World-famous Muslim folk singer Yusuf/Cat Stevens came half way round the world to bring comfort to those who lost so much in the Christchurch terrorist attacks.
Today he sat down with 1 NEWS reporter Lisa Davies, after his moving performance at the National Remembrance Service in Hagley Park.
Yusuf talked about the moment he learned of the terrorist attacks on two Christchurch mosques that claimed 50 lives on Friday, March 15.
"It was in the news and we heard it, I live in Dubai now so, we just couldn't believe it you know?
"Christchurch, New Zealand, what! And then it dawned what had happened, you know. This evil, a person had come in just to create this monstrosity of an event for his own cause," the singer said.
Yusuf converted to Islam at the height of his career in the 1970s and hopes his strong faith can help the city heal.
He has met some of the survivors and recalled one that "was very profound".
"I met with the mother and father of a boy called Tariq and they said to me the night before that Tariq was singing Peace Train - oh, wow!" Yusuf said.
The star travelled to New Zealand to perform for the victims of the March 15 terrorist attack. (Source: Other)
The singer also had some kind words for Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's swift action on gun control laws.
"It's amazing - it shows it can be done. She's my hero."
Yusuf prayed at one of the mosques involved in the shooting, the Al Noor Mosque, while on tour through New Zealand last year.
Tomorrow he will return there to spend more time with those who've lost so much.
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