Yusuf/Cat Stevens

Yusuf/Cat Stevens is one of the most influential singer-songwriters of all time; the profound philosophy embedded within his songs continues to inspire generations. Following a near-fatal bout of tuberculosis at the end of the 1960s, he embarked on a deeply personal quest for spiritual enlightenment, seeking answers, and transcending religious boundaries. Cat's introspective lyrics and melodic charm placed him front and center of a golden generation of singer-songwriters in the 1970s.

His amazing catalogue of songs, including “Father and Son”, “Wild World”, “Where Do The Children Play?” and “Peace Train”, reflects a quest for peace and consciousness, inner development, and a passion for the natural world, that continues with music lovers and peace seekers all over the world. To date, he has sold over 100 million records and has over 4 billion streams.

In 1977, at the height of his career, Cat Stevens embraced Islam and changed his name to Yusuf Islam. One year later, he left the music industry and dedicated himself to philanthropy and education. His extensive charity work has seen him receive numerous prestigious international awards, including the World Award for "humanitarian relief work helping children and victims of war,” and the Man of Peace Award, voted for by the Nobel Laureates.

Inducted into both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Yusuf/Cat Stevens is the recipient of an Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Song Collection and a two-time recipient of the ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Award. He holds honorary doctorates in Philosophy and Law from the universities of Gloucestershire and Exeter respectively and was made a Doctor of Humane Letters by the American University of Sharjah.