A JOURNEY THROUGH MUSIC

How Naz found himself and his passion through sound

By bazaar Staff

Music is a unique art form, with the same tunes capable of taking different people on different journeys. For Naz, it was a personal journey that led him to music and sparked a passion that has since become his life’s work. Every hardship and celebration he’s experienced has contributed to his growth as an artist, enabling him to channel his emotions and past experiences through his music. By letting his music speak for itself, Naz has discovered a powerful outlet for self-expression and a way to connect with his audience on a deeper level.

Whenever Naz takes his place behind the DJ booth, you can count on two things: good vibes and great music. He has brought his unique style to events across the GCC, from large-scale productions to intimate gatherings at even small, local shawarma joints. No matter the setting, Naz has an ability to elevate the atmosphere and uplift everyone’s mood. His talent extends beyond the DJ booth, as he’s also skilled at creating his own sound that captures the same infectious energy he brings to his live performances.

Surrounded by three sisters and raised by a single mother, Naz acknowledges that being around “strong and independent women who were successful in their own rights” were stepping stones that helped him through his journey. Their example provided him with the guidance and inspiration he needed to navigate his own life’s challenges. And it wasn’t just a regular journey, either.

After spending his childhood in Kuwait, Naz graduated from high school in Qatar and pursued a degree in Petroleum Natural Gas at Pennsylvania State University, a degree which he believes he had “no right in pursuing” after not doing too well in high school, Naz saw this as an opportunity to prove himself and rise to the challenge. It was just one of many challenges he would face throughout his life.

Upon returning to Kuwait, Naz set his sights on a new challenge: making the Kuwait National Team in American Football. Growing up, he “would either be the final pick in sports or not picked at all” but his love for the sport helped him change that, and he was ultimately recruited to play for his country. One of his proudest moments was representing Kuwait in the World Cup Qualifiers held in South Korea. Through his determination, Naz has proven time and again that he’s up for any challenge that comes his way.

Returning to Kuwait after graduation, Naz struggled to fit in and acclimate to society. “I never truly found my place with groups of friends,” he explained. This sense of displacement took a toll on his mental health, and he found himself struggling to define what “home” really meant to him. As he struggled to find his place physically, his mental health deteriorated until one day which saw him head to the airport and literally ask for the next flight out. Just a few hours later, he found himself in England.

This unplanned journey was a pivotal moment in Naz’s life, as it allowed him to take a step back and reassess what was truly important to him. Through his travels, he gained a new perspective on life and discovered a newfound sense of purpose.

“I ended up on a three-week backpacking trip across Europe and made new friends and discovered a genre of music that I had previously overlooked. After attending several events and experiencing the power of music firsthand, I fell in love with the art form and became invested in exploring house music.” Added Naz when speaking about the journey that led him into pursuing a career in music.

Once a very misunderstood type of music for Naz, it was now the beginning of a transformative journey. He found himself immersed in artists like Black Coffee and Joris Voorn, whose music helped him experience new emotions and experiences. Recalling a life-changing moment, Naz said “I initially went to see David Guetta but moved to the area where Black Coffee was playing and it was sensational to see everyone with their eyes closed and truly feeling the music. The vibe. I was in tears. The people and the music were so beautiful.”

Little did he know, he was about to embark on a journey that would be seen as his true calling.

Returning from Europe also meant returning to reality. It wasn’t just a trip, it was an escape and something that he wasn’t sure he was ready to mentally return from. He then met Tamara Qabazard, the next strong woman in his life who he believes saved him.

He expressed, “Tamara is a beautiful soul whom I truly believe saved me when I returned. She played a big part in me being who I am today and has stood with me through everything that I have been through. I could not have asked for a better friend in my life and I am lucky to have been surrounded by incredibly strong women that have helped me achieve everything I have so far.” Adding, “I also met Ahmad Jafar, who has since become a good friend and a safe space for me. He helped me become a better person and a better artist. Him and Tamara, I would put as two of the most important people that I have met along this journey.”

As Naz slowly improved his mental health, he found the perfect outlet in music. He released his first full set, “Elevate,” on Soundcloud, which took listeners on a journey of self-discovery and garnered positive feedback. He explained, “It starts off slow, lost in a place where things are unclear. Then, it slowly gets more upbeat to give a sense of figuring things out. People who listened to it reached out to me and shared the journey that my music took them on. That’s all I ever wanted - to take people on a journey and have them connect with the music.”

Quickly realizing that the DJ scene in Kuwait could use some improvement, Naz was determined to make a name for himself and his music by playing at events, restaurants, coffee shops, and even Winter Wonderland. Slowly but surely, things continue to pick up. “I just want people to enjoy my music and to keep creating memories and music that I can put my own personal feelings into. But I see the future of music and DJ-ing being overseas unfortunately. There are so many talented artists in the country but there isn’t yet a space for them to really showcase that talent” added Naz. Hoping that Kuwait can one day be put on the map as a country that has honed these talents and given them a platform to be the best versions of themselves.

Despite the uncertainty, Naz remains steadfast in his mission to create music that speaks to his audience and encourages vulnerability. For him, it’s not about the location - it’s about being supported and accepted by the people around him. As he continues to create and share his music with the world, Naz invites listeners to join him on his journey of selfexpression and growth. All we need to do is join him for the ride.

Truth Or Dare Questionnaire

How would your mother describe you in one word?

Unyielding.

How would you describe your mother in one word? Inspirational.

What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked?

If I had YouTube on my laptop!

What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?

Sounds cliché, but I packed my carry-on, drove to the airport and took the next available flight not knowing where it could be. Turned out to be the best trip ever.

What is your theme song?

“Just the Two of Us” – Will Smith

What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented? Affinity.

Where would you like to live?

It’s not where you live, it’s about how you live. I would live anywhere where everyone is accepted and supported for how they chose to live their lives.

What is your dream retirement location?

To have two properties in both the northern and southern hemisphere so it could be summer all year long!

What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind?

“There is no such thing as a ‘self-made man’. We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us, or spoken one word of encouragement to us, has entered into the makeup of our character and of our thoughts, as well as our success.”

-George Matthew Adams

Which animal best describes your perfect partner, be it in business, or in life?

A wolf. They may look vicious in the outside but they mate for life. I resonate with that.

Do you miss anything from your childhood and if so, what is it?

The perception of time. As an adult, I feel like as we get older, time moves faster. Like a record, the first few tracks spin slowly around the edge of the disc but as we get closer to the end of the song, it spins faster.

If you could change your name, to what would you change it?

Jack Sparrow.

How would you describe your handshake, in one word?

Firm.

What is the toughest part of your character?

I am my own person, I will not conform.

Who is your favorite historical figure?

Joan of Arc.

What in the world do you least desire?

Ego. I’ll admit that I do have a bit of an ego but it has improved throughout the years.

What do you think is lacking in the world, which [if there were more of it] would make the world a better place?

Compassion, love and honesty.

Why do you think most people who do, like you?

I’m unconditionally myself, and I believe that others around me feel like they can be themselves as well. That said, I learned a while back that not everyone you meet in life is going to like you, and that’s okay. We can’t control what other people do or think, but what you can do is control is you and you alone.

Finish this sentence: “Happiness is…” When you don’t feel the need for anything else other than what you have in that moment.

You can follow Naz on Instagram @naz.musique for the latest updates.

Photography done by Mustafa Alsuaileek @humansnfaces