British South Asian artist Zarina Kazi uses music as a navigational tool for life. As a British Pakistani woman Zarina often found it difficult to identify and relate to others, but she found comfort in writing Music. Music became the language through which Zarina would express her deepest fears, dreams, and triumphs and it ultimately connected her back to herself. Her love for music started at home, where her grandparents were music enthusiasts. She honours them by continuing to peruse music and share their passions.
In the intricate realm of music, Zarina uses juxtaposition in her first release Preacher, a song based on a traumatic love experience touching on betrayal, yearning and toxic hope. Created at seventeen and developed many years later, Preacher marks the beginning of Zarina’s music career.
Influenced by artists varying from Amy Winehouse, Adele , Billie Eilish, Jorja smith, through lyrical resonance or harmonious melodies, Zarina’s music encapsulates raw emotions, and offers a soundtrack to our experiences.
Photographer: Jaquetta Clark
Ethnicity: Pakistani
Location: London, UK
Instagram: @zarina_kazi
Website:
GET TO KNOW - completed March 2024
3 words to describe you:
determined, charismatic, brave
3 words to describe your music:
Soulful, emotive, soothing
If it does, how does your heritage impact your art?
My Pakistani heritage deeply influences my music, Growing up immersed in the world of music exploring the vibrant rhythms and melodies at my grandfathers music parties, I developed a profound appreciation for the beauty and diversity of music. Throughout my life I’ve always had musical influences at home, my grandmother would always sing traditional Pakistani/ Hindi songs and my grandfather would also sing and play the traditional Indian harmonium. Seeing them explore music in our culture made me want to learn and adapt their styles to my style of music.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who and why?
I would want to collaborate with Adele, she was a huge influence and inspiration to me when i was growing up. Her heartfelt lyrics and tones almost shaped me. I loved how she could capture moments and turn them into songs, this is something that i am continually trying to achieve in my own music career.
Your next career/music goal:
In the next year i will be releasing my next single Devils child and my EP Woman, i aim to continue to share music that is relatable to people, i want to offer a soundtrack for peoples experiences. Music is the greatest form of catharsis for me and i want to share this with the world. I also want to create music that also includes Asian inspiration and tones , i also want to broaden my horizon and explore different genres. Within the music world.
Top 3 go to songs/artists:
Pressure - Renao
Feet dont fail me - Joy Crooks
Sunshine - Cleo Sol
Words you live by:
Give Love and Receive Love
Anything else you'd like to share:
You can now stream my first two singles Preacher and Woman! You can also look forward to the following:
Devils child - Single: The single delves into the poignant struggle of individuals grappling with inner turmoil and emotional pain. Through heartfelt lyrics, it captures the profound loneliness and confusion experienced by individuals facing mental health challenges. Devils child is paying homage to Zarina’s internal battles and conflicts she experienced during her youth, now as an adult she wants to share this with the world.
WOMAN the EP is a glimpse into Zarina’s world, stepping into a realm where the notes and rhythms intertwine to create a symphony of emotions and experiences. Each song in the EP beautifully reflects a point in Zarina’s life, her music has acted as a bridge, which has effortlessly joined people from different walks of life. With each note and lyric, Zarina’s compositions weave a tapestry of emotion that resonates universally.
