Ani Zonneveld

President and Founder of Muslims for Progressive Values

www.mpvusa.org | www.twitter.com/AniZonneveld | www.facebook.com/mpvusa | +1 323 696 2678 | info@mpvusa.org |

Ani Zonneveld is a writer, a singer/songwriter, speaker and a human rights defender. She speaks and sings her message of social justice, human rights, and peace from a progressive Muslim women’s perspective. Born and raised Muslim from Malaysia and based out of Los Angeles, she spearheads the progressive Muslim movement both internationally and in the U.S.

Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV) is a grassroots, faith-based human rights organization. Founded in 2007, MPV advocates for egalitarian expressions of Islam, for women’s rights, LGBTQI rights, freedom of expression, and freedom of and from religion or belief. MPV promotes these values at the United Nations by challenging human rights abuses in the name of Islam, and by offering an inclusive understanding based on universal human rights and justice.

At the grassroots level, MPV’s services to the Muslim community include inclusive spiritual spaces, youth involvement, interfaith and same-sex marriages, and forums in countering radical thought. MPV promotes these values through its network of chapters and affiliates in Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Columbus, Canada, France, Bangladesh, Chile, Australia, Germany, The Netherlands, Malaysia, Burundi and Tunisia. 

Book Chapters

2015 Contributor, “For Muslims – a 9-11 Wake-up Call”, Author: Barbara Falconer Newhall, Wrestling With God: Stories of Doubt and Faith, pp. 190-203, Patheos Press, 2015. 

 

2013 Contributor,“Expatriate Blues”, Anthology: Critical Muslim 07:Muslim Archipelago, pp.149-158, Oxford University Press. 

 

2012 Contributor,“Islam and America, Better Than Ever”, Anthology: American Dreamers–Optimists, Mavericks, and Mad Inventors Share Their Dreams for Brighter Futures; pp. 241-247, Sharp/Stuff, 2014. 

 

2011 Editor and contributor, Anthology:"Progressive Muslim Identities"answers the often-asked question "Where are the progressive Muslims?" Here, gay, straight, black, white and brown Muslims from the United States and Canada narrate their personal stories. Their powerful voices highlight human dignity, freedom to choose how one lives out one's faith, and the inner strength it takes to do so. 

Albums

Solo project; creator of a new musical genre; “Islamic Hymns: Celebration of Life”; 2012

 

 

Solo project; an interfaith concept; “One”; Interfaith songs, collaborators include Redbear, Rev. Noriaki Ito, Kominas and Rabbi Naomi Levi, 2005

 

 

Solo project; first female Islamic pop English singer in the U.S.; “Ummah Wake Up”; 2003 

 

 

 

Documentaries

 

2016 Al Imam, Documentary Short: Despite controversy and threats, Muslim singer/songwriter turned spiritual leader Ani Zonneveld takes a stand for justice through activism and a progressive practice of Islam. Oscar Awards qualifying screenings:  Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival as part of the "Path of Most Resistance"; Big Sky Documentary Film Festival; Cleveland International Film Festival; First Look Film Festival, Montclair Film Festival. You can watch the trailer here.

 

Awards and Recognition

Pen Name: Zuriani

  • GRAMMY

2004 - Certification for song contribution “One Friend” Keb’ Mo’ ‘Keep It Simple’ (album) 
2001 - Certification for song contribution “I’m Your Mother Too” Keb’ Mo’ ‘Big Wide Grin’ (album)

  • AIM (Malaysian equivalent of the Grammy); Songwriter and Producer

2004 | Best Pop Album | Siti Nurhaliza (artist) | ‘Emas’ (album title)
2004 | Album of the Year | Siti Nurhaliza (artist) | ‘Emas’ (album title)

1999 | Best Pop Album | Siti Nurhaliza (artist) | ‘Adiwarna’ (album title)
- Album of the Year  | Siti Nurhaliza (artist) | ‘Adiwarna’ (album title)

  • Wrote over 200 songs with over 40 songs published worldwide. 

Television, Radio and Public Interviews

2017

 

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

Published Articles

2016

2015

2014

2013

Endorsements

  • Reza Aslan
  • Congressman Keith Ellison
  • Keb’ Mo’
  • Thom Hartman