Backstage: ZIAD ZAZA at Nawafiz Festival

Just after his debut performance in the Netherlands at this year’s Nawafiz Festival in Utrecht, co-curated by SceneNoise, Egyptian rapper ZIAD ZAZA took a moment to step back and reflect. The night wasn’t just a milestone in his career. It felt like something deeper—a moment of shared presence with a crowd that felt strangely familiar.

For ZAZA, it’s never been about performing ‘at’ people. The energy he draws comes from a sense of closeness, even in places he’s never been. Whether it’s faces he recognizes from past shows or new ones that seem instantly in sync, it’s the connection that stays with him.

That sense of community felt especially strong at Nawafiz. In a city far from home, the festival created a space where Arabic music didn’t feel like an export or a novelty. It felt local and rooted. For members of the diaspora who rarely get to experience this music live, it was a long-awaited moment.

The show also happened to land right around his 25th birthday—a milestone that brought with it a wave of mixed emotions. Backstage there was celebration, cake, and chaos, but underneath it all was a quiet awareness of time passing.

Turning 25 made him reflect on where he stands and where he’s headed. He spoke candidly about the fear of time slipping away, of growing older in a world that moves fast. In the face of that, he’s focused on making it count.

For him, making music isn’t just about success or recognition. It’s about surviving, finding joy, honoring his faith, and giving his craft the attention it deserves.

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