In Talks With Hamza Hawsawi

Hamza Hawsawi has not had a conventional route to stardom. Born and raised in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the artist shot to fame over a decade ago by winning the Middle East version of the musical talent show, ‘X Factor’. Since then, he has carved out a commendable career, taking inspiration from the genres of Soul and R&B and taking the decision to perform in English rather than Arabic, opening himself up to an international audience with over 100,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.

I spoke to Hamza about his earliest musical memories, his unlikely break, and how he maintains his focus whilst navigating the industry:

Describe how you first got into music?

My earliest involvement with music stemmed from a love for it growing up, mainly listening to R&B, soul, and pop music. My curiosity expanded as I listened to various genres and languages through people close to me, which deepened my interest in how music was created. My cousin and I borrowed my mother’s cassette player, the one with the red record button, and we gathered a bunch of unused cassettes. We’d play music in the background and record our vocals and harmonies over it. That was my first experience and the closest thing to making music as a kid.

What were your earliest musical influences?

Michael Jackson, Prince, George Michael, Whitney Houston, and Phil Collins.

When did you first start to see this as a potential career opportunity?

In 2009, I had my first live performance, which happened by chance and wasn’t planned at all. On March 3rd of that year, an event was being organized featuring various artists, and I was part of the show as a backup dancer for one of the performers. When the artist I worked with found out I also sang, he offered me the opportunity to perform one song on stage, which I excitedly accepted. After that performance, my passion for making music grew, and I began to see it as a potential career.

How did you get your big break and what was that experience like for you?

My big break came when I participated and won on “The X Factor” in the Middle East. That experience introduced my talent and name to a wide audience throughout the Middle East and North Africa. It also allowed me to meet and work with many influential individuals in the music industry and the creative world. This experience opened the door to many performances and opportunities around the World.

How would you describe your musical style and how has this changed over time?

I enjoy experimenting with different musical styles that evoke emotion in me. However, the consistent foundation in all my musical experiments is R&B and Soul, whether it’s through the vocal performance or certain elements that come through in the music. Over time, the change has been in my confidence—I’ve grown more comfortable exploring all types of styles, with R&B and Soul as my anchor.

What have been some of the highlights of your career?

There are so many highlights when I reflect on my career. From the incredible people I’ve met who have inspired and guided me, both personally and professionally, to studio sessions where songs close to my heart have blossomed. The backstage interactions and conversations I’ve had with people who attended my shows and meeting them for the first time have also been memorable. Of course, I can’t forget the amazing experience of being on  X Factor. All of these moments, and many more, are the highlights of my career, and I strive to experience more of them.

Who is your dream collaboration?

When I think of collaborations that would push my creative drive to new levels, four musical pioneers come to mind: Bob Robinson Jr. (Tim & Bob), Rick Rubin, Teddy Riley, Bryan-Michael Cox, and Joe Thomas. They’ve all played a part in creating some of my favorite songs over the years and contributed to bodies of work that have greatly inspired me.

How do you think you can improve as an artist?

By always prioritizing the art, love, and passion for it before anything else that might come from it. Opening my eyes and ears to the world, allowing external inspiration and internal intuition to intersect. Consistency in practice and hard work is crucial, like going to the gym—building strength over time. And perhaps most importantly, after putting all the pieces in place, having patience and trusting the process, even when it feels heavy or there’s a creative block.

What are your plans for the remainder of the year, and where do you see yourself progressing in the longer term?

I plan on releasing more music throughout the rest of the year and into the next. I’ll be working on many collaborations with various artists and creatives, both locally and globally, and I’m involved in other projects aimed at building community among creatives and art lovers. But the overarching goal, as always, is to strive for continual growth—becoming better as a vocalist, songwriter, performer, and overall artist, constantly evolving■

Hamza continues to spread his music across the Middle East and beyond and looks set to be a global force. With two new singles out in 2024, he is showing no signs of slowing down.