Muslim Radio Dallas: Islamic-Centered Radio Show Promotes Religious Values Through Halal Programming And ‘Salam Sound’

When Kenden Mustaquiim Dean (or KM Dean) converted to Islam in the early 90s, he still wanted to find a way to continue his passion for singing and songwriting without compromising his new faith, as many Muslims believe musical instruments are forbidden.

Now, he’s found that in his work at Muslim Radio Network’s (MRN) first station in Dallas. In a special segment, KM Dean uses acapella to produce music that doesn’t go against his faith as a Muslim.

“I knew that through a song I could share with others what I discovered in Islam and how great it felt being a Muslim,” he said. “I found that producing my songs using my voice to imitate the instruments was a way to avoid the controversy. I called this method or art form Salam Sound.”

While he credits his ability to write songs as a “gift from Allah,” sometimes even sleeping or dreaming leads him to create melodies.

“Most song melodies and beats come to me falling asleep or when I am close to waking up from a dream. Over the years this gift has developed so much, Mashallah, that sometimes I am able to work on the song in my dream and by the time I wake up, it is complete and ready for me to record it, at least on my phone so I don’t forget it,” he said.

KM Dean draws inspiration from musical greats such as Marven Gaye, Prince, Michael Jackson and Bobby McFerren and believes

MRN’s work is immensely important for American Muslims and a powerful and timely new way to engage younger generations.

“It is our mission to make Muslim Radio Dallas a faith-based project for our youth and community to work on together and to listen to together. We believe our community needs to make a shift from watching to listening,” he said. “Let’s take a break from the screens. Islam is a beautiful way of life. There is wisdom behind its teachings. We want to share this not with just a long lecture, but creatively through Islamic entertainment.”

KM Dean, who still works as a full time school educator, is hopeful that the Muslim community will appreciate the value of this form of media platform and one day there will be sister stations across the country. “I write and record most of the jingles for the station, commercials and show intros. The balance I need to make is between this work and my day job. Inshallah, if the station is successful one day I will not have to worry about walking that tightrope.”

Th Dallas station is always looking for high school or college-age interns to join their team as producers, news reporters, writers, show hosts, DJs, singers, rappers, poets or comedians.

Interested applicants can reach out to Muslim Radio Dallas at contact@muslimradiodallas.com.