His presence is undeniable, a blend of charisma and quiet intensity that commands attention. With a voice that oscillates between a drawling delivery and an underlying growl, Egyptian rapper Ziad Zaza (Instagram) cuts through heavy drill beats with a sound seemingly at odds with the vibrant melodies and unexpected samples that pepper his music. It’s a defiant cocktail, expertly blending drill, oriental trap, and the kinetic energy of Brazilian funk. This, together with his unpretentious demeanor and genuine connection with his audience, solidifies Ziad Zaza as one of the defining voices of the next generation – sonically global, yet fiercely rooted in the local.
Zaza’s signature sound – an impassioned, off-kilter drawl layered atop potent drill beats – is instantly recognizable. It’s a style he can wield with impressive control for both ferocious social commentary and tender introspection.
From the streets of Sheikh Hassan in Fayoum, Zaza carries the legacy of his underground rap roots. Growing up, Zaza found himself drawn to the pulse of the rap scene. It was here, as a twelve-year-old fueled by MTV dreams, that he began writing. Today, that dedication has propelled him into the spotlight. When asked about the key to stardom, he’s remarkably grounded: “I don’t know exactly, but not to lose grip of your truth.”
His rise mirrors the changing tides of Egyptian music. In the bustling chaos of Cairo, he holds himself with the air of a protector, his connection to his people woven into the fabric of his artistry. Cairo provides a backdrop of constant creative tension. In this sprawling metropolis, he balances a quiet leadership among his peers with the raw energy of the streets that raised him. This duality is palpable in his music. There’s often a protective swagger that belies the persona he projects in videos yet his genuine warmth and humility are ever-present in his real life interactions. It’s this contradiction that adds another layer of depth and fascination.
Beneath the surface of his music lies a deeper meaning. Driven by a constant urge to break new ground, Zaza defines himself by pushing boundaries. “It’s not about exploring, as I know what’s new internationally… it’s about helping my audience explore new music and sonic territories through me and my music,” he explains.
Drill music, itself a controversial and exciting subgenre, can often fall into derivative patterns, with artists sticking to a formula of well-worn sounds. But there are always innovators who challenge these expectations and break the mold. Ziad Zaza is one of these people. His 2022 album “El Rays” features tracks like “Dayra” that subvert expectations through experimental sampling and unexpected sonic textures. This isn’t simply drill music with an Egyptian twist – it’s a reimagining of the genre itself.
This spirit of innovation shines through Zaza’s entire discography. MTV-inspired stardom might have been the initial dream, but Zaza’s artistry is grounded in a symbiosis of influences. “ZAZA ELWASEEM” (meaning “Zaza the Handsome”) is an ode to this intersectionality. With 13 tracks, the album stitches together a world of emotions, exploring personal trials, new experiences, anger, love, and warmth all wrapped in his distinctive musicality, shape-shifting to float and wrestle with a jungle of genres.
“I’m the kind of artist that does what he feels, not what’s trending… People connect with what’s real,” he says, reflecting on the positive response to his emotionally charged Valentine’s Day double single release, ‘Nsena’ and ‘Bent El Eh’, a bittersweet journey through past loves. He reflects on lost promises and lingering memories. ‘Nsena’ takes on a wistful reggaeton vibe with its simple production and haunting strings. Zaza’s vocals shift too, becoming soft and intimate, with a breathy, hushed style, mirroring the song’s gentle guitar. ‘Bent El Eh’ stands out with its clever twist on a classic. A sample from Farid Al-Atrash’s iconic ‘Alby We Moftaho’ forms the song’s heart, intertwined with laid-back beats makes the perfect backdrop for Zaza’s heartfelt lyrics.
Zaza wears his vulnerability openly. Tracks like the tender “Wrangler Beda” offer glimpses into a broken heart, revealing an emotional rawness that resonates deeply with listeners. This authenticity is perhaps why he pairs each EP track with customized tarot card art – depth is Zaza’s currency.
Egyptian rap, fueled by a new generation of talented artists like Zaza, is experiencing a surge in popularity. Zaza himself is at the forefront of this movement, reaching new audiences across the MENA region. Despite his newfound fame, he remains grounded. Offstage, he’s known for his friendly demeanor and his fierce loyalty to his loved ones. It may be this rootedness that fosters his humility, “I don’t know how I got here,” he reflects, “it is Allah’s blessing.”
Zaza’s creative realm extends far beyond music. His compelling stage presence and aura of quiet leadership translate seamlessly to the silver screen, making him a sought-after collaborator – as seen in his work on Amr Salama’s groundbreaking short film “60 Egyptian Pounds”. Loosely inspired by Zaza’s song of the same name, the film tackles domestic abuse with raw performances and striking visuals. His starring role in “60 Geneh” marked a new chapter in his artistic journey, with the film making history as the opening feature at the prestigious El Gouna Film Festival. “Acting is part of who I am; it’s been my dream since childhood,” he reveals. Yet, he approaches his roles with focus: “I separate my musical identity from my acting. It’s about bringing the character to life, not about me.”
“60 Geneh” continues to make waves, participating in the Fribourg International Film Festival in March 2024 and hopefully many more festivals worldwide.
Zaza’s impact goes beyond sound – it’s about challenging norms in the name of what he believes. He turned down a major soft drink deal as an act of principled boycott. His refusal of a lucrative brand deal in solidarity with Palestine speaks volumes, a powerful act of resistance in a world where conformity often reigns supreme. “If the artist doesn’t advocate for causes that matter, then what are they doing? Art is in everything,” he states firmly.
When asked about leading the ‘New Wave’ of Egyptian music, Zaza remains characteristically grounded, “I focus on doing what I love… I care more about being timeless than being anything else.” His influence is undeniable, as he amplifies the voices of a generation hungry for honest music. The “New Wave,” he says, “is the continuation of the old generation.” It’s about staying true to one’s roots while creating music that actually pushes the envelope.
Ziad Zaza stands out as a multi-faceted artist who, above all, never loses his truth, “I stay committed to my values and principles… I stay real with myself, and I always keep some things and some parts of life hidden, just for me.” It is this authenticity, his ability to weave global soundscapes with his intensely local perspective, and his steadfast commitment to using his voice for what matters, that truly makes him an artist to watch – and to listen to.
For more stories, like this of Ziad Zaza, check out our dedicated music archives.
photography OMAR SHA3
styling ZIAD ZAZA
production BEATROOT RECORDS
