Rayzak Hassan
Script error: No such module "AfC submission catcheck".
Somali-American singer, songwriter and musician Rayzak Hassan was born in Northern Somalia, in a region known today as Somaliland. Born into a musical family, Rayzak's mother and uncle were part of a traditional nomadic band, where they shared songs and poems at every village gathering.
Rayzak’s love for Somali music stirred the creation of his debut EP, Born In Transit. “I came to this country at the age of 9 so my first musical experiences were all in Somali,” Rayzak explains. Although he was just 9 when he left home, three years before the civil war started, Rayzak clearly recalls the music of his roots “through all those moves one thing was consistent, that music from the early days back home was always playing loud.”
The EP’s title summarizes what was formed through Rayzak’s experiences migrating to the United States moving through Texas, Kansas and eventually Ohio. Rayzak first travelled to Toronto in the late 90’s, visiting the city frequently enough to call it his second home.
Rayzak has no intention of slowing down as he launches his first record, which he describes in his own words as “a labour of love and an ode to the culture that made me fall in love with music.”
Partially recorded in Los Angeles with producer Brian West whose work is effectively represented in albums by Nelly Furtado, K’Naan and Maroon 5. Born In Transit arrives on emergent Toronto label Pirates Blend. Also recorded in Toronto, Canada with Rayzak’s long-time friend and well-versed producer, Brandon Scott, their shared dream of creating music has been realized and propelled with Rayzak’s debut album. The record incorporates brilliant performances by friends and longtime collaborators including Eon Sinclair of Bedouin Soundclash, Jeff Gunn and Dennis Passley.
Rayzak has had 10 years as a global music ambassador touring with close friend and musical collaborator K’Naan, resulting in multi-platinum hits and sharing the stage with Stevie Wonder, Bruno Mars, Damian Marley, Coldplay, Mos Def, Neil Young and many more. He has also had the privilege of performing for Nelson Mandela and Bill Clinton.
The EP’s seven tracks touch on matters personally lived by Rayzak, such as the trials met by most immigrants when first moving to North America. This is portrayed in the song The Garden. What My Father Say, the EP’s seventh track and first recorded song, is a warm display of gratitude to Rayzak’s father for transmitting his wisdom. In its entirety, Born In Transit is a poetic tribute to Rayzak’s unique experiences, transcending both geographical and musical borders—a true illustration of the transitory theme of his life.
References[edit]
This article "Rayzak Hassan" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:Rayzak Hassan. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.
