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Yemen-born, Saudi-based Sudanese artist Ziyad Al Zaki AKA Zii, is a rising r&b recording artist, who is setting the standard for quality when it comes to r&b music in the region. Zii has been influenced by his father’s love for music and the cultural diversity surrounding him from a young age. His incredible voice and ability to deliver impeccable vocals mixed with top tier production that Brij ENT brings to the table, result in a captivating sound that is sure to leave you impressed. ZII is definitely a talent you want to keep your eye on as he is set to be at the forefront of the R&B genre in the region. -What was your first introduction to music? Me being a child while sitting with my dad, not knowing what he’s listening to, but it just sounded so good, it was a mix of a lot of cultures and genres. -When did you discover that you had a talent for singing? The story began when I was an 8 year old kid in school reciting Quran in class, then going home listening to some of my dad’s cassettes alone. That’s how I knew I had the vocals. -Who were your musical inspirations growing up? They range from Michael Jackson and Bob Marley, to Sharhabeel “one of sudan’s jazz legends”. I also got introduced to Usher, Maria Carey and Boys II Men when it came to R&B. -When did you record your first song and what was that process like? I linked up with Saud Al Turki “Founder of Brij Entertainment” ,to have the first meeting/session in 2019 and we created the first song in that session titled “Here With Me." -When did you decide that you wanted turn your music artistry into a career? I wasn’t actually thinking of taking it seriously, until some of my friends who really believed in my talent convinced me to take it further. Then, I started making YouTube mashups with them, then I started doing live shows and eventually I moved on to making my own music. -Coming from a diverse background, do you feel that your diversity contributes to your creativity? Of course it does, in so many ways. Especially when it comes to the melodies or kind of sounds, it definitely plays a big part in my music making process. -What is your favorite song of yours so far and why? I honestly like all of my tracks equally but I have a certain feeling towards 2 of my unreleased songs “like before” & “look into my eyes”, they simply represented what I was going through emotionally and mentally at the time. -With the Saudi music scene opening up and your recent signing with Brij Entertainment, where do you see yourself in the next 10 years? With god’s will, I definitely see me and my Brij family doing shows overseas, showcasing our culture and creating a bridge between the Middle East and the rest of the world… -From the beginning of your journey up until now, what are the 3 most important things you’ve learned? I definitely must say, consistency, hard work and believing in myself and the people around me. -You have any releases we should look out for? Yes, I have song coming out, it’s called I REMEMBER. It’s gonna be a single dropping very soon along with a music video. Check out Zii's music at: https://ampl.ink/8ZKVp Follow us on: Instagram Facebook YouTube Make sure to share this post and subscribe to our newsletter to receive notifications on our latest posts, as well as exclusive content and much more!

Born in Paris and raised in NYC, Proof has been exposed to all aspects of Hip Hop culture and comes from a family deeply involved in the music industry. His older brother DJ Moma, is one of the most accomplished DJ's in the international scene, his two younger brothers are Ibrahim Hamad - J Cole's manager and partner and finally, renowned rapper Bas. Since childhood, music was in the family as their uncle was "Bashir Abbas" a famous Sudanese composer,lute player and founder of the group "Al Balabil." Proof works with many artists, weather it's management, mentor-ship or simply collaboration. He's been recognized for "A 249 experience VOL.1" a compilation of 18 Sudanese artists that accumulated millions of streams. Proof along with the Circle just released the second volume of "249 experience" and it is definitely a body of work worth checking out. What was your first interaction with music? Growing up in Paris to a Sudanese family, our living room was a blend of Sudanese music, such as, my uncle ‘Bashir Abbas’ and his friends Kable. But there was also a lot of Bob Marley and Jackson 5 in my early days. - When did you make your first song, what was that like? When I was 14 with a buddy of mine in Paris. Lyrically, it was advanced for a 14 year old, but if I heard today, I would surely cringe. -Being from a family that has a lot of experience and history with the music business, what are the most important things your family taught you about the music business? Nothing is given to you and no one owes you anything. More so in the way they’ve stayed consistent with that approach. Also, collaborations go a long way, we are all very people oriented persons. -Which artists inspired you the most? Bob Marley, Tupac, Black Thought, Sade…to name a few. But today, I would say , the Dreamville roster as a whole is inspiring because it seems like such a safe place for artist development. -What is the story of the Circle coming together and how did you end up joining the collective? I started the collective around the time I was working on creating “A 249 Experience vol1”. I wanted to show the west what kind of talent comes out my country, Sudan. But, I also wanted to get more familiar with the ones I personally liked to listen to more and also connect with as people. I wanted an organization that was free of a monarchy type structure. A circle has no top or bottom and if one piece ain’t connected it’s not a circle…I like the unity aspect of it. -Coming from and representing a culture that is rich in music, how do you plan to incorporate sonic elements from Sudanese culture into your music? Other than sampling Sudanese work mainly involving the Oud/lute, I’ve had Sudanese musicians play riffs that we made beats out of. It’s all still in the works and experimental. -Where do you see yourself and the circle in the next 10 years? As far as myself, I see me taking my ear for talent and mind for artist development to another level, I'll either sign artists myself to a label I built or to one I am a part of. I see myself doing many projects similar to DJ Khaled compilations. As far as the C!rcle is concerned, I see the group having toured the world and gone on to individually accomplish their goals. I see it evolving too, in a way where someone like myself could take fade out into other aspects of music leaving room for perhaps a new member eventually …stay tuned. -What are your thoughts on the creative/music scene in Sudan and where do you see it going? I believe it’s the most talent packed scene by very far (no disrespect to the neighbors in the region). When it comes to the variety and quality of Sudanese artistry, it has always been top notch and now with the help of the internet, the people have a voice. Weather it be traditional or modern forms of Sudanese music, English or Arabic, we are so diverse and it’s amazing to see. -From the beginning of your journey until now, what are the 3 most important things you've learned? Nothing is given to you or owed to you. Gotta have thick skin and mental toughness to deal with lack of support and keep going. Collaboration goes a long way. Expand your style by working with different artists from different genres even. It will help you grow faster tans learn from each other. Be yourself …everyone else is already taken. Check out Proof and The Circle's music at: https://linktr.ee/Thecirxle Follow us on: Instagram Facebook YouTube Make sure to share this post and subscribe to our newsletter to receive notifications on our latest posts, as well as exclusive content and much more!

Born and raised in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Nabeel aka NBL has been producing for over 7 years and he continues to expand his knowledge in the music scene. He started out working within the Hip Hop genre and it became his favorite, however, he also experiments with R&B, trap and AfroBeats. One thing that makes NBL stand out, is the fact that he always tries to include Arabic elements in his music, to represent the region and push the envelope forward. At 19 years old, NBL is working towards building a strong Arab based Hip Hop scene by reaching a high standard of quality through the mentor-ship he received form industry legends. what was your first interaction with music? I've always been in love with music, it's always been an essential part of my life. I remember listening to the Blueprint for the first time, life-changing!! -Who were your first musical inspirations? I've always had a deep love for HipHop, specifically the complexity in the production, and the creativity that comes with it. Pop music always seemed too similar, HipHop is always changing. Producers like Timbaland and Kanye were always doing the craziest things, and it always sounded great. -When did you make your first production and what was that like? This was actually a pretty funny story. It was the first week of Summer 2015, I downloaded Audacity on a busted-up Macbook and I tried to remix Whistle by Florida and Payphone by Maroon 5. The result was horrible... -How would you describe your experience growing up as a music producer in Saudi? Back then, there was no environment whatsoever for musicians experimenting with English music, it was a very isolating experience. The greatest time for me was finally meeting and getting to work with our circle, it was like finally getting to be around like-minded individuals who are all striving for the same purpose and actually making progress doing so. -How did you come to develop your unique production style? To be honest, I don't feel like I've fully mastered or completed a certain sound. I still need to work on including more Arabic sounds in my production, as well as making it more relatable to the people. But for now, I feel like my music has a blend of inspiration from Toronto to Brooklyn-style Hip-hop and Rnb, as well as Nigerian Afrobeats and Caribbean Afrosoul. -You’ve recently worked on an exciting project with Amazon for the Saudi National Day campaign, can you tell us about that and how it came together? I mean that was all thanks to Noor Taher and Adel Al Ghamidi, their support and advice are what made it all come together, it was a beautiful privilege and it helped me learn so much about commercial projects and working with an International market. I love the Amazon Saudi team, it was an absolute pleasure working with them. Big things coming soon! -Who are 5 artists from the region you think we should look out for? Obviously, I gotta shout out the greats; Saud, Jeed, Ntitled, but there are a couple of others that are doing amazing things and making huge moves behind the scenes. AZIZ.wav is one of them, he's one of my favorite artists to work with, and is a trailblazer in the Middle Eastern music scene. The same goes for Kali-B, who recently released a disco record that I'm addicted to! He brought disco to the region! Hani Zein is also making big waves in the scene, put him up against any Sudani rapper, there are levels to him! -Who are 5 artists you dream of collaborating with? My answer to this question never changes. Belly, Amr Diab, HOV, J Cole & Nas -From the beginning of your journey until today, what are the 3 most important things you’ve learned? Marketing, marketing, marketing!!! There is nothing more important than marketing yourself! I still struggle with it to this day. Social media is such a powerful tool that needs to be taught. Taking a course in Social Media marketing is essential for any artist in the region or around the globe! Check out NBL's music at: https://songwhip.com/nbl Follow us on: Instagram Facebook YouTube Make sure to share this post and subscribe to our newsletter to receive notifications on our latest posts, as well as exclusive content and much more!

Mazen Badr, known professionally as (MR. DEE), is a music producer at TDO Records, entrepreneur, founder & creative manager of Future Sounds. He is also the founder, CEO of Three Double One Entertainment & Co-founder of Nas Jota Records. His career began as a member of the (Three Double One - Band) in 2002 & later transitioned to (Three Double One Entertainment) in 2003. A couple of years later, MR. DEE was also credited as a key figure in the crafting and popularization of House music in Sudan & Malaysia. MR. DEE's career was built upon a series of successful released & unreleased music tracks that spread globally and conquered numerous dance floors, such as the official original track (FEARLESS) released by TDO Records. MR. DEE is considered to be a sought after DJ in Riyadh's Underground events. He's been in Middle East since 2013, gaining a lot of fame in KSA, UAE & Bahrain as he performed in many big underground events such as (Future Sounds, The Illusion, Rave Heads, Translucent, Groove on The Roof & Many More). He also played in big scale events such as (Wapi, Riyadh Season festival, Diriyah festival, Al Janadriyah Season, Autoville, Saudi International Motor Festival, Reebok festival). -What was your first interaction with music? A Mixtape, a gift from my uncle, it my first ever interaction with music at around 8 years old. The Mixtape included pop, disco and house hits, later on by the age of 10 to 12, I started to discover more music and I was able to differentiate between the music genres by the way it sounds. -Who were your musical inspirations growing up? Technically, my father. He introduced me to a lot of music as he has a huge records library, I used to listen to music on my father's cassette player when there were no mp3 copies, I discovered a lot of music in the 90's. I used to listen to artists and DJ's of the 90's techno scene which are considered today's legends such as Juan Atkins, Jeff Mills, Monika Kruse. I also listened to the Jackson 5, MJ, Bob Marley, the hip hop duo Pete rock & Cl smooth, the Hip Hop group Geto boys and many more. -What was your experience like making house music in Sudan? I started making my own music in 2003, I used to pick cuts and loops and combine them together, I pick whatever it sounds good to my ears such as Pop,Funk, Jazz to Hip Hop and House. Most of my records were Hip Hop until 2008, after that I started to focus on house. I used to also mix African vocals and combine them with fast tempo beats and melodies to create house momentum. -It is clear that you are not only involved in the artistic side of music, but the business side of it as well. What was your beginning of your music journey as an entrepreneur and what made you take that route? I have decided to pursue my passion for music on a business level in 2008, as as events and creative manager at Three Double One Entertainment, I launched my small company Three Double One Entertainment as a service provider (record label, Sound, stage production and music events management). I was a very well known music events manager in Khartoum, Sudan between 2008 up to 2013, before I relocated to Saudi and I've been doing the same over here ever since. Being a music producer is leading me to manage everything related to music production and events management. The music industry is large and allows me to do many things, including being an entrepreneur. There are many reasons that made me want to start my business in the music industry and those include my desire to release my records as an artist and to help others get some form of exposure to improve their craft. The main reason however, is that I am always driven to do my own thing so I don’t have to wait my whole life to be found when I can control everything myself. -What has my experience been like in the music business in Saudi and what are your thoughts on its growing industry? my music experience in KSA as a musician and events creative manager is really good, the music scene in KSA is still fresh, although the capacity and the magnitude are huge. For example, If the number of events held at the KSA's entertainment Seasons in 2019 up to now is any measure of success...!!! then Saudi Arabia’s live music industry is set to become the biggest driver of the domestic entertainment business. I’ve never in my previous years of experience, worked on projects with such scope. DIRIYA season 2019 and all the Riyadh seasons from 2019 up to 2021 was a big time and had a vision of excellence at a world-class level, backed up with the effort and determination required to achieve that. It's a great opportunity for me to be part of the the seasons and the other private and public events. -Many of your tracks have become international hits, how did you feel when you got your first hit? I have many released and unreleased tracks, it's really great seeing my tracks go places like Malaysia, KSA, Austria and many more. My 1st official track was a Hip Hop track (unforgettable moments) released in 2010 in Malaysia. It was super exciting hearing my track on air at many radios. -What’s your favorite track of yours and why? I released many tracks in 2022 and it took too long to release. I consider Aspiration, as my favorite track in 2022, my feelings were risen when I started building the track. -Who are 5 artists you dream of collaborating with? -Fnx -Omar -Artbat Goom -Gum. -Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years? 10 years is way long for an artist to achieve their targets, 1 to 2 years is what I need to reach my ultimate goal, and there are always no limits ... -From the beginning of your journey until now, what are the 3 most important lessons you've learned? -The less friends you have, the less problems you have. -Work in silence. -I am to be my number 1 supporter. Check out MR.DEE's music at: https://www.beatport.com/track/fearless/16142527 https://www.instagram.com/mrdeeksa/ Follow us on: Instagram Facebook YouTube Make sure to share this post and subscribe to our newsletter to receive notifications on our latest posts, as well as exclusive content and much more!

Faisal Abdulaziz AlKheriji is a Saudi contemporary artist that mixes culture, cubism, and surrealism to create distinct portraits that represent his culture differently. His work portrays the beauty of the deep-rooted Saudi Culture, which was inherent of a series of civilizations that were crowned by Islam religion. From customs, hospitality, to their style of dressing, Faisal portrays how the culture is adapting with modernization. Faisal has been featured in various interviews & articles on renowned platforms and has shown work in several shows including the 2017 Transition show in London, UK, The 2017 Shara Art Fair in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and a solo show at the Ritz Carlton in Boston, USA. We discuss Faisal's beginnings in art, his inspirations, the art scene in Saudi and the business of Art. -What was your first interaction with art? My first interaction with art was at the age of 6 when I entered a summer art class. It was very basic, but it was my first interaction with art and it planted the seed for the love I have for art today! -Who were your inspirations? At a very young age, I used to copy artists, the first artist I used to always copy was Michael godard. As I grew up, I started getting into more complex art style and schools of cubism and surrealism, where Picasso and Goerge condo are currently my biggest inspirations. -Why did you choose Cubism as your artistic style? It wasn’t a choice per say, but an art style I fell in love with and I'm always exploring and evolving in the style of work. Cubism, unlike other art styles, has different layers and complications to the painting that makes it beautiful and gives it depth that would always remain amusing. -Growing up, was the environment supportive of artists? The environment was always supportive of artist, but in recent years, the art scene has been getting bigger in the region and is being well supported by government/private institutions. The art knowledge is also much higher now and the support that artists are getting is nothing like ever before! -How has the art scene in Saudi changed since you’ve been in it? It has changed drastically, from the Ministry Of Culture supporting and creating many art museums in the region with different themes, and Misk Art which also offers many art programs, to private galleries that have opened up and started programs as well and galleries to display and support local art. -Being that you released NFT art, What was your first interaction with NFT’s, what was the process like releasing a collection and what are your thoughts on this technology? Although I created a few NFT’s, I have stated clearly that I don’t support this technology and don’t have plans to shift my work into digital NFT work. The concept of NFT’s as a service is misused and misunderstood which makes it hard for it to work in the art world as it currently stands. And when it comes to static art pieces, I will forever remain with the thought that physical art pieces cannot be replaced with digital as it would lose the artist's touch and brush strokes with it, as well as the many layers that cannot be seen on a digital screen. -What has your experience been like with the business/career side of art, and what advice do you have for other artists looking to monetize their art? My experience has been great, even though I haven’t planned the business part of it when starting my career. I started selling to a few friends and family members at very low prices and as demand went up and I saw interest from others, prices went up and it has been a great side income for me. My advise would be to focus on producing nice art pieces that you are proud of and eventually someone will find it beautiful and pay for it, but to get your name out there you have to start small! -Who are some artists you dream of collaborating with? I would dream to collaborate with George condo as he's one of my inspirations who is still alive! -From the beginning of your journey until now, what are the 3 most important things you’ve learned? 1- There is no right or wrong way in art 2- Paint for yourself and what you like to paint, not what you think people will like (it limits creativity and takes the joy out of it) 3- Practice makes perfect. The more you practice the more you will explore and learn and get creative! Check out Faisal's art at: https://www.artbyfaisal.com/press https://instagram.com/artbyfaisal?igshid=ZjA0NjI3M2I= Follow us on: Instagram Facebook YouTube Make sure to share this post and subscribe to our newsletter to receive notifications on our latest posts, as well as exclusive content and much more!

Heba Ismail is a Saudi artist who has been creating unique art pieces for a long time and recently took her gifts towards the world of Web3 and NFT's, releasing NFT collections on popular NFT marketplace Open Sea and selling physical art pieces via NFT smart contracts, making her one of the first Saudi and Arab artists to do so. Heba grew up in an art inspired family and was raised with her art collector father who was inspired by the international painter Picasso. The exposure that Heba has had since childhood, gave birth to the unique but strong sense of art that can be seen on her canvases. Heba specializes in Fauvism and Cubism, she focused on this style because it allows her to utilize the manual skill of the hand which she trained well in her day to day profession as a dentist. Mastering precise and extremely accurate hand skills that focus on shaping by hand and highlighting beauty, whether through canvas paintings or the appearance of teeth, led to a unique touch on her art, in a detailed manner. She does not want to limit her art to a certain culture or audience, so she extended the message of her art into a wider international audience by creating diversity in the characters and objects we see in her art. After achieving high demand for purchases of her art and being highlighted in several international magazines , she decided to leave a digital finger print that will keep her art unique forever. Now, Heba is releasing her first NFT collection to reserve her rights, leveraging modern Blockchain technology. Art enthusiasts can now but her physical canvases, along with her digital form of NFT, highlighting authenticity of her unique pieces. Heba talks her beginnings in art, her experience selling her art pieces and her transition towards NFT technology. -What was your first interaction with Art?  As a child, my father always surrounded us with art and his passion for art history. I vividly remember the first time I was taken back by a painting as a kid, my father had installed a replica of Picasso’s Guernica in our living room. I would sit and stare at it's details for hours and hours wondering, what story lies behind it. -Who were your artistic inspirations? It started with Picasso’s Guernica, as I found the style of cubism to be such a refreshing perspective on how images can be portrayed by each person. This would later on develop into a deep love for Picasso’s whole body of work. Other inspirations include, Leonardo Da Vinci, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Amedeo Modigliani, and Claude Monet.  -What is the story/inspiration behind the faces you draw in your paintings? To me, art is an outlet with the canvas being a representation of my feelings and thoughts in that moment. Each painting I have, possesses a story through which I personify my thoughts and feelings in these characters.  -When did your passion for making art transition from being a hobby to being a career where people started buying paintings from you and what was that experience like for you? I’ve always been a painter, it's something that has been with me since childhood. Although, when it came time for me to pursue my studies, I embarked on that journey, setting my art to the side. After graduating from dental school, I felt the need to pursue art wholeheartedly and strive to leave my mark with each canvas I create. During quarantine in 2020, I received the first request to purchase one of my paintings. I felt elated that my art had moved someone to the point where they simply had to possess the piece, it's a joy I strive to achieve every time I put brush to canvas. -What are your thoughts on the Art scene in Saudi, how has it evolved in the past years and where do you see it going? With the introduction of Vision 2030 by HRH Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, there has been a significant uptake in interest in the arts, as a plethora of opportunities have been introduced to the youth of Saudi Arabia. I see Saudi on the fast track to being one of the leading faces for art in the region, becoming a hub for all artists striving to reach the height of their potential. -When did you first get introduced to NFT’s and what did you initially think about this technology? My first interaction with NFT’s was through social media. It peaked my curiosity, so I decided to familiarize myself with it and Web3 in general. I was fascinated by the idea that art could potentially become a digital asset rather than the traditional method of owning of a canvas, I immediately felt the urge to introduce my art to the world of Web3.  At the start of 2022, I was approached by Chainvisory , a crypto consultancy firm established in Saudi Arabia, to collaborate with them and start my journey in Web3. Dr. Majid Al-Mansouri and Mohammed Ramadani taught me all there is to know about the process, everything from how Open Sea works to the in’s and out’s of the currency aspect. They have been an invaluable source of guidance for me throughout our time collaborating.  -How has your experience been with NFT’s after releasing pieces on Open Sea and what role do you believe NFT’s will play in the future of art? It is my firm belief that this will be the future of sharing art. Moving away from the traditional canvas will bring about a new and more permanent way to immortalize one’s art.  I was very excited to dip my foot in the water with NFT’s, and during the process, I came up with a unique business model to provide both the digital and physical painting with one purchase, making this model the only one of it's kind to date.  -What advice do you have for other artists looking to monetize their art? As someone who is fairly new to the world of monetizing my art, in my humble opinion, the best advice I could give would be to always familiarize yourself with how Web3 works, and understanding how the NFT marketplace and the art marketplace are becoming synonymous, understanding one would help better understand the other. -What’s your favorite piece of yours so far and why? Each and every piece I produce is close to my heart owing to the fact that it has a story behind it, encapsulating my feelings and emotions into each canvas. Every painting rekindles all the feelings I was harboring at a certain time. That being said, the closest painting to my heart so far is “the ascending”. It tells a beautiful story about a strategic game of love, where learning to give yourself love and affection will help you “ascend” above any and all obstacles you may face during your life-time.   -Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Over the next 10 years, I will strive to be an internationally renowned artist, being a leader in Saudi’s art scene, helping it develop and grow into what I believe will be the center for art and culture in the region. I also aim to inspire any individual who see’s themselves contributing to putting Saudi artists on the map and making sure Saudi artist are always regarded for their talent, vision, and drive.  -From the beginning of your journey until now, what are the 3 most important things you've learned? 1) Through my dealings, I learned that art is an international language that connects all people 2) Always try to present your art from your own unique perspective  3) Pursuing your dream will never fail you, the journey will always give end in satisfaction. Check Heba's Art at: https://www.hebaism.io/nft-art-collection https://instagram.com/hebaismail.art?igshid=MWI4MTIyMDE= Follow us on: Instagram Facebook YouTube Make sure to share this post and subscribe to our newsletter to receive notifications on our latest posts, as well as exclusive content and much more!

If you've ever attended any of the many exciting events that take place in Dubai, then there is no doubt that you've come across Shadi, he is an emcee, commentator and a very well known figure in the entertainment industry. His outgoing nature and big personality gave him an early start, he began his career in his favorite spot, the basketball court. His first gig was hosting small basketball tournaments and from there, his career took off. He's accumulated several big wins under his belt over the years, emceeing at the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as well as hosting a TV series for Reebok Mena. He is also the youngest person to ever be a UFC presenter in the region. Shadi is a down to earth figure who approaches every interaction with kindness and manages to make a lasting impression on every single person he meets and there is no doubt that he is on the path to greatness. Shadi talks his beginnings as an emcee, the events industry in the UAE and more. -What kind of personality did you have at school? Did you always have a big personality and an extroverted nature?  yes, I would say I always had a big personality, making people laugh in class and excelling in sports. -What was the first interaction that made you fall in love with Emceeing?   I think I was a natural, I always had a lot to say and asked many many questions as a kid. I would also always say what I'm thinking during football matches or so, even early on, adults were agreeing with my opinions about sports and other stuff, so it gave me a lot of confidence. -As an Emcee, you’ve had a first hand encounter with Dubai's music scene, what are your thoughts on the scene and where do you see it going in the coming years?  I think the Dubai music scene is growing and it's only going to get better and bigger. This amazing country provides so much support to artists and creatives in so many different forms. We see more and more artists coming down to perform and some artists are even moving to live in Dubai/Abu Dhabi. I see it becoming the hottest city in the world when it comes to music. -What was your favorite event you hosted/emceed and why?  If I had to name 1 event, it would be Freek's Album launch for "150". That moment meant a lot to me, seeing the fruition of a journey that my friend has been on for over 10 years.  -From your point of view, how has the Dubai event’s industry evolved in the past years, how was it when you started and how is it now? Just the sheer number of artists and creatives is noticeable, there a lot more people who actually want to pursue this as a career, not just a part time hobby thing. -With your most recent milestone being that you were the youngest MC to ever host a UFC event, how did that moment make you feel? I was the youngest to ever do commentary on UFC Arabia, the First Sudanese commentator and the first African to have those honors. I'm confident those will stand the test of time, however, my goal is do commentary with Joe Rogan and DC on the English commentary. -Being that you've been able to work with many different brands through your Emceeing skills, what advice do you have for people looking to capitalize on their skills and work with brands? Honestly, I would love to have some solid advice, but the recent pandemic has flipped the game on it's head. With so many people moving into Dubai, artists, influencers and generally people who have a large following from every other region, I feel like the game has been more number focused. It changed from the pre-pandemic times where, I would see artists with a small following have brand sponsorships and what not.  -Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years? I better be doing commentary with Joe Rogan and DC for UFC. -From the beginning of your journey until now, what is the most important thing you've learned? What you believe in and envision will actually manifest itself the same way you imagined it. Check out Shadi's Instagram at: https://instagram.com/shadiofficial?igshid=MWI4MTIyMDE= Follow us on: Instagram Facebook YouTube Make sure to share this post and subscribe to our newsletter to receive notifications on our latest posts, as well as exclusive content and much more!

Lebanese singer & song-writer Bea Kadri is a rising Pop/R&B soulstress. Growing up listening to 90's pop, r&b, and hip-hop, these genres laid the ground work for Bea’s own personal story- telling. In 2018, Bea released her debut single "Cloud 9" which is about finding heaven within. Finally pursuing her dreams as well as shedding others' opinions of her, she's since released a handful of records that have landed on Spotify, Apple music & Anghami editorials as well as publications like GQ , Grazia , Emirates Woman, Harpers Bazaar & What's On Magazine. With inspirations stemming from artists like H.E.R , Jhene Aiko and Ariana Grande, Bea’s sound focuses on a chill and sultry vibe while her writing is a more personal look into Bea’s mind, centered on self discovery, empowerment, and all matters of the heart . Bea’s strong musical background comes from her experience in performing at venues, events and festivals all over Beirut , Dubai, and London, including performing at the Brit awards with Justin Timber lake & Chris Stapleton as a member of their choir . Bea is currently releasing singles that fall under her upcoming debut album "No love for the long distance" -Growing up, who were some artists that served as an inspiration to you? I grew up listening to artists like Celine Dion, Najwa Karam, Warda, Britney Spears, Destiny’s Child and all sorts of Pop, Rnb and hip hop artists, as well as girl/boy bands from the 90's. I Really love the sounds that came out during that decade as well as the aesthetics.   -When did you make the transition from being a music listener to being someone who creates music? I released my first serious debut in 2018, but I did have a secret YouTube channel back in 2006. I was playing all around Beirut in 2009 and before that, I think I was around 7 or 8 years old when I wrote and recorded songs on a cassette over one of mom’s instrumental meditation CDs, I still remember those songs and melodies to this day.   -What’s your favorite song of yours and why? Very tough question to answer, they’re all my babies!! But if I had to choose , I’d say Cloud 9, because of how it was my first one and all the internal battles I was facing during that release. I was so afraid to start releasing, but I took a leap of faith with that song. -You had a legendary performance at the Brit Awards alongside Justin Timberlake and Chris Stapleton, can you tell us about how that came together, how it made you feel and what that moment meant for you? I met Jessie J’s keyboard player back when she had a show in Lebanon and kept in touch with him and his wife via social media. When I moved to London for my masters, I reached back and they approached me with this opportunity a day before the Brits! I remember feeling so lucky to be picked and the entire experience was so surreal. Everyone looked so cool and talented. I loved seeing that stage and backstage, I kept picturing myself up there one day. -How would you say music changed your life and what does it mean to you? Writing music and expressing my journey with the world changed my life big time. It’s a very personal and vulnerable process until it is no longer mine and is for any and everyone to experience. Writing actually helps me pinpoint areas to reflect and work on, It helps me spot certain patterns or areas of growth. -Who are 5 artists you dream of collaborating with? Oof! Post Malone, SZA, Drake, Beyonce & Marwan Moussa! -What has your experience been like with the business side of music? And what advice do you have for other music artists looking to make money off their music? I see a lot more support now in the industry towards independent artists than there ever was before, so that’s great! We do need the exposure and reach that streaming platforms offer,so we need more push and opportunities created for us. The advice I would give other artists is to release. A lot of us musicians overthink and want the song to reach a certain level of perfection before we release, and often times that stands in our own way of being consistent and actually present on the scene. Consistency is important, experimenting with content is important, finding that connection with fans and listeners is very important and so is networking. This is a people’s industry and it all starts with artists putting themselves out there. Most of the money is in film/sync, shows or brand deals. It’s not easy living off music when you’re just starting off.. -Coming from a background that is rich in music and culture, do you ever see yourself incorporating elements from Arabic culture into your music? Yes, 100%! I just released Ruthless (ma ber7am) which features Derbake in the production and marks my Arabic singing and songwriting debut. I've since then written several songs in Arabic yet to be released, I’m reconnecting to that part of me. Originally, I wrote that Arabic verse for another female artist to sing it but ended up liking how I sounded on the demo. And now here we are. :) - Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years? Hopefully, happily doing greater things and reaching memorable milestones :) + a partner and a fam of my own wouldn’t be too bad by then either. From the beginning of your journey until now, what are the 3 most important things you've learned? - Hurt people hurt people , so if you see or get a negative comments, don't take it personal but send healing to that person. A happy person would never make that effort to leave a hurtful comment. - Don't overthink your musical expression, release that unreleased music already , someone needs to hear it.  -  Try things that are out of your comfort zone every now and then and be open to new ideas, connections and collaborations. Check out Bea's music at: https://song.link/ruthless-ma-ber7am-beakadri https://instagram.com/bea.kadri?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Follow us on: Instagram Facebook YouTube Make sure to share this post and subscribe to our newsletter to receive notifications on our latest posts, as well as exclusive content and much more!

There is a new style of art that blends human creativity with AI-generated imagery. This style of art is becoming more and more popular as a plethora of artists who use this new style post their work on Instagram . One account that stands out among all these profiles, is one that features digital art that features Arabic calligraphy, characters, and tradition. This account belongs to Mohannad Husam, a Multidisciplinary artist from Amman. His work is inspired By Arabic/Islamic identity. He creates Illustrations and collages packed with AI-generated art along with 3D/2D elements and calligraphy and paint overs, using print/digital art as a Trojan horse to embed Arabic / Islamic Intelligence into pop culture. This interesting combination of different artistic perspectives is leading the way for a new genre of art that will take traditional Islamic art to a new forefront of AI art. -What was your first interaction with art? A first encounter with the arts is not something a person is likely to forget. The initial experience is never quite enough, and it can often lead to a lifelong love and appreciation for the arts. My first encounter with art would have been like every child, I guess. With Cartoons and Movies, I clearly remember it started with the 1989 “Batman” movie. -Who we’re your artistic inspirations? I have no one person at the center of my inspiration. They varied through the creative spectrum, but if I would mention a few off the top of my head, I would say the writer Ryan holiday in music, Sami Yousuf and in art Nick Philip, the designer behind the delightful Imaginary Foundation. -Can you tell us about the art/creative scene in Jordan? How is its current state and where do you see it going? The growing arts scene in the country has a great deal to offer to art lovers and c reatives of all tastes. Under this model, great ideas are often birthed by a group of creative individuals—artists, curators, thinkers, theorists, and other tastemakers—who make up an “ecology of talent.” a whole scene of people who are supporting each other, looking at each other’s work, copying from each other, stealing ideas, and contributing ideas.” and it doesn’t take away from the achievements of those great individuals: it just acknowledges that good work isn’t created in a vacuum and that creativity is always, in some sense, a collaboration, the result of a mind connected to other minds. -Who are 5 artists you dream of collaborating with? Honestly , if I have to choose, it would be a Dream come true if I could collaborate with Sami Yusuf or Mr.Peter Gould from Gould studios. But I'm still in the process of improving my skills so honestly, I’m open to collaboration. I've even been recently working with a mission from Chile of all places. -What was your experience with the business/career side of art? And what advice do you have for artists looking to monetize their art? People claim to want to do something that matters, yet they measure themselves against things that don’t. If you do something and it turns out pretty good, then you should go do something else wonderful, not dwell on it for too long. Just figure out what’s next. As a general rule, however, the more accessible you can make your product, the easier it will be to market. You can always raise the price later after you’ve built an audience. -Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I don’t even try seeing myself for such a long period. Life is unpredictable and whatever I imagined or thought will happen, didn’t come true in that way. That is why I try to live day by day and think in a short-term manner. -From the beginning of your journey until now, what are the 3 most important things you’ve learned? I learned a lot actually, and I'm still learning. I would say that the First thing is that It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows. Secondly, ego is the enemy. Third, If you want to improve, be content with being thought of as foolish and stupid. -Being that there’s a lot of inspiration from Arab culture in your work, what is your goal for using Arab culture in your art? Using Art as a Trojan horse to embed Arabic culture and Intelligence into pop culture . -Other than yourself, who are 3 Arab artists you think we should be on the lookout for? Yes, there have been many artists like : -Gada jermy ( @gada.art ) -Mohammad Awwad (@mo.awwad.arte) -Yazan Khalifeh (@yazkal) -You've been able to grow a sizable audience through social media for your art, what would you say are 3 crucial things artists must do to grow a good following? - People [who are] thinking about things other than making good art, never make good art. -There must be a reason to share it and the means to do so. -Creating more artwork is one of the most effective marketing techniques of all. -Which of your pieces of work is your favorite so far and why? Oh , that's easy, it's the (اقرأ / Read) piece. It was the first Piece that started the whole thing and it serves as a good reminder to keep learning. Check out Mohannad's work at: https://instagram.com/mohannadra?igshid=MWI4MTIyMDE= https://www.behance.net/mohannadhuff61?fbclid=PAAabyW7I2QqxLTXr00dO0r0hm67LmhKHceOv7RRPghxz3p0Hqm5cO9O81Q84 Follow us on: Instagram Facebook YouTube Make sure to share this post and subscribe to our newsletter to receive notifications on our latest posts, as well as exclusive content and much more!

Instagram reportedly sold 44 million blue verification checks in one day at $15 a month, that's $660 million in just 24 hours! At the beginning of March, Meta launched “Meta Verified,” a new product that allows users to get the highly sought-after blue check mark next to their username for a monthly fee. The blue check serves as a form of verification, and users can now change will be would ana no get the Facebook and Instagram verifications for $11.99 on the web and $14.99 for IOS users. The rollout was announced on Instagram stories along with a waiting list. Users rushed to get their hands on a blue check mark next to their username, as it has become the ultimate status symbol in recent years. Politicians, celebrities, journalists, and major business figures were the only people who fit the criteria to be verified on Instagram. verified now, however, The Everyday person can now also get a blue checkmark for the price of $14.99 after providing government identification to authenticate their accounts, Meta said. Clout won't be the only thing subscribers verified subscribers will also get, other perks such as increased security checks and the ability to talk to a real person about account issues are also included. These perks could be another reason that Instagram was able to sell 44 million verifications in one day as we all know how much Instagam's customer service sucks. The verification service is available for users 18 years and above, and will not be available for businesses, the company said. Meta also announced that no changes would be done to accounts that were already verified based on the previous requirements. Meta’s decision to sell the blue verification checks comes at a time when ads are just not cutting it anymore and many social media companies are looking to diversify their revenue streams to keep the lights on. Similarly. Twitter announced that it is selling verification ticks and Snapchat is selling its unique AR technolwon'togy Following the huge success that Meta achieved with the sale of 44 million blue checks in one day, we can expect the company to roll out more paid features in the coming months. What are your thoughts on this? Are you getting your own blue check? Did you already get one? Do you think it still has value? Let us know in the comments! Follow us on: Instagram Facebook YouTube Make sure to share this post and subscribe to our newsletter to receive notifications on our latest posts, as well as exclusive content and much more!

As Dubai 's music scene continues to grow, many artists in the city are taking their music more seriously and elevating their sound. One such artist is Dubai-born EZOW, who was able to develop a versatile sound and build an impressive catalog of music in the past couple of years. Growing up on early 2000s Hip Hop and MTV, EZOW got a first-hand look at the idea of making quality music that travels internationally, which reflects on the music he makes today. Since the release of his debut single "Pay Off," EZOW released more than 15 songs and built a following of over 800k followers, making him a prominent figure in Dubai's music scene. His tenacious drive to put the UAE on the map, along with the hard work his team at Dubai-based label VVIP is putting in indicates that this is only the beginning for the Emarati rapper. EZOW recently released his debut EP "Concrete Jungle," and collaborated on a single with international artist PRZNT. - What was your first interaction with music? My earliest recollection of music was watching music videos on MTV. -Who are some artists that inspire you? I listen to different genres. Hip-hop-wise, I can say, Drake , 50 Cent Travis Scott, and, Kanye West definitely inspire me. However, I am also inspired by Bring Me The Horizon and other bands from different genres. -How did the society around you react to you being an Emirati rapper? I consider myself an artist , not just a rapper , Hip Hop music has always been controversial and can bring up many reactions from people. However, I am more focused on repping my city, building bridges overseas, and opening doors for anyone who wants to thrive. - How did the name Ezow come about? It never came about. It’s EZOW from birth. Remember the name -Who are 5 people you dream of collaborating with? If you are speaking about a dream I would’ve loved to collaborate with pop smoke may he rest in peace, but as for who I see myself collaborating with in the future, definitely Future. - What’s your favorite song of yours so far and why? My personal favorite song hasn’t been released yet it’s called “ Stuck “. However, out of the released ones, I would say “Bad Temper” - What is the inspiration behind your debut project “Concrete Jungle?” The music industry doesn’t come with a plan you have to pave your own way and going through that path inspired my project “ Concrete Jungle”. - Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years? We live in a fast world where everything is changing quickly. I live in the moment the future for me is a result of my work today. - From the beginning of your career until now, what are the 3 most important things you’ve learned? The first mindset lesson I learned from my journey is how to be a team player and build trust within my team to keep a high spirit and stay in the right mindset Secondly, I learned to trust my intuition and be grounded and selective with who I take advice or criticism as it is crucial for my identity and vision as an artist. Thirdly, I learned that you need to build yourself and work on your connections outside of music to stay ethical, consistent, and true to your work ethic. Music is a marathon, not a 100-meter race. Check out Ezow's music at: https://linktr.ee/ezow Follow us on: Instagram Facebook YouTube Make sure to share this post and subscribe to our newsletter to receive notifications on our latest posts, as well as exclusive content and much more!

A pioneering entrepreneur , fashion designer , and former model , Martin Al-Masri founded the popular brand House Of Victor. He gained valuable insights into the fashion industry during his early years as a model. Taking his passion for fashion to the next level, Al-Masri went to Prague and mapped out the plan for his fashion empire. As a result, he launched House of Victor, one of Dubai's fastest-growing brands, Victor Magazine, a fashion magazine, Infinity World Models, a modeling agency, and La Beauté's Dubai franchise, a global hair care brand. At the 2023 edition of Dubai Fashion Week, Al-Masri put on an amazing show filled with top-of-the-line production, models, and amazing garments. Clearly, the fashion entrepreneur isn't planning on slowing down anytime soon. In this interview, we talk to Martin Al-Masri about his entrepreneurial journey, the fashion industry in Dubai, and what is next for him. Was House Of Victor your first venture as an entrepreneur or did you have previous experience in entrepreneurship? If so, what were those experiences and what did you learn from them? The House of Victor was my first ever business. I learned a lot by making mistakes until I learned how to take a calculated risk and be accountable for my decisions. As a model in your early years, what made you start your own fashion brand? I want to get more serious about life and business goals. I wanted the responsibility and more reasons to keep going. In general, I like to create and produce. On your journey to building the House Of Victor, what are some of the most important things you’ve learned about building a fashion brand? Flexibility, Adaptability, and patience. No matter how long it takes - you should always be patient. What's your favorite collection of yours so far and why? The VicVerse SS23, it's our first collection for women, and for that, I will always remember that collection. As the owner of a brand that was born and operated in Dubai, what are your thoughts on the fashion industry in Dubai and where do you see it going? There are a lot of amazing talents here in Dubai that are taking marketing in the city in a totally different direction. We are growing rapidly and all I can say is that the whole world is watching Dubai now. As an entrepreneur that owns several businesses and brands, where do you see yourself in the next 10 years and do you see yourself expanding to different industries? I am working on building the foundation of our holding company VBH. So years later, I see myself focusing more on the holding and the brands under. Having said that, The House of Victor will always be managed by me personally. What made you want to launch Victor Magazine and what is your vision for this publication? The Victor Magazine is home to all talents. I have created it for all talents around the world to know that there is a publication to highlight and support them regardless of their industry, reach, or demographics. Since you come from a background rich in culture, do you see yourself doing a fashion show in Egypt? It's funny you mentioned that, Yes I am thinking about that and that would be my personal gift to Egypt after being 10 years away. What are the 3 most important things you’ve learned from the beginning of your journey until now? Goal setting, Patience, and planning ahead. Check out Martin Victor's profile at: https://www.instagram.com/martinalmasri/ https://www.thehouseofvictor.com/ https://www.victormagazine.net/ Follow us on: Instagram Facebook YouTube Make sure to share this post and subscribe to our newsletter to receive notifications on our latest posts, as well as exclusive content and much more!