosive synergy of acoustics, percussion and strong vocals will go on to help him carve his mark on the music world with fans and musicians alike. The album’s eight tracks, most written by Rashid alone, or in collaboration with Zain and other well-known composers has been produced by acclaimed American musician Idris Phillips. Overall, the composition of Degrees of Separation is deeply soulful, with Rashid crafting his lyrics from his innermost thoughts and most personal of experiences. The emotionally charged themes and sounds are guaranteed to connect with, and captivate audiences, creating an emotional bond that many can relate to. Rashid says that he is inspired by the human condition, taking from personal experiences and from those of young and old around him. He wanted to address pertinent and heartfelt issues that everyone, but most especially the youth could gain inspiration from. From, “Believe”, which talks about the power of the Almighty and hope beyond the darkness to “Ready to Leave”, which is a smooth and heartfelt ballad about letting go of unrequited love, the songs all tell a moving tale. “Broken” is a haunting song about the imperfections of parenthood and the despair that broken homes cause children, whilst “Love can Save a Life” talks about loving perfectly in all forms. “Time” and “Heartbeat” deal with the ticking down of life on Earth instilling in the listener the need to make the most of each day, and the beautiful sounds of hope that touch the heart, in “Never Alone” have a hint of Zain Bhikha that shows Rashid’s life influence from his famous father. Together, the messages of Degrees of Separation tell the story of life through the eyes of a young man and leave you feeling that a better life is ever-present. Speaking about his debut as a solo artist, Rashid Bhikha says, “I love finding the light in all challenges, I enjoy talking through music, making a difference and knowing that perhaps one person will connect to the song. I wanted to create a sound that was me, that would speak of the beauty of the world around us, the mystery of the Universe and the profound gift we have been given…Life!” _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ About Rashid Bhikha Short Biography: Rashid is no stranger to the artistic and creative world. He was exposed to life as an artist since childhood as the son of acclaimed singer and songwriter, Zain Bhikha. Over and above his extensive music career, Rashid has also completed a degree in Cinematography from AFDA - The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance. Rashid is already well-known as a singer and rapper having appeared on stage in countries around the world. He received acclaim for his performances in London at the Royal Albert Hall with Cat Stevens in 2004 and went on to become famous through songs such as ‘Drug Free’, ‘Heartbeat’ and ‘Broken’. He has performed with his father and as a solo artist since the tender age of eight. A career in the arts was a natural progression for this talented young man. His passion for film was sparked by the creative direction of several music videos in which he starred and helped conceptualize whilst in High School and University. Rashid majored in cinematography at AFDA, which is hailed as the most acclaimed film, TV and performance school in Africa. His vision for Bedouin Blue Productions is to become a leading film company that brings his clients’ visions to life. Rashid is also a key member of Zain Bhikha’s Art of Creative Expression (ACE) Workshops, which concentrates on providing youth from underprivileged backgrounds with the skills required for creative expression. Rashid will release his first solo album, “Degrees of Separation” in December 2016.