The global music scene is constantly evolving, but every so often, an artist arrives with a sound so distinct it demands immediate attention. Enter Zaery, an emerging Sudanese keyboardist, pianist, composer, and music producer who is boldly redefining the Afrobeat landscape. By masterfully blending the rich traditions of Sudanese East African music with a contemporary freshness, Zaery has crafted an infectious, groove-oriented sound that stands completely apart from the crowd.
His latest offering, the four-track EP ‘Rasta’, is a testament to this unique sonic vision. Shunning dense lyrical storytelling, the EP builds a charismatic persona entirely through immersive sounds, heavy bass, and contagiously joyful percussion—perfectly exemplified in the upbeat track ‘Alrasta solo’. It is an atmospheric masterpiece that seamlessly amalgamates retro and modern Afro motifs, weaving a rare kind of musical bliss.
We sat down with the mastermind himself to chat about his musical roots in Sudan, the creative process behind ‘Rasta’, and how he communicates deep emotion without saying a single word.
Thanks so much for joining us, Zaery! When did you first start making music, and what initially inspired you to take up the keyboard and composition?
“I started my musical journey in 2012 in Omdurman, Sudan. I was inspired by the rich musical culture around me and developed a deep passion for the keyboard, piano, and composition. From performing within my local community, I gradually expanded to larger stages, and music became the way I express emotions and tell stories without relying on words.”
Can you tell us a bit about your current EP, ‘Rasta’, and what this particular body of work means to you?
“My latest project, ‘Rasta’, represents an important stage in my artistic growth. It reflects my passion for instrumental music, blending modern production with expressive melodies. For me, it’s more than just a release—it’s a statement about creating music that connects with people across different cultures and backgrounds.
Were there any specific artists or personal experiences that influenced you whilst you were creating this release?
“Rather than following a single artist, I draw inspiration from everyday life, emotions, and the musical traditions I grew up with. I enjoy combining African musical influences with contemporary production techniques to create a sound that feels both authentic and modern.”
How would you describe the overarching sound and vibe of your latest tracks?
“The sound is melodic, emotional, and cinematic. It combines expressive keyboard performances, atmospheric textures, and modern production, creating an immersive listening experience that allows the instruments to tell the story.”
What does your songwriting and production process look like? How did the music come together in the studio?
“My creative process usually begins with the piano or keyboard. I start by exploring melodies until I find an idea that feels genuine. From there, I build the harmony, arrangement, and production layer by layer, ensuring every element serves the emotion of the composition.”
Is there a central message or feeling that you were trying to convey to listeners through the EP?
“The central message is that music can communicate beyond language. I wanted listeners to experience emotion, freedom, and reflection through melody alone, allowing each person to interpret the music in their own way.”
When you are sitting down to write a new piece of music, what do you consider to be the most important factor?
“Authenticity. Technical skills are important, but honest emotion is what gives music lasting value. I always focus on creating something meaningful rather than simply following trends.”
What advice would you give to emerging independent artists who are just starting out and trying to make their mark on the industry?
“Be patient, stay consistent, and never stop improving your craft. Focus on building your own artistic identity instead of copying others. Every release is an opportunity to grow, learn, and connect with a wider audience.”
What has been your proudest moment as a musician so far, and how has the public reception to ‘Rasta’ been?
“The response has been very encouraging. I’m grateful to see listeners connecting with the melodies and production, and it’s motivating me to continue pushing my sound in new creative directions.”
Finally, is there anything you would like to say to our audience, and how can they best support your musical journey?
“Thank you to everyone who listens to my music and supports my journey. Your encouragement means everything to independent artists. You can follow me on all major streaming platforms and social media under Zaery to stay updated on new releases, upcoming collaborations, and future projects. I’m excited to share much more music in the near future.”
With ‘Rasta’, Zaery has firmly established himself as a vital new voice in contemporary Afrobeat, proving that rhythms and melodies can speak louder than words ever could. By staying fiercely true to his roots whilst embracing modern production, his sonic journey is only just getting started.
Be sure to follow Zaery today on Facebook, X, and Instagram to keep up with his upcoming projects and new releases!
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.broken8music.com ’
