Swedish-based musician Maher Zain has returned with his fourth studio album, "Back To You,” inviting listeners on a spiritual and personal journey after a decade-long break between albums.
Released in May, the 16-track album brings together themes of trust and surrender to Allah, gratitude, hope, love for Prophet Muhammad and the importance of returning to what truly matters in life. The album features songs in both Arabic and English.
Drawing on Zain’s personal and spiritual experiences over the past several years, "Back To You” takes its name from the idea of returning to God, continuing to grow and striving to become a better person. Musically, the album blends Arab and Western influences with rhythms inspired by North African and wider African traditions.
Zain spoke to Anadolu Agency (AA) during his world tour concert at Istanbul’s Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre on Sept. 12, where he performed for a packed audience, discussing his new album, his connection with Turkish listeners and his plans for the future.
‘I reflected on my experiences'
Born in Lebanon and beginning his music career in Sweden, Zain said he brought together years of experience, emotions and inspiration while working on his latest album.
The singer said he aims to reach people through music and leave behind a lasting legacy. He also said his Turkish-language songs have helped him establish a strong connection with audiences in Türkiye.
"This is a very special album for me because it has been 10 years since the last album,” Zain said. "I have grown as an individual and as an artist during this period. A lot of things happened over the years. I reflected all these experiences, emotions and inspiration on this album.”
For Zain, the title "Back To You” reflects a return to God as well as a continuous process of personal growth.
Music helps bridge languages
Zain has developed a particularly strong following in Türkiye, in part through songs performed in Turkish.
He said that singing in different languages had been a deliberate choice from the beginning of his career.
"From the beginning, my team and I wanted to sing in different languages,” he said. "We thought this would help us create a different connection with people. Alhamdulillah, I realized that it was the right decision.”
Although he does not yet speak Turkish, Zain said he would like to learn the language.
"I would really love to learn and speak Turkish, but I think having many songs that I sing in Turkish has helped me build a connection with Turkish audiences,” he said.
‘We are traveling all over the world’
Zain said his current world tour has brought a new energy to his performances, particularly after spending 10 years without releasing an album.
"I hadn't released an album for a long time,” he said. "So going on tour with new songs and performing them brings a completely different energy and atmosphere. Everything feels very fresh and it gives us momentum. It is really a great feeling.”
The singer said the tour does not follow a single fixed route and will take him to a number of countries.
"We are traveling all over the world. There is no specific route,” he said. "For example, I will go to Lebanon next, then Kazakhstan for a concert. After that, we have our U.S. tour, followed by Europe and South Africa. The list is quite long.”
‘Music has a purpose for me’
Zain also said he would be open to collaborating with a Turkish artist in the future, noting that shared values are important when working with other musicians.
For him, music is more than a profession. He sees it as a way to reach people, inspire them and create a lasting impact.
"Music has a purpose for me,” Zain said. "We are doing this for a purpose. We want to reach people, inspire them and make an impact.”
"In the end, God willing, when we leave this world, I want to leave behind a legacy, something lasting and beneficial,” he added. "If Allah accepts our work, we will see.”