About Time You Met: Kurdish R&B Star NOURIBy Angelica Malin
NOURI is a Kurdish born singer and songwriter whose journey began in a Syrian refugee camp, where she was born and lived until the age of three. Drawing from her early life experiences, NOURI uses music as a form of expression and healing, infusing her songs with resilience and emotion. We chatted to NOURI about her sound has evolved, her recent single ‘Change In Your Name’, what’s next:
Your story is incredibly inspiring, having been born in a Syrian refugee camp and now rising as a global artist. How has your early life shaped your music and the artist you’ve become today?
It keeps me humble and helps me focus on the bigger picture which is to impact lives in the best way; in a way that creates hope. I want to be able to show that it doesn’t matter where you come from and that you can do anything you put your mind to. Your start in life doesn’t determine the heights you can reach. I’m still on my journey and don’t plan on stopping!
From your debut single “Where Do We Go From Here” to now, how has your sound and artistic vision evolved?
My sound and artistic vision are always evolving, but the one thing that always remains is my honesty and vulnerability in each song.
Your latest release “Change In Your Name” is a powerful worship song with deep emotional undertones. Can you share the inspiration behind this track?
I was lost and alone at the time and started to talk to God which became the lyrics to the song. It was my conversation/prayer to God which turned to me writing this song in under 2 hours.
The song has already gained over 2 million streams and charted on Billboard’s Gospel Digital Chart. How does it feel to see the global impact of your music?
I feel like I’m just getting started! It’s amazing to see people connect with the song as much as they are and I’m grateful for that.
The music video for “Change In Your Name” dropped recently. Can you tell us about the creative process behind the visuals? What message were you hoping to convey?
The inspiration for the video was from my favourite book, The Alchemist. It’s about the journey of life to find your true purpose in it. The message I hope it conveys is that life is a journey and to trust the process. Also more importantly, it’s ok to slow down, but never stop.
You’ve already made such a significant impact with your music. What are your future plans? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re particularly excited about?
I’m always excited to create and release new music! Especially now with this sound that I’m so connected to. I have a lot of new music on the way!
You’ve used your platform to bring attention to important issues, like your Kurdish heritage and refugee experience. How do you see your role as an artist in shaping conversations around these topics?
I think my responsibility and passion as an artist is to use my platform for more than my music. I hope to not only give people amazing music, but also to bring awareness to important, real-life issues. I always say it’s bigger than music.