Meet Tariq Snare, Native Deen drummer extraordinaire!
From the Islamic Relief concerts in the UK, to Al-Risalah TV's performance in Kuwait, the heart-pounding rhythm of Native Deen is unmistakable. As Joshua, Abdul-Malik and Naeem perform inspirational and uplifting songs, there is one man in the back that keeps it all in sync. Meet Tariq Snare (AKA Todd Lowther), the first official drummer of Native Deen.
"I first met Native Deen through Joshua's extended family." says Tariq, a medium built African-American brother with a warm smile, neatly cropped beard and his signature miswak. "He gave me a CD, and when I heard it, I knew I could help their live show be more exciting. I was impressed by the lyrics of the songs and their talent". Tariq was born and raised in New York City. He started drumming before the age of seven years old and played his first drum set in second grade Br. Snare comes from a family of talented musicians. "I used to go over to my Uncle Warren's house in Harlem. He had a drum set and I first started learning from playing on his drums." During the summer, Tariq spend a lot of time there practicing different rhythms and beats.
As he got older, he started playing with older musicians and played in the school band in junior high school. From these performances he quickly developed his talent and was able to get an audition for LaGuardia School of Performing Arts. He was then accepted to Long Island University majored in music. During this time he started touring with major groups and bands until he obtained his B.A. degree in music.
After college he continued to tour and play drums with various bands. He also was a teacher in local Junior high school where he taught language arts, social studies and eventually music. Tariq relates, "I always enjoyed working with kids, helping them to learn and develop themselves positively".
During his early musical career he has drummed for well-known musicians such as Keith Sweat, PM Dawn, Johnny Kempt, Queen Lateefa, Bell, Biv, Devoe, Michael Urbaniak, Bernard Wright, Angie Stone, Kalees, Bilal, Willson Pickett, Mavis Staples, Cool and the Gang, Groove Theory and many others. More recently he has played for Amel Larrieux, 3LW, Chiko Dubars and jammed with Mary J. Blidge, Steve Wonder, Sami Yusuf and Shakakan.
9-11 had an impact on Tariq because he had been performing at the World Trade Center's show "Windows On the World" - up until September 9th, 2001, a few days before the deadly attacks on the building. Tariq had been familiar with Islam before the attacks through several members of his family who were Muslim.
In 2003, Br. Snare met Native Deen through one of Joshua Salaam's extended family members. The first performance that Tariq Snare performed at was in Houston Texas in August, 2003. It was then, right before the performance that Tariq took his Shahada and accepted Islam.
Tariq is now single and lives in the heart of Brooklin, New York. His daughter Tia who is 8 years also loves playing drums. "She is the pride of my heart" Tariq says emphatically. Tariq also enjoys basketball, playing with kids and drawing. He is a currently writing a book on how to teach kids playing drums entitled "Kids Can Rock the Drums Too".
Because of Tariq's busy schedule, there might be one or two shows that he might not be able to attend. But he says insistently that he always has Native Deen in his heart and misses the experience anytime he is not playing with the group. "Native Deen has helped me improve my life spiritually and many others and I'm proud to be a part of the team". Native Deen is very proud to have Tariq Snare as their drummer extraordinaire!
