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Azza is a British Sudanese creative with a degree in fashion from Esmod Dubai. She has been building up her CV through various internships in companies such as Esquire Middle East and ANZ Styles, and is now building up her own clothing brand called Azzmeraki, which infuses her illustrations and custom paint on jackets. As well as a fashion blog. -Why did you choose to be involved in the creative industry? I wanted to share my talents with everyone i knew and use them to help people. -What is the biggest and /or most meaningful project you've done so far So far, its probably the brand I am about to start because I am using all my past experiences to make this happen and make it even better and more memorable. As well as writing my own poetry, which I will start recording soon. Each poem is something I have written at a good or bad time in my life. It was a coping mechanism. -Tell us more about the clothing brand Its called azzmeraki. So with that I am using my artistic skills with the 1/2 and 1/2 t-shirts. I also do custom jackets, for people who want a specific design on their jackets. I called it Meraki because Meraki is an ancient Greek word used to express love and creativity, which is what I want to deliver with my clothing. -What impact/change would you like to inflict? I want to allow people to love and express themselves as well as be proud of who they are and where they come from. It took along time and multiple experiences for me to get to this happy place of self acceptance. -Where do you see yourself in 10 years? creating better art with my own gallery. happily married with kids, and teaching them to be happy with themselves. -What advice do you have for visionaries on their grind? Be you, love yourself, and always surround yourself with people that will push you forward in the best way possible.

Habeeb is a 24 year old wardrobe & jewelry stylist from Washington DC. He uses his skills and visibility to show & amplify the beauty of women in all their colors and sizes -How did you start? I grew being the best dresser among my peers. As i grew older and times got harder, I had to sell my ring fingers. I took that money, bought more jewelry and flipped it, which eventually got me into styling models in a diverse collection of jewelry. -What changes would you like to inflict in fashion specifically and the world generally? I just want to help people be free to dress how they want and free to be themselves. The fact that nobody is the same, is so beautiful to me and I love to show how beautiful our imperfections are. The evil criticisms of this world will subside as freedom grows. -Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? The most sought after fashion producer on earth. -Based on what you learned so far, what advice do you have for people chasing their dreams? Your going to have to be solid & fearless about your mission if you want to see it come to see your dreams come to reality.

Rajeev Arulanatham is a brand ambassador for Oxford,South Cali Sunnies,Kimshu Designs and Mr. Melbrn 1. Don't be afraid to express yourself. 2. You can make any combination work. 3. Accessories are small that make a big difference in the wardrobe. 4. You don't have to spend a million bucks to look like a million bucks. 5.keep the base simple. White shirt, and build around that. 6. Always discover new things so that your style evolves organically. 7. Don't throw out old clothes (as long as they are in good condition) because everything comes back in style. 8. Take inspiration from others but don't copy their style. 9. Don't be afraid to take criticism on your style as long as it is constructive .

Vortex is a Kuwaiti rapper,sound engineer,video editor and cameraman. Rap is his hobby at the moment as he dose not monetize it. He is dedicated to reaching the highest level of profession with his rap skills and distinguish himself from everyone else . Why Choose The Name Vortex? For many reasons. I am a strong believer in Karma. I believe that "Life is a circle of complicated emotions that can hardly be understood".-Vortex. I believe that we are in a Vortex. We are the Vortex, and that life would end if it stopped spinning, both physically and figuratively. There is no life without a Vortex. Standing out and differentiating yourself is one of your main motives behind your music, what makes you different? My production distinctly differs from other rap artist because i focus on various aspects and styles in rap. For example: I developed the ability to rap fast, using twist, rapid fire,chopper and super sonic flows. I posses unique rhyme schemes and flows, make sick choruses and a world play genius. I make sure to improve every single day and I have the music to prove it! How was it growing up as a hip hop artist in Kuwait? The whole Arabic community in general and , especially the Kuwaiti community tends to be against hip hop culture because it is so different, therefore it was and continues to be a struggle. However, I was able to maintain my status and kept on grinding until I reached where I am now which is approximately 15-20% of my career. I have a long road ahead and wont stop until I lose my breath rapping and my grind being at the fullest. What are the most meaningful and important projects you've done so far? Honestly, every single track, as each one has its own story, even the diss songs What Impact Would You Like To Inflict On Your Listeners and The World? I have a unique perspective on all aspects of life that I can deliver to my listeners through my rap skills. Meaning i can rap about Chocolate and affect people by my delivery and usage of lyrics. Giving that new,fresh,different perspective to my listeners with my unique delivery is the value/impact i want to give to the world. It doesn't really matter what topic i choose but how i deliver it that really matters. Where Do You See Your Self In 10 Years? I honestly have no idea, however i will hopefully live in tranquility, whether I am the rap game or not. It would be a bummer if I died sooner though. Pray for me ;p. Vortex's advice to you: Patience Is Key! Check out Vortex's music at: https://www.youtube.com/VortexOfficial

Jagged is an independent artist and animator from Belleville, New Jersey. He creates dope art,animations,designs and brings life to images of cultural icons. How Did You Start? -I've been drawing all my life and have been doing digital artwork for a little over a year now. I've been around computers and media ever since I was little and have used my talents to my advantage by making connections and a living from what I do. Why Animation And Art, What Does It Mean To You? -Everything. I wouldn't be the same person without it. Ever since I was little, cartoons and drawings were among the only things that kept me sane and happy. What Is The Most Meaningful And/Or The Best Project You Have Ever Done? -They all hold a special place in my heart. Wish I could just pick one but I cant. All of em mean so much to me. Where Do you See Yourself In 10 Years? -Doing what I love.Trying to work my way there at the moment. It's difficult but I know I will pull through Tell Us About Your Art, Inspirations And Things Like That. -Very cartoony as you see. I can do any art style from any show really. I get inspiration from just about anything. It could be frustrating when nothing comes to mind right away. But I'm inspired by simple/minute things everyday. Nature,music,art everything and anyone under the sun can give me inspiration. Finally, Jagged's Advice For You Is : Whatever it is you are talented in and want to pursue, do it. It's worth it. There are times when it sucks to pursue your dreams but the benefits always outweigh the cost.

Nasser Shorbaji AKA Chyno, is a Syrian/Filipino rapper based in Beirut. He is part of the Hip Hop collective, Fareeq Al Atrash and co-founder of the Arena (Alhalaba), the First Official Battle Rap League in the Middle East. How Is It Being A Rapper In Beirut? - Its a tough hustle to grow your career. I've been doing this for a while now and I find myself weaving through different avenues within Hip Hop culture to make my projects financially sustainable. I'm learning a lot in the process and hopefully with that knowledge I can help the next generation make it a lucrative endeavor for themselves if they choose the Hip Hop route as well. Why Did You Choose Hip Hop As Your Craft? -When I first heard of Hip Hop back in 93-94 when I was living in Saudi Arabia, I thought it was the coolest thing ever. The style, the expression and especially the strong bond that peers have with each other. Which was Something i lacked having a diverse background.Since I couldn't fit in, I would use Hip Hop to find my individuality. Hip Hop figures became the people that were most respected and loved. So when it comes to Hip Hop, I owe it a lot and give it my all. First thing is put your heart and the money will come later on. What is the most meaningful song/project you have ever done? -That would be my debut album "Making Music To Feel At Home". So much of me was put into this album, and it really paid off. Because of that album, I was able to tour Europe , earn the credibility to work on other incredible and interesting projects like "El Dahleen" and it all kind of snow balled from there. What Kind Of Impact/Change Would You To Inflict? -Just motivation for young people to do the things that they love, and really represent who they are, regardless of the obstacles. Where Do You See Yourself In 10 Years. -I'd like to be a producer, running a label, producing entire projects for people and guiding fresh, young talent to reach their goals. You Have Anything Coming Up That We Should look Out For? -The Arena is continuously dropping the best rap battles out of the middle east, so keep your eye out for those. I'm currently working on 2 musical projects. An album with Jordanian rapper, Synaptik, called "Terminal" and another album with Lebanese producer, Al Rajul Al Hadidi, called The Merchants Of Menace. Chyno's Advice For You: Work Hard And Work With Your Heart!

"Forrest Gump"is a movie that revolves around the life of Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks). He is | slow-witted but kind-hearted. He witnesses and unintentionally influenced major historical events in the 20th century in the United States. He achieved greatness and made history being the "dumb" guy. This movie bears many lessons for those who are on there path to success. Here are 5 things you can learn from Forrest Gump. 1- Try Your Hand At Many Things: Forrest tried his hands at many professions, weather he failed or succeeded, each of them was a stepping stone in his journey towards wealth and success. He played table tennis, was a solider, he practiced fishing, owned a restaurant and invested in Apple. 2-Do Not Pay Attention To Negativity: The unhappiest people in the world are those who care about what others think of them and, try to live their life based on how others think they should live it. Forrest has been called every name in the book, however he has not cared and made sure to keep his focus on himself and living out his life 3-Let The Winds Of Fate Carry You, Do Not Fight It: Life is unpredictable and works in mysterious and funny ways. Sometimes certain things are just meant to happen to us and we must embrace and adapt to them instead of resisting them .Forest's destiny placed him in many situations he did not expect, such as being in the army. He did not resist and embraced it instead, which was a crucial milestone in his journey. 4-Have A Motto That You Live By: Having a brief statement to express a principle, goal or idea will help you guide you and remind you of what you stand for. It is easy for us to get lost in space with complicated ideas and destructive thinking. Having a simple motto to live by will help you redirect your focus on your end goal and give a bracing shot of inspiration. Forrest's motto "Run Forrest Run" helped him reach success, landed him in fortunate stations and even saved his life. 5-Keep On Running. When he was being chased by bullies he ran to safety, in the process he broke the metal braces on his feet and ran far. When he was on his collage football team, he did not know a thing about the game, so he did what he know, he ran and scored the touchdown. During the Vietnam war, he ran to help his comrades when they couldn't get to safety, which made him a war hero. When he felt lost and confused, he went for a very long run. Moral of the story, whatever it is you are gifted at, make sure you practice it,incorporate it in different aspects of your life and turn to it for therapy.

Born and raised in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 29 year old Samaher Omar has been modeling since 2013, she is also an actress and worked in a few web series (Youtube ) as well as with MBC.   What got you into modeling? Was it a passion of yours?     Yes, I had this passion since I was a kid , I always loved posing for the camera. I took lots of pictures as a kid,when I turned 22, I took a decision to look for modeling agencies in Jeddah and get into the modeling industry.    How is it being a model In Saudi Arabia?    At first, it was really good , we had classes for catwalk and how to be professional and everything. However, a few years later everything changed. People started calling themselves models, and clients of course not all but some started looking to hire models for lower prices and didn’t care if they had what it takes to be a model, if they were a good poser or capable of doing runway show. all they cared about was which one takes a lower payment. And that really affected us as professional models. It went out of control as today, we see lots of guys and girls calling themselves models but don’t have what it requires to be a model at, the end this is my opinion and this is what I’ve seen and been through during the past years.    Has society held you back or supported you?     My family did support me , society wasn’t very supportive but now everything has changed and I can yes, now society is supportive but back then no.  Every creative/entrepreneur goes through challenges and failures, what are some of yours and how did you overcome them?   I don’t call it failure as long as I’ve learned a lesson out of it, there was a time where i took wrong decisions at work and wasted time and energy. But I always told myself “never regret anything just don’t repeat what you have done”. Later on I started to choose wisely and did some research before taking any step , each and everyone of us goes through ups and down so it’s just all about moving on cause time is money. How did you bounce back from these “mistakes” and what advice do you have for those who are going through their own “failures”?   For me it wasn’t easy. I had no one to guide me except myself, so I just started all over again by offering offers to the clients and precisely choosing with whom to work with. That got me back on track , my advice is not to copy or think like someone else, be unique and make good decisions. Doesn’t matter what negative comments you get as long you love what you’re doing. If you are sure that this is what you want, nothing can stop you. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?   Professional model worldwide. All industries are being changed and disrupted by technology and social media, how is the modeling industry being disrupted based on your experience?   Modeling got disrupted by the some of the Clients and models themselves. Some have no idea what modeling is, lots of things need to be taken in consideration, people who don't have what it takes to be part of this job should not be part of it.   Finally, you’re favorite quote.     “You become what you believe”  Oprah Winfrey. Check Out Our Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/visionarymagazine/ Check Out Samaher's Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/samaher_omar/

Emmanuel Akintunde is the Managing Director and co-founder of GF Entertainment, a boutique entertainment company providing A-list celebrity artists/rappers for UHNWIs worldwide. Once an actor for 7 years, he reached a crossroads where he had to make a decision as to whether to continue acting or go full throttle with the company he had recently set up at the time - he chose the latter and as they say, the rest is history! What made you want to start GF entertainment? I started GF Entertainment in 2014, providing entertainment to corporate, private and high-profile events in the United Kingdom with the aim to bring something unique to the marketplace. By request, we started providing A-list celebrity artists, DJ's and rappers for UHNWI's (Ultra High Net Worth Individuals) worldwide - starting in the South of France for super yacht captains and owners. Last year, we launched a new division providing VIP and hospitality packages for premium international events such as the Oscars, as well as concerts and non-ticketed events.   Who are 5 entertainers you haven't worked with yet that you would like to work with?   Coldplay Anthony Joshua  Roger Federer Kevin Hart Rolling Stones  Where do you see yourself and GF in 10 years?    In 10 years, I see GF as a household name in the UHNWI community. Being able to constantly deliver for our clients is one of the paramount things we pride ourselves in - to be doing this in the next 10, 20, 30 years and beyond is the dream.                    Every entrepreneur goes through challenges,trials and tribulations,What are/were yours?    Oh yes most definitely! We went through ours! Ours was building the trust of our potential clients. As a new company coming into such a marketplace, building a reputation that people can trust was difficult. Also managing the company and being an actor, at the time, lead me to making a decision of leaving the acting world  to concentrate 110% on the company!   How did you go about building relationships with these big entertainers and events?  Through years of building! I used to be actor and that was a good stepping stone.     All industries are being disrupted by technology and social Media, how do you see the future of the events and nightlife industry and how it will be disrupted?   It’s actually not disrupting us, it is enabling us! A lot of our clients now contact us via Instagram to make inquiries, instead of traditional email. If companies are not on social media, especially companies in the events and nightlife industry, then you are really missing out! Technology and social media, from my perspective, really should not be disrupting our industries, it should enhance. It’s up to us to be one step ahead and use these “disruptions” to our advantage.   Do you see yourself venturing out into other businesses or industries in the near future?   At the moment, I think I will be sticking with GFE for the long run. More so sticking to the entertainment industry!   Finally your favorite quote? “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” Marianne Williamson. Emmanuelle's Advice For You: Stay Focused, Be Consistent And Persistent And Always Make Sure You Deliver! You Are Only As Good As Your Last Gig!   Check Out GF Entertainment Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gfeltd/?hl=en Check Out Visionary Magazine's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visionarymagazine/

"Vemix is a mashup of the words Visual and Remix. A Verb and a noun. You can Vemix, but you can not be Vemix, I am Vemix, I take old pics and remix them into new ones, usually with dollop of contrast and a pinch of what if." - Vemix Vemix uses Photoshop to remix images and create moments that we wish would've happened with our favorite icons, it has amassed him a large following on Instagram and he has started to monetize his pictures. Today we have a conversation with the mystery man behind these iconic images. Did you have past experience with Photoshop or anything like that?     Not really. I messed around, making memes a bit, but nothing too polished. Basically just opened the program and it was on Like cocktail sauce on a prawn.    Do you monetize your Content? Yes. I started seeing a lot of people selling my pics on shirts, so I thought I might as well join them. I try to keep it in fun hobby mode though and not get caught up in the money/work aspect.   Is there any impact you would like to inflict?   I've never really thought about it, hmm. I have definitely unintentionally inflicted some impact. What are the best pictures you’ve remixed? I'd have to say all the ones I didn't tag and can't take credit for. There's a few "Legit" photos out there that I made. Some folks are looking to add a little clout to their catalog and I can make it happen, if the price is right. If I'm really trying pull it off I'll make multiple pics of the same scene from different angles to ad another level of realism. You can question a single pic, but you'll rarely question it from different angles. Out of my tagged ones I'd have to say "The Greatest  Story Never Told" (Biggie, Kurt and Pac or "Enter the Row" (Bruce lee/2pac) I got those two hanging in the crib.   Why do you think so many people follow you and are interested in the images you remix?   Like pineapple on pizza. Some people just love it while others hate it. There's no in between. And of course the nostalgia. Everyone is vulnerable to a little bit a that. I'm all over the place with the subject matter so I got something for everyone.        So is there a specific direction or inspiration for the images you create?   Nah, its usually a sporadic idea or two random pictures in my head at that particular moment that click together. I have about 100 a day and I've been meaning to start writing them down so I can bring them to life, but I don't and always forget. The real world has me strapped for time, so I only get a couple hours a week to quickly bang a couple out.  I'm just giving y'all the tip           Where do you see Vemix going, what does the future hold? I spend most of my spare time re-positioning the past and not much on predicting the future. My work is much deeper then what's presented so who knows what will come to the surface, it's always a surprise to me. All I know is that I'm having fun in the meantime. Do you have a specific vision for the next 5-10 years?  Basically just seeing how far I can take this and hopefully changing the way people see photo editing along the way. It's a slept on art form. It gets the same treatment hip hop did when it was new. People can get real salty when I sample a classic pic, but wouldn't think twice about bumping "Can't Touch This" same thing different sense. But I'll most likely build it up until its about to blow then just disappear, I get bored once something has become a success then move on to something new.   Finally, Vemix's advice for you: Make sure it is for a cause and not applause. If it's your passion, keep it your passion.  Don't get caught up in trying to sell it, it becomes work and nobody likes work. Whatever the product is, keep it genuine and everything else will fall in place.

Mish’al Samman. Aka “Meesh” (his nickname) Is a true "Jack Of All Trades". He is a Saudi Arabian Actor,Producer and DJ. He started his entertainment career in 1992 as a DJ in college, then Japan and Los Angeles.  In 2005 he actively became an actor while getting his Masters Degree in Tokyo, and working for an IT firm. Later on, in 2008 while doing his PhD, he quit everything to make acting and producing his full-time career. After graduating from the Second City improve comedy in 2011. He returned to Japan to perform at Universal. He than returned to Los Angeles in 2016 where he works as a flight attendant as well as an actor. His recent appearance on the James Cordon Show, brought laughter to millions and put him in the spotlight. Today we have a conversation with Meesh on his beginnings and what is next for him. What got you into entertainment?, is it a passion of yours, was it you’re dream as a kid? That’s a hard question to answer. I’ve been a story teller since 5th grade. I used to watch cartoons on Saturday mornings in America. And when I went back to Saudi, I’d spend all year telling those stories to my classmates.  Then from 7th grade onward, I would watch movie trailers on television during vacation.  And even though I never got to watch the movie, I’d make up the story based on what I saw....   I will say I had a very active imagination. I never really had a passion for it. I think as Arabs, telling stories is in our blood. We love it. To the point that we exaggerate reality sometimes a little too much. But like I said it’s in our DNA. The best stories in the world are from 1001 Arabian nights. But no it wasn’t a dream.  My dream was to be a superhero. Then I got older and reality was that I was going to be an engineer.  But I became a DJ. And then in japan the opportunity and support was available to me becoming an actor and I tried it...  that’s when I fell in love with it. What was that first time as an actor like?,And what made you fall in love with it? The first time I considered me “acting” was in a play called “the cherry orchard” by Anton Chekhov. I’ve never actually been in a play before that.  I performed a lot in Riyadh School, and I hosted events in college, but never ACTED.  When I auditioned with a friend, the director liked my style in delivering the character, I admitted to the director that I never acted before. I remember he looked at me and said “Then get ready to play”,I never imagined what that meant, until he personally started coaching me the basics of classical acting. And it was so different than what I imagined and what people THINK acting is.   It is truly an art and a dance you do with the other actor, the writer, their words, as well as incorporating your art with the vision of the director.  And it’s LIVE. I started on stage. The hardest to jump into with zero experience.  And I ended up doing it every chance I got.  The level of concentration for me to stop shaking made my blood pump hard. What do you think about the film industry in the KSA? I think the film industry as a whole is in its infancy and people in KSA are still trying to find Their voice on what is entertaining.  The KSA “film” industry is practically still non existent in my point of view because, it is focused on new-media and social media outlets as the basis of the entire industry.  I think KSA film makers are still trying to find their voice in general, and this is all fantastic! But I also fear it may be a temporary trend.  Saudis are still trying to find their voice.  They want to be Hollywood, but they may end up being" SaudiWood". Meaning an industry only for Saudi and Middle East consumers. Which is great. They just need to find it and not be afraid to put themselves out there and learn from their creations, because art in general should never be what you “think” people will like. It’s what “you” like. And that is why we have Star Wars etc. Who are 5 actors,directors,etc.. that you would like to work with? This is such a hard question, but first and foremost I would LOVE to work with Kuwaiti director Zeyad Alhusaini. And Saudi director Ali Alkalthami. These are two talents in particular I would really like to work with one day. I would also like to wok with Ron Howard , Betty White, and Keanu Reeves.  I think I gravitate towards talents that are known to have fantastic personalities along with talent. So we all saw you on James Coeden’s show doing you’re thing,Could you tell us how that came about? Honestly the events leading up to the studio is where the interesting story is.  A Friend I was performing with in Japan was visiting from Australia, and invited me and other performers to the show, but I couldn’t go, because I had to be in Dallas for work. 15 minutes before leaving I was notified that someone wanted to take my shift. So I let them take it, cancelled my trip, and called my friends to see if I could still come. They said yes, and I got changed and hurried to the studio.  The rest was honestly being myself and chance.  I will never know why he chose me.  It was all chance...   never rehearsed. Never told I will be chosen. Never knew what the question was. It was my first time at the show. And God knows how it all happened the way it happened.  I know it’s not a very interesting story, but my crazy life is set in the journey of how things come to be.  I believe in signs.  And this was a big one for me. And thank God every day. Watch Meesh's Appearance on the show below: (Starts at 6:55) As A Saudi Creative Working In Places Like The United States And Japan, How Did People React When Knowing Of Your Nationality? The honest truth...  surprise!   That’s just what they respond with, because they never have met an actor from Saudi Arabia.  And if they have, it is super rare.  Then they treat me like a gem. But watch me like a hawk. Not because I’m Saudi but because they think it’s a mistake, or it’s not true.  Exactly like how many Saudis responded to my interview with James Corden.  First things Saudis said was...  no way. Then they said, he’s not really Saudi originally.  Then they said OK, he’s Saudi but he’s not 100% Saudi.   It’s as if our Arab people don’t want to believe they have any talent beyond the stereotype, and that stereotype translates outside.  But 90% of the time. They are always very supportive towards talent in the US and Japan. And the fact that I’m Saudi makes it even more special.  Embracing who you are is very special to me and unfortunately came to me in my mid 20's.  When I was far away from the negativity of the stereotypes.  I mean the sad fact is I don’t look Saudi. But it’s also a blessing because I’m not typecast. But I also have that unique opportunity to do things not every ethnic actor can do.   So being proud to be Saudi has a big advantage.  But also as any actor paying dues, you must swallow that pride and do the work. So, where do you see yourself in 5-10 years? In 5-10 years I’d like to see myself on a TV series, on a directors chair, and eventually in a studio surrounded by the amazing talent we are seeing in Saudi. Eventually i would like to be a mentor for everything creative, because that is what I truly believe life is about. The love of what you create, and the love for life. Every visionary goes through trials and tribulations, what are were/yours? Mine is always going to have strength to move on and not to give up.  Especially in an industry where your talents rarely speaks for itself.  Money drives your success rate. And it can be a very lonely life.Thank god I have a close family who I know will always love me no matter what. Mishal's Advice For You: Do what you love, and do it with passion because if you do it for anything else it won’t be what you want.  And listen to “constructive” criticism, because not everything you do will be perfect the first time.  This is a journey...  not a destination, and great artists get better with practice, so if you never do anything, you are just starting and you are half as good as you can be. So go for it.  “Do, or do not...  there is no Try.” -Yoda. (Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back)

Asbati Bashir aka Maff is a Nigerian-Jamaican Music Producer/Songwriter/Recording Artist, from the UK, raised in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. which is where he started making music. Inspired by the likes of J Dilla,DMX and Nelly, he started writing music at 13. A few years later, he went on to work with Jeddah based Hip Hop group "J Fam" as a writer and producer. He is a Music Technology Graduate and has his own clothing brand called "DiceXDominos ". How was it growing up as an artist in the KSA? It was a challenge. All we had to get any essence of culture that is not Saudi were things like TV,Documentaries,Albums etc. In terms of being a rapper or Producer for example. The regularity of events that would need different genres of music to be played, performed  or enjoyed wasn't needed at the time because, the way Saudi the society ran was different. A club for example would be a regular hang out area in western society where as in Saudi it is not. Therefore, Open mics, rap battles, Cyphers and performances were not something you knew about by the greater majority, unlike with how Hip Hop/Rap was in The USA or with how Grime was in the United Kingdom. And when events like that did happen, they were all low key and if the authorities knew about them, it could turn into a situation where attendees and participants could and sometimes would have got arrested. So we would have to search the information ourselves and find out how things worked without much help or direction! Personally I took a liking to writing styles of freestyle from rappers out off Philadelphia and studied them,which then lead to me studying other musicians music and techniques. I'd say being in Saudi rather than being in the West (the UK, The USA,Canada etc) gave me the advantage of Not having a "home town bias" because I didn't live in any of the places where a scene was active at the time. I'm in Saudi across the planet, So regional representation didn't apply to me. What did apply to me however, was how other English speaking musicians harnessed their techniques. Which they would have got from their specific area . As people from different areas have their own style production and or rap. With Saudi being the number one export of oil and America being the number 1 buyer of oil. Lots of products in Saudi are American. The cars, the building lay outs and road set up. Even the education system leans more towards the American system, and the American accent is the more Dominant accent spoken there. Also if you're expat kid like I was you might have mixed with a lot of other expat kids (kids from America, Canada, The UK, South Africa) etc. What is the most meaningful music project you had so far and why? Well IV had 21 releases, majority of them Instrumental tapes with 4 of them being rap projects. My most meaningful project would have to be between  (Klouds/waterfalls I, Klouds/Waterfalls-ii and Interpretation [Rap.EP]). Because of how they came about but for the question I'd say (Klouds/Waterfalls II) though(Klouds/Waterfalls I) is also special. (Klouds/waterfalls ii)  happened when I was in my second year at the University of East London. I was making beats for this project at that time while looking for a place to rent at the time. I had found a place online n went to hand in my rent n deposit. The very next day I was making the first beat on (Klouds/Waterfalls II) and the second beat on that tape. When a couple came to my door and asked why they couldn't get in their building. I was like "what do you mean yours, this is (person I gave the rent n deposit too's) place". Throughout speaking to them, I came to realize that it was a real situation and we had been scammed out of nearly 1K each, authorities were called. I was making beats out of Hotels while looking for a place to rent out for Uni. Then it happened, in the middle of my beat making session on a (either a Monday or Tuesday). It was my day off from University, when that happened I felt like "Breh, like can't I catch a break, damn"Every time I hear that tape, it takes me back to that space of me being determined and nothing holding me back in East London. Especially the first beat on that tape..."Cold Summer Nights". Because the whole tape apart from maybe one beat was not made in one location..just me, my laptop and the city of London.  Tell us about your brand? I have more than one but the one, I'm going to talk about "DiceXDominos". I made the logo (had drawn for me) when I was 17 going back and forth between the UK at the time. What we do is merge Visual Art & with either recording artists or spoken word poets (Of my affiliates) to come up with conceptual Art which is later placed on apparel and products. The visual artists however can be any one who isn't affiliated granted that we like their work. The Name was a derivative of my own concept. Concept of "Ying and Yang ". With a little Islamic twist (but not limited to). The "Dice" and the "Domino" represent the kind of people or personalities that are around as they are both pieces that belong to a game . The Dice represents gamble, risk and chance. Nothing is for sure with the dice. It represents recklessness in the game. The Domino is a game pieces that involves rules,procedures and a pattern in the game that its used for. The Islamic twist comes in because there is a lot of speculation about the use of "Dice" and that because of its nature being a game of chance and gamble.Gambling isn't accepted in Islam. And, I myself coming from a multi-religious  family, I wanted to cater to my own self and people of similar like backgrounds as well as those who are not!  A question that will be on some of the new clothing is "If life is just a Game, which are you?"The inspiration behind the concept was the Quranic chapter Surah Al Anaam. Sahil: "And the worldly life is not but amusement and diversion". For now though, we are working as a network agency connecting our self's and other people on an international basis for projects that may involve us or connecting people and clientele to people they might need for their present or future projects. Until we are full effect in our clothing distribution and Photo shoots dates.  All collaboration of our own clothing will be sold and displayed in Music videos and Adds.  Which we aim to keep on online platforms rather than TV, but if presented a beneficial offer we can come to some agreement.  What kind of impact would you like to have through the music and brand? My music and brand are two things I like to keep separate .Their impacts would be different. However l will speak about impact. Iv'e never made anything for a particular sound or audience, for example, some artists make "Club Music". I never ever till this day have done that which I'm realizing now may have been a bit of a mistake. It goes back into how I started making music. The only reason I even got into music was because I wanted a clothing line. I watched a lot music videos as a kid. What I liked about most of them, was the clothing that they wore, I had made my first baseball Jersey at 13, got the materials and all and took'em to the Taylor n had it made. I already had many designs written down so it came to me. " well I've got the designs now,how do I get people to see them? Oh I gotta make music videos, well I gotta be a rapper now". And it's been a long pursuit of bettering myself by learning and experimenting rather just being a rapper, I got into music, Tech and learned how to produce because I had later joined "The Jeddah fam" a music group based in Saudi 2007. At the time I wanted to be more of a help to the crew than just a writer. But since leaving the musical side of the team later and graduating From University, I've been in a bit of Limbo to be honest. Musically speaking that is. Brand wise for "DiceXDominos" I want it to connect people and have their work be shown and displayed advertised with everyone being credited and paid too. The idea behind the brand was, I want to be a God sent for all the everyday artists or illustrators to get their work out there, seen and appreciated. Also for creatives who can't draw connect with those who can. I want It to be a very artsy kinda network Hub that also has products. Musically though..this is where it gets deep. Influence is something that Iv'e always had. When I speak to or about something, people listen, even if they don't agree or don't Want to hear what I'm saying. I realized that I can make an effect on someone. The most powerful person to a king is his adviser. I want to stay true to my self and my experience "No gang shit on the beat if I send it to you". To give you the short answer, I want positive impact more than a negative one. Where I live it's nothing like Chicago,Illinois but music can most definitely be a tool used to instigate situations. Stabbings happen there in UK because of it.Shootings happen in the USA because of it. Rather than divide people with music.I'd rather it join people together. (I don't know if it will happen, God knows) but I'd like many people from different areas, countries and places to feel like they're in one place or that they're the same, that they're geographic distance doesn't make them feel less relatable or feel distant. I'd say where ever I go, I'd want my music andd my genuine conduct to make the locals there feel as though I was one of them and I reciprocate that to them. Outta ego or just the height that I want for myself, my father always told me "Do your best" &"whatever you do,be successful at it". So in that case I want be "Sean Carter" &"Master P" for Stoke On Trent . I want to be the "Diddy" & "Nipsey" of Jeddah. A Dark Skinned Drake. My boy KSHR said he wanted Impact the same as "Outkast" at the source awards, that too. Just for my uniqueness. It's a lot to ask and work for but..when goals are set high it easy to get disheartened, but because I make music I can..not for others. I think that's why I didn't give up. Making music is like reading, u can't forget it.  Maff's Advice For You: My advice would be, money is necessary but u don't always need it. Networking is more valuable. Your goal shouldn't be to get things done for free,but that doesn't mean  u can't get them for free or work for work etc. Get it however u can and if u don't stop,something along the way will help.  "If we don't know where we've been, we will never know where we're going " - Malik Yoba