I first met Hamza Hawsawi in 2009 and from the second he started singing, I was blown away with his talent. I saw a kid who is passionate, humble and very attached to the art-form, to the culture of R&B. One could only be certain that this voice deserves all the attention in the world and that he will get it sooner or later.
On Saturday, Hamza was crowned the winner of the Arabic version of the X-Factor that broadcasted on MBC Group. He set the bar high from the very start and through the next nine weeks he showed the audience his true colors and talent by being humble and consistent. Although some talent shows may lack credibility, X-Factor offered a platform that was much needed and essential to Hamza. Everything fell into place, as he was able to unleash his matured RnB voice to the Arab public. His undeniable perseverance left everyone in awe and anticipation and soon enough with complete conviction the people granted him that ticket to the finale.
Now that the lights are out and the curtains are closed, it is time for Hamza to embrace this victory. I believe that this is a victory of all underground artists in Saudi Arabia, given the fact that artists cannot perform live due to certain restrictions. This is a sign of hope and encouragement to stay the course.
Without a doubt, Hamza is a great example of a talented, passionate, hard working soul; but what people might not know is the amount of patience he had to endure in order to reach where he is today. Also, he was supported and well surrounded by family, fellow artists, producers and friends who believed in his ability to shine since day one.
Jeddah FAM & Ayham Homsi, Hamza’s group and producer/friends, spoke their mind about his victory:
“Patience, commitment and hard work ... That leads to victory and that’s what we can learn from Hamza.” — Ahmed ElSaggaf “Balla Skillz”
“Hamza, I love how you depended on yourself and you are always a hard worker!” — Basam (Dr. Zee)
”The professionalism, enthusiasm and quality that you deliver in your work in addition to your personality have impacted me a lot and you have made me look at life from another perspective.” — Timba
”It’s been a great journey and an overwhelming end. Even though no one deserved this title more than Hamza, we were surprised to see it happen! This is merely the start and we intend on making this a memorable ride.” — AYH Homsi
I say this not only from a journalist or a radio host’s perspective, but on a more human and personal level that Hamza, I am proud of you!
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Email: [email protected]
Hamza Hawsawi: The R&B voice with an ‘X Factor’
Hamza Hawsawi: The R&B voice with an ‘X Factor’
Harry Styles announces first album in 4 years, ‘Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally’
- It follows the critically acclaimed synth pop “Harry’s House,” which earned the former One Direction star album of the year at the 2023 Grammy Awards
- “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally” will contain 12 tracks and is executive produced by Kid Harpoon
NEW YORK: In this world, it’s just him: Harry Styles has announced that his long-awaited, fourth studio album will arrive this spring.
Titled “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally” and out March 6, the album is Styles’ first full-length project in four years. It follows the 2022, critically acclaimed synth pop record “Harry’s House,” which earned the former One Direction star the top prize of album of the year at the 2023 Grammy Awards.
In a review, The Associated Press celebrated “Harry’s House” for showcasing “a breadth of style that matches the album’s emotional range.”
On Instagram, Styles’ shared the cover artwork for “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally,” which features the 31-year-old artist in a T-shirt and jeans at night, standing underneath a shimmering disco ball hung outside.
According to a press release, “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally” will contain 12 tracks and is executive produced by Kid Harpoon. The British songwriter and producer has been a close collaborator of Styles’ since the beginning of his solo career, working on all of his albums since the singer’s 2017 self-titled debut.
“Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally” is now available for preorder.
It is also Styles’ first project since his former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne died in 2024 after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina.
