Kashif Saleem (born Michael Jones in 1959) is an American multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and record producer. Kashif discovered his artistic gifts at age seven when he first taught himself to play a $3 song flute and later the piano in the basement of his church. As he moved from family to family, music became a comforting refuge and the only common thread in the young boy's unstable life. At age 15, Kashif's musical skills took him through the door to a brighter future. He joined BT Express and performed on stages around the world. He studied Islam and changed his name from Michael Jones to Kashif, which means discoverer and inventor. He crafted his own distinctive sound and later signed with Arista Records enjoying success as a solo artist.