GASHI

GASHI's success did not come with the simple snap of a finger. Having been a refugee, moving from country to country for most of his childhood, the artist worked hard to get to where he is today. Knowing what it means to have to fight for what you love and want in life, he finally reached success and still continues to grow. Spreading his highs and lows through his music, you can find who the international artist really is through his latest album, GASHI. With his spirit, passion, and talent, GASHI is leaving a strong impact on the world and continues to create music he hopes people will remember long after he is gone.

Shirt: ORO | Jewelry: TALENT’S OWN

Q: What was one of your first introductions to music that had a strong impact on you?

A: Michael Jackson and Kanye West. Their dancing and singing; not being afraid to be themselves, reminding you to share your energy with the world. They were never afraid to be themselves, to show their emotions.

Q: Growing up, you spent most of your life as a refugee moving from country to country. How has your childhood experience played a role in who you are today? In your music?

A: I feel like a lot of the people that hear my music think ‘Wow, it’s such a mixture of everything.’ I think that it is due to the fact that I lived in so many countries and I am a product of all those different environments. I mean, I am super blessed and I think it was so difficult for me to do what I wanted to do back then because I had no support; no one believed in me. That made me a miserable person, but now I am successful doing what I love, and that makes me happy. One thing I have learned is that money isn’t going to change anything. Who you are is who you are. I think the best thing that I did in my life was not quit. It’s so beautiful that I can make other people happy. Seeing other people smile is what makes me happy.

Q: Was it a person or event who inspired you to pursue a career as an artist?

A: I would have to say just watching the 90s, like BET and watching all these artists. I was just so in love with the crowd chanting and the sounds they made. I realized that I wanted to share my energy with the people.

Q: What prompted you to create your latest album?

A: I really wanted the world to hear all the sounds I am able to make. My lows, my highs, my loves, my heartbreaks, everything. I didn’t want to leave anything out.

Q: How does it feel to see your music being used as anthems in all areas: sports, top hits, and more?

A: The fact that I created something that people are playing for sports and during the New Year, I think I cracked a code. My whole mission on earth is to leave something behind and be remembered forever. The fact that “My Year” is going to be played when I’m gone, that’s what makes it special. Watching sports now, I feel like I am super in the game. It’s an incredible feeling.

Q: Tell us something about yourself that most people do not know.

A: I have a lot of secrets. They think they know, but they don’t know.

Q: Do you believe that everything happens for a reason in life?

A: Yes, I do. But I wish I could know the reason.

Q: If you could have three wishes: what would they be?

A: It would probably be just one. My only wish would be to be in heaven. To be a pure soul, I just wish to be a pure soul.

Q: What is your “ultimate goal” ?

A: My goal in life is to be remembered as someone that was special on earth, to be remembered for my art, for being timeless. That’s my goal: to create music that people will remember. I want people to remember me for my music, my passion, and as a trendsetter.

Shirt: ORO | Pants: ZIRAN | Shoes: VANS | Beanie + Jewelry: TALENT’S OWN

Shirt: ORO | Pants: CALVIN KLEIN | Jewelry + Beanie: TALENT’S OWN | Shoes: ORO

Jacket: PARAVAL | Pants: CALVIN KLEIN | Shirt: UNIQLO | Shoes: ORO

Jacket: ELWOOD | Pants: ZIRAN | Shoes: VANS

Interview by Alexandra Bonnet | Photographer: ABRAHAM BERMUDEZ @abe.bermudez | Creative Direction: ALEKSANDAR TOMOVIC @alekandsteph | Styling: CARNITA NICOLE @carnitanicole | Grooming: ALEX THAO @alexthaohair | Production: @BELLOmediaGroup x @MaisonPriveePR_LA