Fairooz Nazifa

If you've ever browsed YouTube for Bangla music, chances are that you've come across an energetic teenager singing her heart out with a ukulele. After sending riptides through the hearts of music lovers and earning more than five thousand subscribers on YouTube, the Chittagonian girl looks to conquer Dhaka's music scene. 

I've heard that you're a girl of various talents. Tell us a bit about them.

(Laughs) I wouldn't exactly say that. Aside from music, I am an ardent art lover and I would call myself a decent painter. You could see in some of my YouTube videos that I incorporated my art into the music itself. It was a bare-bones effort, but I'll definitely improve on it.  I'm also an orange belt in karate, and won the District Championship in 2016.

If you had to choose between singing, art and karate, which would you prefer?

I simply can't choose between them! These are crucial parts of my life and I can't imagine my life without them.

Any current projects you're working on?

I have been getting a lot of offers since I moved to Dhaka, but I really don't feel ready to make that kind of commitment as of yet. I always go with my gut feeling, and that's how it always has been. I will be posting more YouTube covers soon, and meanwhile I want to learn more about my craft. I want to be the best that I can be.

Which was your first YouTube video?

I basically got noticed after I sang “Riptide” by Vance Joy. It was a completely random cover, and I had borrowed a ukulele from a friend and learnt it in two days. After that, I called my friend Ruthba up to borrow her camera and shot the video on her rooftop. I didn't expect the kind of reaction that I had gotten, it was simply overwhelming. 

Who are your favorite artists in Bangladesh? Whom would you call your inspiration? 

There are a lot, actually. Indalo and The Attempted Band are my favorite artists at the moment. I recently heard songs from Absentia and loved them as well. When it comes to inspiration, I really can't choose any one artist. I try to learn from each and every person that interests me and in turn, grow as an artist. 

Anything you'd like to say to your fans?

(Laughs) I just want to say that I really appreciate all the love that I have been getting, and I am just overwhelmed when people come up to me and say kind words. I'm an extremely hyperactive person and never shy away from a hug! 

Interviewed by Sadi Mohammad Shahnewaz