FAFA

Musician — Abu Dhabi

01Profile

A FAFA Photo

03Interview

Name, where are you from?
FAFA, I’m half Emirati and half Honduran.

What do you do?
I write music on my experience with mental health and my journey to becoming my best self.

Describe your style in three words?
Free, confident, comfortable.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
I think the best gig I’ve ever been to was The Killers back in 2009, they started playing and I just went wild.

If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
I’d say Social House and Miley Cyrus.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
I think the hippie subculture has influenced me in the sense of wanting to just be who I want to be, accept others for who they are and wanting freedom for all.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I’d love to spend an hour with Cleopatra and just let her tell me the story through her words.

Of all the independent venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
My first ever show in Dubai at the Fridge is by far my favourite independent venue to date. The show was called The Beat DXB and I remember being so excited to get up on stage and give my all and I did. I walked in with no one knowing my name, but I walked out with people asking where I’d been all that time.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Tac is one of the greatest artists I have met in Dubai, from his writing to his producing skills it’s just incredible what he’s doing and how much he’s hustled. I truly respect him has a friend and as an artist.

04Playlist Notes

The first track you played on repeat?
The entire Cheetah Girls soundtrack (first movie) it was a bop.

A song that defines the teenage you?
'Reflection' by Christina Aguilera.

One record you would keep forever?
'I’d rather go blind' by Etta James.

A song lyric that has inspired you?
“A dream is a wish your heart makes”

From 'Cinderella'.

A song you wished you had written?
'Killing Me Softly With His Song' by Fugees.

Best song to turn up loud?
'Money' by Cardi B.

A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Never Be Like You' by Flume.

The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
'Crazy In Love' by Beyoncé. It gets me. Every. Single. Time.

Best song to end an all-nighter?
'Daylight' by Joji.

Any new bands you are into at the moment?
I’ve been listening to a lot of music from my hometown from artists like Sachii, Tac, swerte, Jasmine Taylor and Emma Cotter. There’s so many more homegrown talent I’ve been listening to but those have been the most recent in the past few days. I love seeing what comes out of our community.

03Interview

Name, where are you from?
FAFA, I’m half Emirati and half Honduran.

What do you do?
I write music on my experience with mental health and my journey to becoming my best self.

Describe your style in three words?
Free, confident, comfortable.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
I think the best gig I’ve ever been to was The Killers back in 2009, they started playing and I just went wild.

If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
I’d say Social House and Miley Cyrus.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
I think the hippie subculture has influenced me in the sense of wanting to just be who I want to be, accept others for who they are and wanting freedom for all.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I’d love to spend an hour with Cleopatra and just let her tell me the story through her words.

Of all the independent venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
My first ever show in Dubai at the Fridge is by far my favourite independent venue to date. The show was called The Beat DXB and I remember being so excited to get up on stage and give my all and I did. I walked in with no one knowing my name, but I walked out with people asking where I’d been all that time.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Tac is one of the greatest artists I have met in Dubai, from his writing to his producing skills it’s just incredible what he’s doing and how much he’s hustled. I truly respect him has a friend and as an artist.

04Playlist Notes

The first track you played on repeat?
The entire Cheetah Girls soundtrack (first movie) it was a bop.

A song that defines the teenage you?
'Reflection' by Christina Aguilera.

One record you would keep forever?
'I’d rather go blind' by Etta James.

A song lyric that has inspired you?
“A dream is a wish your heart makes”

From 'Cinderella'.

A song you wished you had written?
'Killing Me Softly With His Song' by Fugees.

Best song to turn up loud?
'Money' by Cardi B.

A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Never Be Like You' by Flume.

The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
'Crazy In Love' by Beyoncé. It gets me. Every. Single. Time.

Best song to end an all-nighter?
'Daylight' by Joji.

Any new bands you are into at the moment?
I’ve been listening to a lot of music from my hometown from artists like Sachii, Tac, swerte, Jasmine Taylor and Emma Cotter. There’s so many more homegrown talent I’ve been listening to but those have been the most recent in the past few days. I love seeing what comes out of our community.