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of all. Formed in Denmark in 1997, they consist of Isam Bachiri (born in Denmark and of Moroccan background), Waqas Ali Qadri (born in Denmark and of Pakistani background), and Lenny Martinez (from Honduras). All three members are devoutly religious and deeply open-minded, with Isam and Waqas being Muslims, and Lenny being Catholic. Outlandish's hip-hop/R&B/soul music sound takes influences from their various cultures (Moroccan/Arab/Amazigh, Pakistani/Punjabi and Latin American) and although their songs are primarily in English, they usually feature lyrics in Spanish, Urdu/Punjabi, Danish, and Arabic.
Outlandish broke onto the European music scene with their second album, Bread and Barrels of Water, which contained such hit Outlandish songs as "Walou" and "Aicha." Closer Than Veins, the group's third album, contained some politically sensitive and controversial tunes, and was released in the UK by Sony BMG in March 2007. According to critics, this album showcased the group's more mature outlook compared to their previous works. Says one: "Tracks such as "Just Me" and "Una Palabra" give a rare insight into the life in Europe today as seen through the eyes of a second generation immigrant, whereas "Nothing Left To Do" perhaps the most daring and compelling track on the album boldly tackles the still taboo ridden issue of a young Muslim man catching,"
Outlandish has not been without its share of controversy. Denmark's Radio (DR - The Danish Broadcasting Services) provoked an outcry when, allegedly on behalf of demands from Outlandish, they "censored" the broadcaster's annual Christmas show because the popular group didn't want to perform alongside a female singer with bare shoulders. The outcome was that the singer was moved further away on the stage. The Danish press subsequently dismissed these rumors as false and while Outlandish may at times seem to go out of its way to stoke the flames of controversy, they also are talented and intelligent enough to produce music that tears down the walls between people of different countries rather than building them up.