Voices of Dubai: Freek

Meet the global citizens of Dubai’s subcultures.

FREEK x Sole DXB x Gucci (2020) by Photographer Timo KerberDubai Culture & Arts Authority

Freek

Freek is a Somali rapper, producer and director from Dubai, though he likes to say “global citizen”. Hailed as a pioneer in the GCC underground scene, he’s standing where he is today thanks to his raw talent, overflowing charisma, constant hustle and gettin' freaky, of course.

FREEK in Local Barber Shop (2020) by Photographer Timo KerberDubai Culture & Arts Authority

FREEKISHLY UNIQUE
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Your story is particularly unique - a Somali artist born & raised in the UAE. Where is home for you? What do you identify with? 

Music Video Wala Kilma by FREEK (2019) by FREEKDubai Culture & Arts Authority

THE DUBAI INFLUENCE
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You’ve been rapping for almost 10 years, how has Dubai influenced your journey as a musician? 

FREEK controlling the roads. (2019) by FREEKDubai Culture & Arts Authority

RAPPING IN ARABIC
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You prefer to rap in Arabic, not English. Did that come naturally? Or did you say to yourself, “Hmm why does it always have to be in English?” 

FREEK baths in laban. (2017) by FREEKDubai Culture & Arts Authority

ADDICTIVE PERSONALITY
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You say you have an “addictive personality”, is that why you bathed in a tub full of Laban Up for one of your video clips? (Laban Up is a yoghurt drink). 

FREEK in Sweet Future Campaign by Sole DXB x Gucci (2020)Dubai Culture & Arts Authority

COLLABORATION IS KEY
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Dubai is a melting pot of expats, a super “net-worky” city. And since everyone is from somewhere else in the world, it’s noticeable how everyone wants to help one another. Has collaboration played a role in your music? 

FREEK Photoshoot in Sweet Future presented by Sole DXB x Gucci (2020) by Photographer Timo KerberDubai Culture & Arts Authority

THE DUBAI MYTH-CONCEPTION
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What would you say to people who dismiss Dubai as not being creative? 

THE DUBAI MYTH-CONCEPTION
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Continue exploring our emerging artist series by checking out  Angel Syrup's story here

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The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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