Yusuf / Cat Stevens recent manifesto, “For A Good King,” raises a pertinent political point ahead of his new album “King of a Land.” While directed at King Charles III, it’s a message that every leader should heed. It reminds us of what we should demand from our leaders and rulers. In today’s world, it’s a rare occurrence to see leaders comprehend the language in which they lead. Instead, leaders such as Trudeau, Trump, Biden, Johnson, et al, have built their foundations on hatred, prejudice, corruption and hypocrisy; firmly casting their leadership in creating divisions among their people.
photo by Aminah Yusuf.
The song King of a Land, also the title of Yusuf / Cat Stevens’ forthcoming new album, retells the story found in the beautiful illustration bedecking the album’s cover – created by NY Times #1 best-selling illustrator, Peter H. Reynolds, in collaboration with Yusuf. The song is immortalised in a brand new music video, also released today, where Yusuf’s lyrics and Reynolds’ illustrations are both brought to life. This is the story of a small boy who imagines what he would do if he were king of a land called “Woodbee”. Childlike faith and dreams are brought back into touching distance as Yusuf takes us on a new journey. His voice, words and stunning melodies lead the listener to the gates of a much nicer, optimistic world than the one we presently inhabit.
For more on Yusuf / Cat Stevens, visit catstevens.com.
