A beloved son and cherished brother of exceptional talent and charisma, Atif Saleem Madyun II, 55, of North Providence, has sadly left us too soon. He passed away unexpectedly, at home on March 19th, 2023. He was the son of Yolanda Z Madyun of Ashburn Virginia and the late Clinton Patrick Ray. Atif was raised and received his name from his stepfather Atif Saleem Madyun Senior. He is survived by his sisters, Valerie Canada-Bartee of Cumberland Virginia, Verenice Royal of Spring Hope, North Carolina, and two brothers, Abe Madyun of Glendale California, and Siraaj Madyun of Winchester, Virginia, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives, and his Dearest friend Lisa Pack of Providence RI.
Born in New York, Atif moved to Rhode Island early in life. A graduate of Rogers High School in Newport, he graduated from URI with a Baccalaureate in Political Science. During his studies at URI Atif also served as President of The Uhuru Sasa student organization, where he helped lead the fight for the rights of minority students and spearheaded countless entertainment and cultural events on campus and throughout the entire state. Atif also was one of the pioneers of Hip Hop music being played on Rhode Island radio stations as an air radio personality and disc jockey “DJ Saleem”, host of the landmark “Panther Power Hour” on 90.3 WRIU FM.
After graduation, Atif worked as an Information Systems Manager for many corporations and private organizations throughout the United States. Considering his zest for life, love of organizing and entertainment, and flair for the finer things, Atif would start his own company, ZAR Entertainment, responsible for many popular themed events in Rhode Island and around the US.
He was a sharp dresser, outgoing and loving, and exceptionally talented and smart. Atif loved people and showed genuine interest in everyone he met. He was a writer, enjoyed a good debate, and loved to travel, listen to music, and dance. He had a curious mind, a true intellectual who was a joy to be around. His infectious laugh made him a true pleasure to be with. He enjoyed visiting Martha’s Vineyard, Florida, and local RI beaches.
Always a great friend to all who knew him, he took pride in being an advocate for those less fortunate, and was always available for those who needed him, he was a blessed soul who will be sorely missed. Atif belonged to the Community Baptist Church of Newport RI. He was an NAACP and National Action Network of New York member. He had an artistic soul, loved movies, especially comedies, and always recommended to others which movies he thought were the best, he also made a mean Arroz con Pollo which he loved sharing with family and friends.
Our dear Atif, may you rest in peace until we meet again. Services for Atif will be held in Virginia on April 29th at 1:00 p