Moonchild: The Life and Music of Yusuf Salim

Moonchild: The Life and Music of Yusuf Salim (2026)

DocumentaryMusic

Moonchild follows jazz pianist, composer, and mentor Yusuf Salim, from his early years playing on Baltimore’s famed Pennsylvania Avenue to his celebrated contributions to the emerging jazz and Black Muslim communities in his adopted hometown in Durham, North Carolina. Salim’s deep faith and embrace of human connection transformed the world around him, even through a lifelong battle with personal demons. During Yusuf’s 60-year musical journey, he inspired and propelled the careers of award-winning musicians and vocalists with his Black Atlantic cool and mastery of the songbook. Guided by his legacy, acclaimed jazz artists reunite in Durham to honor an unsung mentor and perform Salim’s music at historic concerts.

Directors: Kenny Dalsheimer, Rafael Samanez.

Casts

	Yusuf Salim as Self (Archival Footage)
	Nnenna Freelon as Self
	Bus Brown as Self (Archival Footage)
	Eve Cornelius as Self
	Elijah Fox-Peck as Self
	Billy Stevens as Self
	Gary Bartz as Self
	Sister Rhonda Muhammad as Self
	Imam Oliver Muhammad as Self
	Lois Deloatch as Self
	Robert Towers as Self
	Dr. Brian Horton as Self
	Rachiim Ausar Sahu as Self

Crew