We’re looking forward to introducing you to Hamza Azeez. Check out our conversation below.
Hamza , it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
For me, integrity is something that cannot be compromised, particularly in the corporate world, where it is all too simple for someone to take advantage of a situation. When it comes to an industry that is built on connections and trust, honesty and consistency are not just ideals; they are safeguards for both my creativity and my reputation. One way that I protect my creative vision and make certain that the alliances I establish are real and long-lasting is by asking that every transaction be conducted with integrity. Integrity becomes the compass that is responsible for keeping me true to my ideals in a world where exploitation can be lurking behind even the nicest handshake.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, my name is Hafto, and I am a poet, creative, and independent artist hailing from Dallas, Texas. I create music as a means of expressing myself and speaking out about problems that are important to me. I combine Hip Hop and Alternative Hip Hop to create a sound that is profoundly personal while continuing to resonate with people all over the world. My lyrics explore topics such as resiliency, love, personal growth, and self-discovery, providing listeners with an unvarnished peek into my own experiences and problems. Storytelling is at the foundation of my work.
The future extended play (EP) that I am working on is called A Heart of Ice. My grievances with myself, the people I know, and society in general are being expressed through this project, which delves into darker tones such as cold-heartedness, vengeance, and emotional detachment. It is unfiltered, unrepentant, and profoundly cathartic, shedding light on feelings that are frequently repressed and not expressed.
I am a South Asian artist, and I am really passionate about reflecting my culture in a manner that is both genuine and forward-thinking. Through the incorporation of traditional South Asian musical elements into current beats, I create a fusion that not only pays homage to my background but also pushes the frontiers of creative expression. My intention is to use music that is not only sonically rich but also emotionally resonant in order to motivate, soothe, and empower others, particularly those who share my cultural background.
For me, music is more than simply a sound; it is a mirror, a weapon, and a bridge between the challenges we face and the realities that we are frequently frightened to face.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was younger, I was under the impression that individuals did not always recognize when they were causing harm, and that the majority of hurt was instead caused by misunderstandings rather than intentional actions. Over the course of my life, I’ve come to realize that many individuals are completely conscious of their actions when they choose to cause harm to another person. Although there is an obvious distinction between making a mistake and making a poor judgment, it is important to remember that purpose is a factor.
In spite of this, I continue to have faith in second chances. My belief is that there is a good in every person, even though it is frequently hidden. It is depressing to see how the world may appear to be turned upside down, with individuals being punished for kindness and evil being lauded. Despite the fact that this truth has made me more guarded, it has not diminished my hope that individuals are capable of making better choices.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
It would be dishonest of me to claim that I had wholly stopped concealing my suffering. The wounds are still visible, and so are the recollections of those individuals who were once there for me but are no longer with me. It is quite unlikely that that hole will ever be filled.
But something changed throughout the course of time. In order to avoid allowing the grief to consume me, I came to the realization that I had individuals with whom I could share my feelings and creative outlets through which I could express my emotions. When it reached that point, it started to develop into power.
After all is said and done, it is my story and I have learned to take ownership of it. The act of sharing it has enabled me to form connections with other people, to gain a deeper understanding of my own journey, and to provide direction to those who are younger than me. If my experiences can assist another person in avoiding the same difficulties that I struggled with, then the suffering that I endured was not in vain.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I will always work to make sure that everyone has the freedom to express themselves in an honest way and that real people are represented, especially through the lens of my South Asian background. It’s not just adding beats to a track that I make; I also add the rhythms of the tabla, the call of a raga, and the echoes of folk tunes that tell our stories. My next EP, A Heart of Ice, is a statement that our opinions matter, our histories matter, and our complexity deserves to be heard without fear of being judged. Whether it takes one more EP or ten years of late-night studio sessions, I’ll keep putting together shows where South Asian MCs, singers, and producers share the stage and helping up-and-coming artists who are torn between history and the future.
Besides that, I’m deeply committed to a humanities-based project that investigates how religion and society affect our creative outlooks. I’d like to see a long-form podcast and mini-documentary series where storytellers, academics, and religious leaders talk about how South Asian beliefs and modern art form interact. To start conversations about religion, identity, and social change, I’ll lead writing circles and panel discussions in person and online. I’m also making educational guides that show how our old traditions are linked to the world movements happening now in music, literature, and the visual arts. I will keep building these bridges no matter how many seasons go by or how many pages I write. Because when we respect our roots and focus on the arts, we give everyone the chance to understand, empathize, and be creative.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
The aspect of my legacy that I believe people will misinterpret the most is the character that I chose to play. I did not choose to play the role of the hero; rather, I opted to play the role of the person who was willing to take the heat and even be perceived as the villain so that others could speak freely. When it comes to challenging the system, calling out hypocrisy, or holding up a mirror to society and asking the questions that are unpleasant, I have never been frightened of any of these things. When someone is honest like that, they are not always received with applause; rather, they draw criticism, resistance, and sometimes even isolation. Nevertheless, I was willing to bear that burden because I was aware that it would make room for more creative individuals to freely express themselves without fear.
I am not concerned with being loved as my legacy. Being required is the key to success. There is a need to push limits in order to ensure that art continues to serve as a medium for truth, rebellion, and contemplation. I have used my South Asian experience, my pain, and my perspective to question power structures and cultural norms. I have not done so with the intention of destroying them, but rather to provoke thought and inspire improvement. In the event that individuals misunderstand that, it is because they are seeking solace in the realm of art. I never intended to be a source of solace; rather, I came to confront.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.flow.page/hafto
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hafto_
- Twitter: https://x.com/@hafto_
Image Credits
Myself
