Who We Are
We are Savage Deen, located in The Big D, and we’re officially signed with So2Me Productions! We met through the MSA group at school, and together, we’ve created something real and raw. Call us misfits, call us outcasts—honestly, we’re just fine with that. We’re unapologetically Muslim, and we wear that badge with pride!
What people say about us doesn’t phase us—especially if they’re from our own faith. You do you, and we’ll do us.
So, what’s our vibe? Writing. Singing. Playing instruments. It’s how we express ourselves, blow off some steam, and speak out about the struggles we face. We're here to bridge the gap between generations, showing that Islam is more than what’s often portrayed in the media. We're bringing our culture to the Western world, beyond the propaganda, and showing the world the real, vibrant side of who we are.
And hey, if you’re coming at us just because we use instruments—have you ever stopped to think about how much good could come from channeling that energy into something more positive? Let’s build something better together!
Allah knows best.
Behind The Music, There Is US
LeAnn Al-Raheel
Background
LeAnn is a Lebanese-American first-generation college student at the University of Texas at Dallas, majoring in Accounting and Business Analytics. Her parents, refugees from Lebanon, instilled in her a deep sense of justice and pride in her heritage. Raised with the stories of her parents’ escape from war and displacement, LeAnn is a fierce advocate for Palestinian and Lebanese rights. Her activism is rooted in her faith, as she believes that Islam calls for standing up for the oppressed and speaking out against injustice.
Musical Journey
LeAnn has been writing music since she was eight, keeping a personal songbook filled with stories of her life. As she grew, her songs matured, blending her Arabic roots with Western influences. Her music reflects her struggles as a first-generation American, navigating two cultures while holding onto her faith. Fluent in both Arabic and English, she sings effortlessly in both languages, creating a unique sound that tells the story of her identity, her faith, and her activism.
Savage Deen
LeAnn founded Savage Deen to combine her love for music and her commitment to social justice. Through the band, she uses her platform to raise awareness for Palestine and Lebanon, organizing events and using her music to advocate for change. Her songs are both personal and political, speaking to the challenges of being a Muslim in the diaspora and the weight of living between two worlds.
Her Struggle
LeAnn’s journey to stay on the straight path is shaped by the tension between her family’s expectations and her desire to make a difference through music. While her family wants her to focus on academics and career, LeAnn is driven by her love for music and her activism. Islam is her guiding force, and she believes that her music is a form of worship—expressing her gratitude for Allah while fighting for justice.
Role in Savage Deen
As the founder and lead vocalist, LeAnn drives the band’s creative direction. Her bilingual talents allow her to connect with diverse audiences, and her passion for activism pushes the group to use their music for positive change. LeAnn’s music is a reflection of her identity, faith, and commitment to justice, making Savage Deen more than just a band—it's a movement.
Reem Al-Zahra
Background
Reem is a 19-year-old Somali-American, born and raised in Dallas, Texas. Her father, Somali, and her mother, a white Texan native, gave Reem a biracial identity that often left her feeling caught between two worlds—neither fully accepted by Black nor white communities. However, her connection with Savage Deen, and especially her friendship with LeAnn, gave her a sense of belonging that she had long searched for. They bonded deeply through their shared faith in Islam, a faith that transcended any divisions and gave them a common ground to stand on.
Though Reem has faced her own struggles within the Muslim community—particularly around not wearing the hijab—she is on her own journey of self-discovery, learning to embrace her identity as a Somali-American, Black, Muslim woman. She confidently owns her unique path, often saying, "Yeah, I’m Muslim. I’m proud. I’m loud. So what?" Her journey is one of growth, peace, and joy, grounded in her faith and her love for music.
Musical Journey
A techno mastermind and a force in Savage Deen, Reem brings an edge to the band with her expertise in music production, beats, and mixing. When she’s not creating futuristic sounds, she’s on the keyboard, rapping, or even singing. Reem’s musical style is diverse, influenced by her biracial background and the fusion of cultures she navigates. Her beats have a unique depth, shaped by her life experiences as a Somali-American Muslim woman, creating music that blends her faith with the joy and struggles she faces in her daily life.
Reem’s music is her voice, and she uses it to express both the beauty and complexity of her identity. She’s constantly exploring new ways to combine electronic sounds with her love for traditional and modern forms of music, reflecting her ever-evolving journey of self-expression.
Her Role in Savage Deen
In Savage Deen, Reem is the heart of the group’s electronic sound. Her knowledge of techno, combined with her musical versatility, helps shape the band's unique fusion of genres. She’s the mastermind behind many of the beats that drive their songs, turning simple melodies into intricate, soul-stirring tracks that resonate with their listeners.
Beyond her technical abilities, Reem brings an essential point of view to the band. As a Black Muslim woman, her experiences give her a fresh, authentic voice in the group, adding depth to their music and allowing her to connect with diverse audiences. She’s committed to using her talents to spread joy, peace, and love through her music, reflecting the values of her faith while embracing the individuality that makes her who she is.
Balancing Life and Music
Reem is also a full-time student at UT Dallas, studying Data Science, and manages to balance her academic pursuits with her love for music. Her ability to juggle both her studies and her passion for music speaks to her determination and work ethic. She’s a true force in Savage Deen, using every opportunity to grow, both musically and personally.
Reem’s journey with Islam, her background, and her dedication to authenticity and creativity make her an indispensable part of the band, ensuring their music speaks to the struggles, joys, and complexities of life as a young Muslim in America.
Ameena Shahid
Background
Ameena, 20, was born in Pakistan and moved to New York with her family in search of better opportunities. Her father’s hard work and dedication eventually led him to a prestigious role as a Senior Manager for a major clothing brand. Despite her family’s success and comfortable lifestyle, Ameena remains remarkably humble, and her down-to-earth nature often surprises those who don’t know her background.
Growing up, Ameena was always driven by a deep desire to make a meaningful impact in the world. This passion led her to found Homeless 2 Home, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping the homeless find stable housing, with her father being one of her biggest supporters. Her compassion for others fuels everything she does, and her heart is always set on creating positive change, whether through advocacy or in her future career.
Passions and Music
Though music is her third passion, it still holds a significant place in her life. Ameena is a talented backup vocalist for Savage Deen, adding depth to their sound with her soothing and powerful voice. Beyond vocals, she is also a skilled guitarist, and her true love lies in playing the sitar, which connects her to her cultural roots.
Ameena’s second passion lies in animal welfare. Currently studying Pre-Veterinary Medicine at UT Dallas, she dreams of eradicating animal abuse worldwide and improving the lives of animals everywhere. Her compassion for animals is a driving force in her life, and she aspires to make a significant impact on animal welfare through her future career.
Her Journey with Music and Faith
Ameena’s musical journey wasn’t always supported by her parents, who initially saw music as a hobby rather than a path she should pursue. However, over time, they have come to understand her passion, and they’re slowly warming to the idea of her musical endeavors.
Ameena speaks both Urdu and English fluently and effortlessly switches between the two languages when singing, allowing her to reach a diverse audience. She is a vital part of Savage Deen, not only for her musical talent but also for her unwavering commitment to her faith and her desire to use her platform to raise awareness for causes close to her heart.
Her Role in Savage Deen
Ameena plays a crucial role in Savage Deen as a backup vocalist, enriching their music with her unique voice and cultural influence. Her musical versatility, combined with her deep-rooted values of empathy and social change, makes her an indispensable part of the band. While she’s passionate about her work in animal welfare and her nonprofit, Ameena is dedicated to using her voice—both literally and metaphorically—to advocate for justice, compassion, and peace.
Yusuf Abdulfattah
Background
Yusuf, 21, is an American-born Palestinian who wrestles with the pain and devastation happening in Palestine. Though he doesn’t feel responsible for the violence, the tension between his Palestinian identity and the actions of the country he calls home weighs heavily on him. As an American, Yusuf feels caught between these two worlds—one deeply rooted in the history of his heritage and the other shaped by a complex and often conflicting political reality. To cope with this internal conflict, Yusuf frequently changes his hair color, a small act of rebellion that gives him a sense of control over his identity in a world that feels fragmented and divided.
Music and Passion
A talented multi-instrumentalist, Yusuf’s true passion lies in drumming. The drums are his outlet, allowing him to vent frustration and express his emotions about the societal divides and injustices he witnesses. While he’s also skilled in singing and playing guitar, it’s behind the drum kit where he truly finds release and connection. His rhythms reflect the anger and pain he feels, and playing is his way of processing the world around him.
Though he claims to be a loner, Yusuf is fiercely loyal and protective of the people he holds dear, especially his bandmates. His emotional depth and intensity come through in both his music and his relationships.
Football and Heritage
Yusuf is also a passionate supporter of Al-Nassr, a football team he follows as a way to stay connected to his Palestinian roots. His love for the game is more than just a hobby—it’s a way for him to feel united with his heritage and take pride in his culture, even when the world seems divided.
Commitment to Justice
Yusuf’s deep sense of justice drives his academic pursuits—he’s studying Pre-Law at UT Dallas, determined to one day fight for the rights of those who are oppressed. His personal struggles with identity and the injustices faced by his people fuel his desire to make a difference through the legal system. Yusuf’s journey, both on and off the stage, is one of self-discovery, activism, and a relentless drive to create a world where people can live without hatred or fear.
Malik Abdur-Rahman
Background
Malik, 24, is an African-American tech enthusiast with a passion for anything with a microprocessor. His fascination with computers and gadgets has been a driving force in his life. Raised by a mother who was a high school music teacher, Malik was introduced to music at an early age. She taught him everything he knows today, sparking a love for music that would stay with him forever. Despite his father’s decision to cut music out of their lives, Malik’s close relationship with him allowed for an open, mature conversation about his love for music and his desire to pursue it.
Musical and Tech Skills
A true musical force, Malik is a versatile talent—he can play guitar, rap, sing, and drum. His musical expertise, especially in the realm of electronic music, often benefits Ameena, as he lends his tech skills to their sound. Malik’s unique combination of talents in both music and technology makes him an irreplaceable member of Savage Deen. While he’s currently studying Computer Engineering at UT Dallas, his passion for music and his tech genius are what set him apart in the group, allowing him to merge the best of both worlds.
Struggles and Resilience
Growing up, Malik was often called a "loser," but one day he found a sweater that changed his perspective. The sweater read "Loser" on the front, but on the back, it said, “But at least I’m winning at life.” Though the text has faded over time, Malik still wears it proudly, a reminder that success is measured by personal fulfillment, not others’ perceptions. He knows he's winning in life, and that's all that matters to him.
Friendship and Role in the Band
Malik met Raka in high school when they attended Quran classes together at East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC). Their shared faith and love for music quickly turned into a strong friendship, and they became best friends. Their bond has only grown stronger over the years, and together, they formed an inseparable part of Savage Deen.
Malik’s ability to blend his love for music with his technical skills and his resilience in the face of adversity make him a key figure in Savage Deen, both musically and personally.
Raka Pratama
Background
Raka, 22, is a quiet and introspective British-Indonesian guy who only speaks when spoken to. Fluent in both English and Indonesian, he has a natural musical talent, able to rap and sing in both languages. Despite his impressive abilities, Raka is self-conscious about his British accent, often wishing he could lose it completely.
Originally from London, Raka’s family moved to Dallas to be closer to their extended family in Houston. His father worked for a marketing firm in London that grew rapidly and expanded to Dallas, prompting the transfer that brought Raka and his family to the U.S. He’s been in Dallas ever since, but his roots in both British and Indonesian cultures continue to shape who he is.
Cultural Identity and Struggles
When Raka started school in Dallas, his British accent became a constant point of attention. Questions like “Where are you from?” and “What’s that accent?” frustrated him, making him feel out of place. In an attempt to deflect the attention, he custom-made a jacket with a crescent moon symbol, hoping it would assert his Muslim identity and make people back off. While the jacket didn’t quite have the desired effect, it turned out to be a standout piece that symbolized his desire for acceptance and individuality.
Friendship with Malik and Musical Identity
Raka met Malik at the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), and despite their differences, they formed an unlikely but strong friendship. The two complement each other perfectly—while Malik brings his loud, confident energy, Raka is quieter and more reserved, but his creativity and musical talent shine through in their collaboration. Over time, Raka’s efforts to neutralize his accent have led him to develop a convincing American one when rapping or singing. But when he lets his guard down, his British accent inevitably sneaks back in.
Academic Journey
Currently studying Civil Engineering at UT Dallas, Raka aspires to build the infrastructure that shapes the world’s future. As he navigates his academic and musical journey, he continues to grapple with his unique cultural identity—balancing his British-Indonesian roots, his Muslim faith, and the American influences around him.
Role in Savage Deen
Raka’s introspective nature is balanced by his undeniable musical talent. His rapping and singing, whether in English or Indonesian, bring a unique dynamic to Savage Deen. While he’s reserved by nature, his music speaks volumes, and his role in the band is integral to their sound, blending his multicultural influences with his quiet strength.
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