The Final Call

A man, his life and his music

By Safiyyah Muhammad | Last updated: May 15, 2013 - 9:56:09 AM

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Minister Farrakhan with documentary director Michael Amir Muhammad Photo: Ahmad Muhammad

CHICAGO (FinalCall.com) - Anticipation filled the air as many patiently waited in line Saturday, May 11, at the Nation of Islam’s headquarters to view the riveting documentary of the life of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.

The 2 1/2 hour documentary highlighted his musical and spiritual journey. The Minister also celebrated his 80th birthday on the debut of the documentary.

The documentary’s executive producer is Minister Farrakhan’s son Joshua Farrakhan, and Michael Amir Muhammad, director.

The film offered a close-up view of Minister Farrakhan’s humble beginnings as a youth growing up in Boston, to the chronicling of his years as a calypso singer in the nightclubs of Harlem, to his acceptance of the teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and later emergence as the National Representative of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad and the Nation of Islam.

The highlights of the documentary featured Minister Farrakhan arranging music with famous musicians such as Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder, Deneice Williams, Damien Marley, Wyclef Jean, Anita Baker, Stephanie Mills, Teena Marie and other famous Hollywood celebrities such as hip-hop artist, Snoop Lion.

Minister Farrakhan shared words following the showing of the documentary.

An accomplished violinist, Minister Farrakhanpicked up his violin after a 42-year hiatus. Since that time, the Minster has practiced his craft under the tutelage of famous violinists such as Elaine Fohram, Vitali Podolski, Ayke Agus, Charles Veal Jr. and others. 

After a May 1993 performance, The New York Times described the Minister’s violin skills as ‘athletic at times’, revealing to the world the minister’s incredible talent as a violinist. Since then, the Minister has reached out to musicians from various ethnic and cultural groups showing that music has a universal appeal.

The Minister said in the world of music every note vibrates differently and every human being vibrates differently. The minister said music has the ability to bring human beings together.

(Sister Safiyyah Muhammad is Copy Editor for the Final Call newspaper and a member of the Nation of Islam.)