Hamza Hawsawi, also known by his stage name “Ayzee”, is one of the Kingdom’s most talented R&B singers. The 22-year-old sensation possesses powerful vocal abilities and a soulful approach to song writing.
When I first met Ayzee back in 2008, I knew he was a man with great potential, not only because of his great voice, but his personality and humbleness.
Teaming up with his longtime friend/producer Ayham from AY Productions, the two managed to break stereotypes, in addition to educating people in Saudi Arabia about rhythm and blues.
Recently he appeared on the finale of the famous talent show “Arabs Got Talent” (Airs on MBC 4); shoulder-to-shoulder with Saudi’s Qusai (Don Legend), opening the show with one of my favorite tracks “Eve”.
Arab News sat down with Ayzee and the following is an excerpt of the interview:
How did the “Arabs Got Talent” appearance come to light?
I received a phone call from Qusai, in which he asked if I was willing to perform on the Arabs Got Talent stage; the phone call actually happened last year during the program’s second season, but things didn’t work then. However, Qusai was determined that I appear on the show, which is what finally happened during season 3.
How important is the support of Qusai to your career?
Qusai has been one of the main pillars of support in my music career, and he’s been always there for advice.
What was the reaction from the crowd? And were you nervous?
I was only nervous in the first few seconds and then when the music began playing it all just melted away and I was able to enjoy the stage experience. The crowd’s reaction was awesome, but I was more excited to see the reactions of the people that I told to watch me on TV and the followers I had on my social media accounts; as soon as I finished my performance I ran backstage to get my phone to read what everybody had to say about the performance, and the reaction was just overwhelming and very pleasant.
Do you think that appearing on the stage of “Arabs Got Talent” is your big break?
It was defiantly a huge step in my career and something very valuable on my resume as an artist; but it all depends on what happens after; I have to work harder now to make sure that I can take even bigger steps after this performance. Only then I’ll be able to discern whether it was a breaking-point in my career or not.
What is your message to the youth, dreaming of becoming R&B singers?
Hone your talent, keep singing, be honest in your music and words, be humble and above all that, like my producer Ayham Homsi always tells me, don’t forget to enjoy what you do and always learn new things in your craft to get better. Also, keep in mind that talent is nothing without hard work. These are the principles my crew J-Fam and I go by.
In your opinion, what is the status of music in Saudi Arabia?
All I can say is that if the Internet didn’t exist, we as Saudi musicians would have faced great obstacles.
You are currently considered an independent artist. Do you see yourself signing with a major label? What would it take for you to sign a label? Any potential?
Depends on how far from where I am and where the label company is going to take me. Working as an independent artist has taught me to rely on myself, but having said that, an artist can’t and should not do everything on his/her own; an artist needs a team of people, whether that means a group of dedicated people or a label, to support and believe in his/her music. But honestly speaking, with my style of music and what I do in this region, most labels are afraid to take the risk to sign a deal, which only empowers me to work even harder.
I know you are working on your album. How’s that going and when is the release?
Well I am mainly focusing on the release of my EP, which is a track-by-track weekly release, focusing on singles one at a time. But 2014 will be the year where I will focus on creating one complete body of work. I might call it an album and I might not, who knows...
Any last words for Arab News?
Thank you for the support and exposure you have provided me with; I really appreciate it. Hopefully we will meet again to discuss more success stories.
