Whether drawn from personal experience, family tales (many of my extended family are Syrian refugees who fled to Turkey) or inspired by art, each one of my songs tells a meaningful story. Making music is not only my favorite means of self-expression, but also a form of therapy: I try to bring out what I’ve experienced into the light. I want to make powerful music that moves people, that strikes a chord within your heart. Whether it’s pain or joy, we can share and relate to experiences through stories. The fact that I can make other people happy, or comfort them in their sadness is the greatest gift an artist could give to the world.
Raised in a strict household under an abusive father, music had always given me solace and escape in turbulent times. Realizing that I wanted to do the same for others through music, I began experimenting with recording hip-hop tracks in college. Rhythm didn’t come too naturally to me— for more than three years, I relentlessly pursued my music dreams without any success. But on a serendipitous trip to Las Vegas, I sang a Frank Sinatra rendition at a karaoke bar that earned a standing ovation and unlocked my hidden singing talent. Since then, I have released 2 mix tapes, 2 albums and many singles.
I have an eclectic mix of artists as creative influences, from Enrico Caruso and Sabah Fakhri, to Queen and August Alsina, to Logic and Eminem. My Arab heritage is a valuable part of my musical identity. It’s important for me to influence the Arab community. There’s a lot of toxicity and close-minded thinking in our culture that I want to change. Art should be encouraged. I want to promote the concept that it’s okay to be different. You don’t have to follow the status quo.
