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Outlandish
Outlandish
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Outlandish is a hip-hop music group based in Denmark. Formed in 1997, it currently consists of Waqas Ali Qadri [da] and Lenny Martinez [da].

Key Information

Career

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Their first formation consists of Isam Bachiri, Waqas Ali Qadri [da], and Lenny Martinez [da]. All three members are religious, with Isam and Waqas being Muslims (of Moroccan and Pakistani origins, respectively) and Lenny being Catholic of Cuban and Honduran descent.

Their first single "Pacific to Pacific" was used in connection with an Amnesty International charity event. Next came the single "Saturday Night", a song that was later included on the soundtrack for the Danish film Pizza King.[1]

The lyrics of their song "Look Into My Eyes" are based on a poem by Gihad Ali, a Palestinian who wrote the piece when she was a teenager; the poem expresses the plight of those suffering from America's foreign policy with regards to Israel and Palestine. The video is based around the fairy-tale Little Red Riding Hood. It portrays an Israeli soldier as the Wolf and the Palestinian girl, wearing a keffiyeh (Arab scarf), as Little Red Riding Hood.

The singles from their second album Bread & Barrels of Water made a bigger impact on the international music charts, including their cover version of Khaled's "Aïcha", but with added English lyrics. The Outlandish version was a #1 hit in Germany and received a lot of airplay across Europe and Asia, especially on South Korean radio stations.[citation needed] "Guantanamo" also made a strong impression on the European charts.[2]

Their single "Kom Igen" is featured on EA Sports game, FIFA 07.

Sound of a Rebel, Outlandish's fifth album was released on 11 May 2009. Its first single was "Rock All Day".[3]

The group disbanded in 2017 as each member wanted to pursue personal projects. In 2019 band members Waqas and Lenny brought back the band as a duo while Isam continued to pursue a solo career. Outlandish has since released two singles[4][5] and recently release a new album, titled The Cornershop Carnival.

The band reformed and returned in 2022.[6]

An EP, Alabas, was released in June 2023.[7]

Appearances and activities

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The band supported Sami Yusuf along with other nasheed artists at the "Concert for Peace in Darfur" held at Wembley Arena in 2007 in order to raise money for the families of genocide victims in the region.[8]

The trio has participated in the Evening of Inspiration concerts (in aid of Islamic Relief charity) since 2006 and most recently participated in the 2008 concert which also featured Seven8Six, Raihan and Kareem Salama amongst fellow performers."[9]

Outlandish performed a live percussion version of "Look Into My Eyes" at the "Islamophobia" conference held in Copenhagen, Denmark in May 2006 which was hosted by the Islam Channel and included many theological and political speakers and community leaders.

Isam Bachiri features on the single "Still Strong" on Native Deen's album, Not Afraid To Stand Alone.[10]

Controversies

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In 2004 during a concert in Musikhuset Aarhus Outlandish ordered a ban on alcohol sales during their performance because of the two Muslim members of the group.[11] In 2019 Isam Bachiri stated about the episode with ban on alcohol sales that: ”… With regard to the ban of alcohol it was not a ban. We just asked to close down the bar while we performed. Prior and after the concert the people could do what they wanted. I have the belief I have, and it can tarnish one’s reputation when one is a public person and sticks the nose in.”[12]

In 2006 the Danish tabloid newspaper BT reported that the two Muslim members of the group had the Norwegian singer Herborg Kråkevik removed to another point on stage in a Danish television program on the grounds that she had bare shoulders. A press responsible person from the record label of the group commented that it "is part of their religion. But I don't think Herborg Kråkevik minded."[13][14] The chairmen of the Youth of the Danish People's Party and the president of the Danish Women's Society criticized the incident, whereas the Danish Broadcasting Corporation stated that it had not made any changes in the program because of Outlandish, but at the same time stated that they could not speak on the behalf of the 200 persons which were involved with the show.[15] Herborg Kråkevik, the implicated female singer, stated about the issue that: “Yes. There was something about my bare shoulders, but we solved it. I don’t think it is good if I say something about it. I obviously have many fans in Denmark.”[16] Outlandish themselves issued a press statement in which they dissociated themselves from the accusations of BT.[17]

In 2007 Isam Bachiri and Waqas Qaadri performed at the large annual Canadian Muslim event Reviving the Islamic Spirit. At that occasion, the Danish tabloid BT wrote that the group performed for "extreme islamists", and that phrases like "the homosexuals should be punished with death" and "the Jews will encounter their demise" appeared at the conference.[18] Outlandish denied the accusations. They stated that the conference was a peaceful Muslim convention whose main goal is to create integration and peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Non-Muslims in North America and mentioned that the highly respected American rabbi Michael Lerner had been an honorary guest and speaker at the conference.[19] Associate Professor Torben Ruberg Rasmussen from University of Southern Denmark backed the statements of the group and he commented that: "There is no reason to condemn the event, and it is not a case of closet radicalism or anything reminding of that."[20][21]

Discography

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia

Outlandish is a Danish hip-hop group formed in 1997 in Copenhagen's western suburbs by , Lenny Martinez, and Waqas Qadri.
The trio drew from their diverse ethnic backgrounds—Moroccan, Honduran, and Pakistani, respectively—to create a multicultural fusion of hip-hop infused with political and , often described as a socio-cultural .
Originally active as a three-member ensemble, Outlandish transitioned to a duo comprising Qadri and Martinez in 2019 after Bachiri's departure.
The group's debut album, Outland's Official (1997), featured the hit single "Walou," marking their entry into the Danish and international music scenes. Subsequent releases, including Bread & Barrels of Water (1999), Closer Than Veins (2005), Sound of a Rebel, Warrior//Worrier, and The CornerShop Carnival (their sixth studio album), achieved gold and platinum status in multiple markets. Standout singles such as "Aicha" (an English adaptation of the Cheb Khaled original), "Guantanamo," "Calling You," and "Look into My Eyes" propelled their popularity, with over one million singles and 300,000 albums sold worldwide. Outlandish has earned recognition including the Danish Music Award for Best Hip Hop Album and multiple nominations across European platforms, alongside extensive global touring. Their music addresses themes of identity, , and global issues, contributing to the evolution of hip-hop beyond traditional boundaries. The group experienced a hiatus amid internal challenges but reformed, continuing to release music like recent singles "Paperchase" and "Leyla."

Formation and Members

Origins and Early Development

Outlandish originated in the western suburbs of , , where three teenagers— (Danish-born of Moroccan descent), Waqas Ali Qadri (Danish-born of Pakistani descent), and Lenny Martinez (born in )—grew up in the same neighborhood and bonded over shared interests in football, , and . The group initially formed during high school as YGB (Young Gifted and Brown), reflecting their early experimentation with hip-hop elements drawn from diverse cultural influences. The members connected further at a local youth club after school, where they began improvising with , dancing, and , laying the groundwork for their multicultural sound that incorporated hip-hop with folk and ethnic rhythms from their heritages—Bachiri and Qadri's Muslim backgrounds and Martinez's Roman Catholic roots. , in particular, shifted from to after recognizing physical limitations in , allowing the trio to focus on lyrical and production development. By 1997, they officially named themselves Outlandish, marking the transition from informal high school activities to structured group efforts aimed at creating music that addressed social issues and personal identities without diluting their individual faiths. This period of early development emphasized self-taught production and live performances in local venues, building a following in Denmark's immigrant-heavy suburbs before pursuing wider recognition.

Members and Backgrounds

Outlandish is composed of three founding members: , Waqas Ali Qadri, and Lenny , each bringing distinct cultural and religious influences to the group's hip-hop style. Bachiri and Qadri are of Moroccan and Pakistani descent, respectively, while Martinez is Catholic with roots in . The trio met in Copenhagen's western suburbs, where their diverse backgrounds fostered a collaborative sound blending hip-hop with elements of their heritage. Isam Bachiri, born in to Moroccan parents, primarily handles rapping and songwriting duties within the group. His Moroccan heritage informs lyrical themes drawing from Islamic perspectives, and he contributed vocals to hits like "Aicha." Bachiri pursued solo endeavors after departing Outlandish in 2017, focusing on faith-inspired music. Waqas Ali Qadri, Danish-born of Pakistani origin and raised in Brøndby Strand, provides vocals and incorporates South Asian musical influences. A graduate of Ishøj Gymnasium with a background in , Qadri's devout Muslim shapes the group's multi-faith messaging, emphasizing across religions. He remains active with the group post-reunion. Lenny Martinez, born in Honduras and relocated to Denmark from Cuba at age 14, serves as a singer and rapper, infusing Latin rhythms into Outlandish's productions. His Catholic beliefs complement the Muslim perspectives of his bandmates, promoting interfaith harmony in their work. Martinez has continued performing with Qadri following the group's partial hiatus.

Musical Style and Themes

Genre Influences and Production

Outlandish's music is rooted in hip-hop, with prominent infusions of R&B and soul that reflect the multicultural heritage of its members. The group's sound incorporates rhythmic and melodic elements from Arab, Pakistani, and Latin traditions, creating a fusion that distinguishes their work from mainstream Western hip-hop. This blend arises from the Moroccan-Danish background of Isam Bachiri, the Pakistani-Danish roots of Waqas Qadri, and the Latin American influences of Lenny Martinez, resulting in tracks that weave traditional motifs—such as Arabic scales or Latin percussion—into hip-hop beats. Early influences included classic hip-hop figures like , alongside broader Western rap traditions, which the trio encountered while and experimenting in Copenhagen's suburbs during the late . Their albums, such as Outland's Official (2000) and Bread & Barrels of Water (2003), exemplify this hybrid style, often described as "life music" for its emphasis on socio-political themes delivered through accessible, genre-spanning production. Production techniques emphasize multilingual lyricism, with vocals alternating between English, Danish, Spanish, , and Punjabi to enhance cultural authenticity and global appeal. Specific tracks, like "The Start" from their discography, credit Danish producers Søren Mikkelsen and Jay-B Bisgaard for beats that maintain a polished hip-hop foundation while accommodating the group's eclectic inputs. Overall, Outlandish's approach prioritizes in-house collaboration among members, fostering a raw yet versatile sound that evolved across albums like Closer Than Veins (2005), where global rhythms underpin conscious rap narratives.

Lyrical Content and Multi-Faith Perspectives

Outlandish's lyrics often explore themes of , social injustice, and spiritual reflection, with prominent Islamic influences stemming from the Muslim backgrounds of founding members and Waqas Ali Qadri. Tracks such as "Look Into My Eyes" from the 2005 album Closer Than Veins confront the barriers to empathy between Western audiences and those from conflict zones, depicting a narrator's isolation amid violence and prejudice: "Look into my eyes, tell me what you see / You don't see a damn thing 'cause you can't relate to me." Adapted from a poem by Palestinian Gihad Ali, the critiques superficial judgments blinded by "our differences," while emphasizing resilience and a call for deeper understanding rather than explicit political advocacy. Band members have described it as capturing a teenager's perspective on broader conflicts, underscoring personal growth amid adversity over partisan narratives. Other songs integrate Qur'anic allusions and Islamic ethical concerns, addressing the alienation of Muslim diaspora youth in . For example, "Walou" invokes themes of under , with lines like "Lose the within me" reflecting existential struggles and perseverance rooted in religious conviction. The group's frequently highlights contemporary Muslim experiences, such as post-9/11 scrutiny and global inequities, using hip-hop as a medium to foster awareness without proselytizing. This approach has been analyzed as aiding minority groups, including , in articulating hybrid identities that negotiate Western with traditional . The multi-faith dynamic—Bachiri and Qadri as observant Muslims alongside Catholic Lenny Martinez—shapes collaborative lyrics that promote interreligious tolerance and shared human values over doctrinal division. This composition enables verses blending Arabic phrases, Christian-inflected universality, and calls for peace, as in "Aicha," a 2003 adaptation of Algerian singer Khaled's track that layers romantic longing with subtle nods to modesty and cultural preservation in immigrant contexts. Outlandish has used their platform to spotlight humanitarian issues like the Palestinian situation, framing music as educational tool for cross-faith dialogue and anti-racism, evident in website sections dedicated to such causes. Their work counters stereotypes by humanizing diverse believers, with Martinez's contributions ensuring lyrics avoid insular Islamic focus, instead advocating empathy: "I've seen / What you've seen / Felt what you've felt." This harmony reflects causal influences from the members' upbringings, yielding output that resonates across faiths while prioritizing empirical realities of marginalization over idealized pluralism.

Career Trajectory

Early Releases and Local Recognition (1997–2002)

Outlandish, formed in Copenhagen's western suburbs in 1997 by , Lenny Martinez, and Waqas Qadri, began recording and performing locally before securing a deal with . Their debut album, Outland's Official, was released on August 21, 2000, blending hip-hop with influences from the members' diverse cultural backgrounds, including tracks in multiple languages such as English, Spanish, , and Danish. The album featured singles like "Walou" and "Come On," which gained traction on Danish radio and helped establish the group among urban youth audiences. The release earned critical acclaim and commercial foothold in , culminating in the Danish Music Awards for Best Hip-Hop Album, alongside nominations in six categories that highlighted their innovative fusion style. Grassroots support from youth clubs and soccer fields in western suburbs translated into steady live performances and growing fanbase loyalty, positioning Outlandish as a fresh voice in the local hip-hop scene amid a landscape dominated by more conventional acts. In 2002, the group followed with their second album, Bread & Barrels of Water, released on September 9 under RCA/BMG, which expanded on their multilingual approach and included standout tracks "Guantanamo" and "Aicha"—the latter a cover that charted on Danish Top 40 lists. This period marked accelerating local success, with both albums achieving gold and platinum certifications in by year's end, driven by extensive touring and radio airplay that solidified their domestic presence before broader European breakthrough.

International Breakthrough (2003–2006)

Outlandish achieved their international breakthrough with the release of their second studio album, Bread & Barrels of Water, on September 9, 2002. The album topped the Danish Albums Chart for two weeks and spent 36 weeks in total on the chart, marking significant domestic commercial performance. Its content blended hip-hop with multicultural influences, setting the stage for wider appeal, though initial international traction was limited until subsequent promotion. The pivotal moment came with the single "Aicha," a reimagined track originally by Cheb Khaled, released in mid-2003. It secured number-one positions on national charts in , the Netherlands, and , while reaching the top three in and peaking at number eight in . Overall, "Aicha" appeared on eight an charts for 141 weeks, driving album sales and establishing Outlandish as the second Danish act to top international charts after Aqua. This success expanded their fanbase across , with the single's multilingual lyrics and rhythmic style resonating in diverse markets. Sustaining this momentum, Outlandish released their third studio album, Closer Than Veins, on October 31, 2005, which adopted a more introspective tone compared to prior works while retaining hip-hop foundations. The "Look Into My Eyes" contributed to continued chart presence in and select European territories. An international edition of the album issued in 2006 facilitated broader distribution, reinforcing the group's foothold in non-Scandinavian markets through ' promotion.

Later Albums and Hiatus (2007–2017)

Following the 2005 release of Closer Than Veins, Outlandish members pursued individual solo projects, resulting in a four-year hiatus from group album production. The group reconvened for their fourth studio album, Sound of a Rebel, released on May 11, 2009, in Denmark via RCA/Sony Music. This comeback effort featured 13 tracks blending hip-hop with pop and R&B elements, led by the single "Rock All Day," and marked a return to collaborative recording after personal endeavors. In 2012, Outlandish issued their fifth studio album, Warrior // Worrier, on May 28 via independent distribution in . The 13-track release included singles such as "Ready to Love" and "Gypsy Cab," exploring themes of resilience and urban life through multilingual lyrics in English, Spanish, and Danish. It achieved gold certification in , indicating over 15,000 units sold domestically. Post-2012, the group maintained sporadic performances and fan engagement but produced no further full-length albums. In 2017, Outlandish announced an indefinite break from recording and touring to allow members to focus on separate professional and personal pursuits, effectively entering hiatus until a partial reunion in .

Reunion and Contemporary Activities (2018–Present)

Following their disbandment in 2017, Outlandish reformed in as a duo comprising Lenny Martinez and Waqas Qadri, with founding member departing to pursue a solo career. The group's return emphasized continuity in their multi-faith amid personal evolution and adaptation to industry changes, while addressing social and political themes. In June 2022, they released the single "," marking their re-entry into music production after years of limited output. This was followed by a five-month summer tour spanning , , , , and , focusing on live performances that drew on their established fanbase in and beyond. Their third studio album as a reformed act, The Cornershop Carnival, arrived on October 27, 2023, via Outland Music, featuring nine tracks blending hip-hop with pop elements and reflective lyrics on and global issues. Contemporary engagements include ongoing tours, with a 2025 summer schedule announced including Danish dates and an extension into early 2026, such as a January 9 performance at ARKEN Museum for Samtidskunst in Ishøj. The duo has also publicly expressed solidarity with , as articulated in social media statements in February 2024, aligning with their history of addressing geopolitical concerns through music and .

Discography

Studio Albums

Outlandish's debut studio album, Outland's Official, was independently released in 2000 and featured raw hip-hop tracks blending multicultural influences, establishing their presence in the Danish underground scene. The follow-up, Bread & Barrels of Water, arrived on September 9, 2002, via , incorporating pop elements and the breakout single "Aicha," which propelled the group toward mainstream recognition with sales exceeding 100,000 copies in alone. Closer Than Veins, released on October 31, 2005, expanded their sound with orchestral arrangements and collaborations, topping charts in and achieving gold certification in multiple European markets through hits like "Guantanamo." After a hiatus for solo pursuits, Sound of a Rebel marked their return on May 11, 2009, emphasizing socially conscious lyrics over edgier production, though it underperformed commercially compared to prior releases. Warrior // Worrier, self-released in 2012, explored personal struggles and faith themes across dual-disc formats, reflecting the members' evolving individual paths amid group tensions. The latest, The Cornershop Carnival, emerged on October 27, 2023, via their Outland Music label as a reunion effort, featuring nine tracks with renewed energy and focus post-hiatus.

Singles and EPs

Outlandish released their debut singles "Walou" and "Wherever" in 2000, promoting the album Outland's Official. These tracks featured the group's multicultural hip-hop style, blending Danish, Arabic, and Spanish influences. "Walou," meaning "nothing" in Arabic, addressed themes of faith and struggle, while "Wherever" emphasized unity across borders. The 2003 single "Aicha," a reworking of Khaled's 1996 song, marked their international breakthrough, peaking in European charts and earning multi-platinum certifications in Denmark and Germany. Released from Bread & Barrels of Water, it combined rap verses with a melodic chorus, achieving over 1 million sales across formats. That year, "Guantanamo" followed, critiquing post-9/11 detention policies; it later charted at number 31 on the UK Singles Chart in 2005. Subsequent singles included promotions from later albums, such as tracks from Closer Than Veins (2005) and Sound of a Rebel (2009), though specific standalone releases tapered during their hiatus. Post-reunion, Outlandish issued independent singles like "Higher" in 2020 and a collaboration "Guantanamo (ICEKIID x Outlandish)" in 2022, reflecting evolved production with electronic elements. "Locura (Amapiano Remix)" appeared in 2024, adapting their sound to global dance trends. Regarding EPs, Outlandish released Alabas in June 2023, featuring the title track with Dany , which served as a precursor to their The Cornershop Carnival. The EP incorporated influences, aligning with the duo's post-hiatus focus on live performance and cultural fusion.

Reception and Legacy

Commercial Success and Awards

Outlandish's breakthrough Bread & Barrels of Water (2002) topped the Danish and maintained a position for 36 weeks, marking their first major commercial milestone in their home country. The follow-up Closer Than Veins (2005) also reached number one on the same chart, underscoring sustained domestic popularity. Their "Aicha" from Bread & Barrels of Water achieved number-one status in and garnered widespread European airplay, contributing to the group's reputation as a multi-platinum and gold-selling act. The group's overall sales trajectory reflects strong regional performance, with certifications for key releases affirming demand in multiple markets; however, precise global unit figures remain limited in public records. Internationally, Outlandish's fusion of hip-hop with multicultural elements drove streaming and physical sales spikes in the mid-2000s, though later albums saw diminished chart impact amid a hiatus. Outlandish received the Danish Music Award for Best Hip Hop Album, recognizing their debut or early work amid multiple nominations at the event. They earned six nominations across Danish Music Awards ceremonies, highlighting peer and industry acknowledgment in the local scene. Additionally, the group was nominated for the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Nordic Act in 2003, representing in the competitive regional category. No further major international awards were secured, aligning with their niche appeal in European hip-hop markets.

Critical Assessment

Outlandish's music received mixed critical reception, often praised for its uplifting themes and cultural fusion but critiqued for prioritizing commercial accessibility over hip-hop authenticity. Reviewers highlighted the group's avoidance of genre stereotypes like glorification of violence or , instead emphasizing , social unity, and Islamic influences drawn from members' Moroccan and Pakistani backgrounds. This approach yielded mainstream appeal, particularly in and the , yet some assessments noted a pop-leaning production that diluted raw hip-hop edge. Early albums like Bread & Barrels of Water (2003) garnered modest praise for energetic tracks but faced for uneven lyrical depth and formulaic beats, reflected in aggregate scores around 50/100. Later works, such as Sound of a Rebel (2009), were commended for balancing accessibility with reminders of the group's conscious roots, earning positive nods for rebelling through melodic innovation rather than aggression. Similarly, Closer Than Veins (2010) was described as an inspirational set blending entertainment with meaning, showcasing matured songcraft across 15 tracks. In terms of legacy, Outlandish pioneered a "halal hip-hop" niche, influencing multicultural acts by integrating samples, multilingual lyrics, and faith-based messaging into Western formats, which resonated in Muslim-majority markets where they sold multi-platinum units. However, their impact within core hip-hop criticism remains limited, as outlets often overlooked them amid dominant U.S.-centric narratives, viewing their output as niche rather than genre-defining. This gap underscores a broader pattern where non-Anglo acts blending pop-rap hybrids receive commercial validation but sparse deep analytical engagement from traditional reviewers.

Controversies

Performance Demands and Event Associations

In 2004, Outlandish requested that alcohol sales cease during their live performance at Musikhuset Aarhus on February 7, a stipulation accepted by the venue for the first time in its history for any concert. This accommodation stemmed from the religious convictions of the group's two Muslim members, and Waqas Ali Qadri, who adhere to Islamic prohibitions on alcohol consumption. The request limited bar operations solely to the duration of the set, permitting sales before and after the show. Bachiri later described the measure not as an outright but as a targeted closure of the bar during the performance to align with the group's principles, emphasizing that attendees retained freedom to drink outside that window. The incident drew media attention in , highlighting tensions between artistic religious accommodations and standard venue practices in a where alcohol service is commonplace at live music events. No formal backlash or cancellations ensued, but it underscored Outlandish's pattern of integrating faith-based conditions into performance logistics. Outlandish has primarily associated with and tours emphasizing multicultural and faith-infused hip-hop, often performing at festivals and venues in and the that cater to diverse or Muslim audiences, such as Islamic cultural gatherings and youth-oriented music platforms. These selections reflect the group's lyrical focus on spiritual themes, , and anti-vice messaging, avoiding mainstream circuits with heavy alcohol promotion. For instance, their international breakthrough involved appearances at halal-compliant , aligning with their avoidance of environments conflicting with Islamic tenets. However, specific refusals to participate in certain remain undocumented beyond the Aarhus precedent.

References

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