Cat Stevens, now Yusuf Islam to record “Indian Ocean” for tsunami victims

"The British singer Yusuf Islam – who flew into the tsunami-hit Indonesian province of Aceh on Saturday will briefly step back into the spotlight recording a charity single “Indian Ocean” and heading a benefit concert in Jakarta on Monday.

The single was recorded with Indian composer and producer AR Rahman, Travis drummer Neil Primrose and A-HA band member Magne Furuholmen. It will be released in February to raise money for children who were left orphans by the deadly waves which wiped out parts of the region.

The track includes the use of instruments, which Islam has avoided since embracing Islam, but he cautioned: “It's not a return to Cat Stevens, I see it more as a natural response to express my concern as a Muslim and as an artist; I believe both can exist side by side particularly when the cause is right.”