Rowshan
Rowshan means light and is the maiden family name of cousings Payam Beint and Na'im Cortazzi from English. They grew up as close as brothers and surrounded by the love and music of their Bahá'í families.
Payam and Na'im perform all instruments and vocals as well as recording and producing Rowshan at Make It Nice Studies throughtout the long spring nights of 2005.
Na'im: "When we were younger we found that singing Bahá'í prayers and meditations helped us to memorize them."
Payam: "Over the years we had played together in various bands but from the outset this was a challenging and deeply personal project. Our intention was to create a recording that taps into the spirit and atmosphere of the Baha'i prayers and readings. We also wanted to create a unique sound incorporating our own musical influences and style of playing."
Na'im: "Very quickly our Baha'i friends starting playing Rowshan tracks in devotionals and Feasts, and people kept asking who it was and where they could get it ... we realised that people were crying out for new Bahá'í music."
Payam: "We were given a loan and produced 500 copies of the Rowshan album, taking some time off work we played around the country at devotional meetings as well as summer schools ... just me, Na'im and two guitars. By the end of the summer we had no copes left! People from the world started getting in touch -- from Thailand, Canada, Spain, Russia, China, Chile and Australia all saying they had heard Rowshan and wanted copies! The Baha'i communities of Gibraltar, Cyprus and Greece asked us to come and perform; we were so touched and honoured."
Na'im: "Something about this album has really struck a chord with people. Personally, we both feel quite removed from it now, it doesn't feel like our work because the words of Bahá'u'lláh transcend us both."
Payam lives with his wife in Oxford and is a secondary school art and design teacher. His paintings are highly sought after around the world. His work can be seen at www.payamart.co.uk.
Na'im runs an indie music label called Make It Nice Records in Leicester. He works with some world famous bands and artists including The Happy Mondays, The Fun Lovin' Criminals and celebrated Baha'i musician Merz (Conrad Lambert). He also writes and performs in Uncle Frank and is the coive of the heartfelt Fatal Star.
Reviews
"The exquisite setting ... was the ideal backdrop for the ethereal sounds created by Rowshan and the audience were suitably captivated by the combination of the beautiful sound created by the skilful guitarists and their entrancing vocal harmonies. Payam and Na'im's accomplished performance of songs inspired by the Bahá'í writings not only thrilled the ears, but also uplifted the hearts of all those present." -- The Gibraltar Chronicle
"Ever wondered what the Bahá'í writings would sound like if performed by The Doors, Bob Dylan, Portishead and Sting? Chances are they would sound a lot like Rowshan's new album." -- The UK Bahá'í Journal