In November 1995, along with Greg Ellis, Ali formed Vas, producing four albums: Sunyata (1997), Offerings (1998), In the Garden of Souls (2000), and Feast of Silence (2004).
In 2002 she released her first solo album, Portals of Grace, which saw her expand her repertoire even farther and prove her to be equally as adept in singing in 13th century French-Provençal, Galician and Ladino as she is in Arabic.
In 2005, Ali worked on a new project called Niyaz with solo artist Carmen Rizzo and Axiom of Choice member Loga Ramin Torkian. Its self-titled album, Niyaz features Ali's vocals sung in Urdu and Farsi, backed up by more electronica-style music.
In June 2006, Ali released another latest solo album, Elysium for the Brave, where she includes English singing in her repertoire.
Azam Ali collaborated with Keyavash Nourai and Shahrokh Yadegari on the album Green Memories, released in September of 2008.
In 2011, the latest album, From Night to the Edge of Day was released. It features Ali's unique take on traditional Middle Eastern songs and lullabies.
Inna-I-Malak
Azam Ali Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ayyatuha-l-a'adhra-u-naqiyatu efraḥi,
Wa ayḍan aqoulu "efraḥi",
Li-anna-bnaki qad qaam min al-qabri fi-l-youmi-thaaleth.
Estaniri, estaniri ya Ourashalimu-l-jadida,
Li-anna-l-majd-ar-rabb qad ashraqa a'alayki.
Efraḥi-l-an wa tahalali, Ourashalim.
Wa anti ya naqiyah, ya walidat al-Ilah, eṭrabi bi-qiyamati-waladik.
The lyrics of Azam Ali's "Inna-I-Malak" are rich in imagery and meaning. The opening line, "Inna-l-malak tafawwaha naḥu-l muna'ami a'alayha," translates to "Verily, the angel has spread its wings over us," suggesting a sense of protection or blessing. The next line, "Ayyatuha-l-a'adhra-u-naqiyatu efraḥi," addresses a noble lady, inviting her to experience joy. The following line, "Wa ayḍan aqoulu 'efraḥi'," continues this theme of joy and celebration.
The final line, "Li-anna-bnaki qad qaam min al-qabri fi-l-youmi-thaaleth," adds a layer of poignant depth to the song. It means "For your son has risen from the grave on the third day," implying a religious or spiritual resurrection. This intertwining of spirituality, protection, and joy creates a powerful message that is open to interpretation.
Overall, "Inna-I-Malak" is a complex and layered piece of music, incorporating Middle Eastern instruments and vocals. Its poetic lyrics carry deep meaning and emotion that allow for personal reflection and interpretation.
Line by Line Meaning
Inna-l-malak tafawwaha naḥu-l muna'ami a'alayha:
We saw the angel descend delicately upon it:
Ayyatuha-l-a'adhra-u-naqiyatu efraḥi,
Oh virgin pure, be glad,
Wa ayḍan aqoulu "efraḥi",
And furthermore I say, "Rejoice",
Li-anna-bnaki qad qaam min al-qabri fi-l-youmi-thaaleth.
For your son has risen from the grave on the third day.
Estaniri, estaniri ya Ourashalimu-l-jadida,
Listen! Listen, oh new Jerusalem,
Li-anna-l-majd-ar-rabb qad ashraqa a'alayki.
For the glory of the Lord has shone upon you.
Efraḥi-l-an wa tahalali, Ourashalim.
Rejoice now and exult, oh Jerusalem.
Wa anti ya naqiyah, ya walidat al-Ilah, eṭrabi bi-qiyamati-waladik.
And you, oh pure one, oh mother of God, prepare for the resurrection of your son.
Contributed by Gabriella N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.