Repping AiRis!
The first time I heard “Without you”, a song inspired from AiRis’s experience, it was an instant hit with me! I absolutely loved it and found myself having the song on repeat! I couldn’t help but wonder who the artist was and what more she had out there! Very soothing voice with really nice lyrics!
Listen to “Without you”
We had the pleasure of asking AiRis some questions and we present to you some information she shared with us.
Born Asmaa Idrisu in Egypt to a Nigerian father and Egyptian mother, AiRis, pronounced “iris” is a multi-talented singer who’s yet to find the perfect word to describe her genre. Coining her stage name “AiRis” from her full name: ‘A’ from her first name and “Iris” from her last name, she went with this naming approach as she wanted a name that was descriptive yet meaningful. Iris has various meanings in anatomy and botany with a strong emphasis on variety, which she says describes one of her unique features as a person and an artist: culturally diverse and colorful.
Though born in Egypt, she grew up in Lagos, and developed her passion for music at a very tender age. When we asked her how this passion developed, she said “I have always loved music as far as I can remember as a child, I guess I really got into it in the late 80’s when Madonna released “Like a Prayer” and George Michael “Faith”. As I grew older and more aware, I started getting involved in school choirs and watched a lot of music videos on VH1. My mum used to play a lot of Fela around the house and we always jammed to Arabic music on occasions, so that had a huge influence on me as well. Basically, my interest in music grew dramatically and developed from then on.”
With numerous musical influences including the likes of Sade, Madonna, Seal, U2, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Sting, and Lauryn Hill, she describes her genre as being very sensual, catchy, different, and rich. This genre which is yet to be named is a combination of Afro-Pop/R&B with a Mediterranean twist and a western feel.
As known by some, AiRis is no newcomer to the entertainment industry. This first lady of Trybes record started off singing at a club called “Pancho Villa” back in secondary school after which she formed a rock band with some of her classmates. Though she vaguely remembers the details of this, she thinks the band was named Blackstone. As known, graduation from high school marks another journey in the lives of people as they tend to go off to college, move out of the country etc. The rock band members didn’t really split up as everyone left Lagos for College in some other country. Similarly, she has worked with various producers in the past (Osinachi, eLDee, Mason Vaughan) focusing on making good music.
When we asked AiRis, who describes her target audience as anyone who likes and appreciates good music, to describe herself and tell us about her motivation, she said: “Passionate about what I love, really just a simple person like everyone else with a strong will to be and remain happy. I’m usually motivated when faced with challenges in life. Aim also just naturally driven. When I find something that makes me happy, I’m motivated to go for it!”
The first album titled “TAP (The AiRis Project)” is expected to be released early 2010. As to what we can expect from the album, she says we can expect a classic that would become part of ones music collection for everyone! Now that sounds really exciting and I can’t wait till the album drops!
Want to know why you should listen to her music or buy her album, here’s what she has to say: “If you are interested in good music, you’ll need a copy..lol. Most of the songs are based on personal experiences and facts of life. So basically, I unfold myself to the world, however, it’s not just about me ,its about life and people’s experiences, knowing yourself, fun, hardship, lessons learned, elation, pain, love, envy, oppression…all the stuff you don’t expect people to sing about. It’s not just a set of instruments with lyrics, its a book with different chapters that tell different stories that you can get something out of….be it a message, a lesson, inspiration, or just a good listen!”
Though based in the U.S, soon to be Nigeria, she expects her fanbase in Nigeria to grow once they experience her music and presence. Nonetheless, the response so far has been phenomenal. I personally have no doubt that she’ll gain a huge fanbase worldwide! As to what to expect from this System/Industrial Engineer in the future, you can expect good music, an introduction of a new genre, international collaboration and of course AiRis repping her Nigerian roots globally! The music never stops, only gets better! This is definitely one artist to watch out for now and in the upcoming years!
I REP AiRis!
You can also listen to another single of hers: “Brain Touch” on her Myspace page! Link below:
For more information on AiRis, please visit the following links:
Website: www.airismusic.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/airismusic
Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/AiRis/104941797584?ref=ts
Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=176364119459&ref=ts
MySpace Page: http://www.myspace.com/asmaahan
Posted by repnaijaartists Date: Thursday, October 22, 2009
Categories: Female, REP post, Rep Naija Artist
Tags: airis, trybe records, without you
