by Social Culture Club
In this exclusive interview with Social Culture Club, the members of Lumina share the dynamic journey of their band’s formation and evolution within Kuwait’s local music scene, revealing the intricate blend of influences that shape their music and ethos. As they discuss their journey from a casual music club gathering to becoming voices of a musical revolution, Lumina offers a glimpse into the creative dynamics and collective ambitions that propel them forward.

What inspired you to pursue music, and how did you become a member of Lumina?
Mando (Guitarist): My mother was a music teacher, and everyone in my family plays an instrument. I started with the piano and then moved on to the guitar, acquiring my first one along with an amp for $10 from a friend. Since November 2019, I’ve been playing for about six hours every day. Later, I joined the ACK music club and eventually started the band.
Latti (Singer): My music journey began a few years ago at a convention when my cousin entered me in a karaoke competition. As a shy 17-year-old, I was pushed out of my comfort zone and won first place. This led to an invitation from the ACK music club, where I became a seasonal singer. I constantly battled inherited fears that suppressed my talent until I met Lumina. With them, I found a home among people who shared my background and passions, freeing me from self-made obstacles. In January, I used skydiving to cleanse myself of what was holding me back, and from that moment, I was determined to give my all to the world. An eclectic artist, I dabble in various mediums, including graphic design, poetry, painting, and art direction, often using myself as my own muse. My mother, aunts, and even my grandmother used to sing and chant when I was little, but they never had the chance to showcase their talents because their generation wasn’t as accepting. I sing to honor all the women who couldn’t express their voices. It’s time we break the system.
Codos (Producer and Bassist): I remember my mother scatting to Fayrouz and my father trying to teach me the Oud, but my passion always leaned towards Western music. I started learning to produce music at a young age, exploring various genres and bands before my heart settled with Lumina and my new project, TOE.
Fawaz (Drummer): Influenced by my mother, who played the piano and sang, I began playing music on her piano, inspired by the video games I played. I’ve always admired drummers, especially from the cover videos my father showed me as a kid. I first played a drum set at about seven years old, but didn’t play again for years as the set wasn’t mine. After much trial and error, I convinced my dad to buy me a guitar and later a drum set. Once I had my own instruments, I practiced for over five hours daily until I lost my practice space. I then focused on guitar, building my skills. Eventually, I soundproofed a small kitchen to resume drumming. After 3-4 years, I met Mando at the AUK rehearsal room a few months before our first performance, and now we’re here!
Aziz (Keys): I’ve been passionate about music from a young age, and mastering an instrument was always on my bucket list. After considering many options, I chose the keyboard for its accessibility, versatility, and challenge. I got my first keyboard in 2021 after finishing high school and practiced for about five hours daily. Then I joined ACM, majored in marketing, and met my future bandmates in the music club. I started experimenting with music production and became fairly good at it, releasing a song under the name “Agent Oranges.” When Mando started a band, I joined as their keyboardist and producer.
Ez (Guitarist): My mother’s side of the family had a talent for music, and I was fascinated by her ability to play the piano by ear and recreate music. I’ve wanted to learn the electric guitar since elementary school due to my exposure to the alternative scene. My dad bought me an acoustic guitar at 10, and I later purchased my first electric guitar with my college money. Through my experiences in the music club, I found people who shared my dream. Working with Mando inspired me to not only play the songs I liked but also improve my guitar skills and take it seriously. The rest is history.

How was your band formed, and when did you perform your first gig?
Lumina: It started with Mando, EZ, and Aziz, who met in the ACK music club. Later, Latti, Codos, and Fawaz joined us by fate, with synchronicities bringing us together. We are all driven by our passion for music and want to encourage others to express themselves through music or art, regardless of societal views. We remain true to ourselves, and that authenticity is what makes us shine.
Mando: We all met at the ACK music club. I wanted to form a band, so we got together and made it happen in 2023, just two weeks before our first gig at AUK. Initially, we were a heavy metal band under a different name, but we eventually chose the name Lumina and transitioned to alternative metal. We performed both a cover and an original song at that first performance.
Ez: I used to be in the ACK music club, where I met many talented people. Mando and I discovered we had similar musical tastes and practiced songs we both enjoyed. His talent and company during practice were impressive, so I joined his band, “Usurpia,” as a vocalist, even though singing isn’t my strong suit. Aziz, brilliant with his solo work, always had parts missing, so I invited my best friend Latti, whose raw and powerful voice was perfect for the band. At the end of Art Scene’s open mic, Latti and I performed “Desire,” impressing Areej, the founder of Art Scene. I brought Mando to my university for comfortable practice, and while searching for a drummer, we met Hussein at music therapy, who invited us to perform at his concert at AUK. Mando later found an exceptional drummer, and after listening to his recordings, we invited Fawaz and Codos who agreed to join.

Can you explain the meaning and story behind your band’s name?
Mando: “Lumina” means “Bright Light” in Latin, which embodies the concept of our band. We aim to illuminate the challenges and darkness faced both individually and collectively within society. For instance, one of our songs addresses addiction, and we are developing more songs that tackle similar issues. We confront topics that others may avoid, setting us apart. What better way to address these challenges than through the mediums of art and light?

What challenges do you face as an alternative metal band performing in English in Kuwait?
Lumina: Rather than viewing it as a challenge, we see it as an opportunity to drive change and spearhead a musical revolution in Kuwait. There is a significant, and growing, audience for alternative metal performed in English—far larger than many might assume, and it continues to expand with each new generation. This burgeoning scene presents a viable business opportunity for investors, similar to trends observed in neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. It’s an emerging market ripe for exploration, and many are beginning to recognize and capitalize on this potential.

Are you open to opportunities and offers from KSA or UAE?
Lumina: We are currently focused on establishing ourselves here in Kuwait, our home country, of which we are very proud. However, we are certainly open to opportunities from KSA and UAE. Touring is an integral part of our strategy as a band, and we are enthusiastic about reaching audiences across the region.

What is the greatest reward of being part of Lumina and performing your music?
Lumina: The greatest reward of being in Lumina and doing what we do is the profound connection we experience with our music. It’s about feeling completely and utterly alive, both on stage and off. This intense engagement with our art transforms every performance into a vivid, exhilarating experience.
Fawaz: We’ve all been playing music for years. Personally, I rarely write original music because I’m so fascinated by what already exists in the world of music. Coming together as a band allows me to use my drum and guitar knowledge, while Wahab, Latti, and Ez complete the puzzle by writing the lyrics. Together, we create new songs that didn’t exist before, blending our individual ideas and the diverse genres of music each of us enjoys.

How do you organize and manage your band’s activities?
Latti and Ez: We manage ourselves through a democratic approach. Whenever an opportunity arises, we vote on it as a band—it’s as simple as that. Collaboration is key to our operations; for instance, Ez takes on the task of designing our merchandise. Each member contributes their skills to support the group. We also maintain a regular schedule, meeting every Sunday and Tuesday at the studio to practice for gigs and produce new songs. Additionally, we have structured our ambitions into short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals to guide our progress and ensure we stay aligned as a team.

Why do you believe many musicians struggle to achieve success?
Lumina: The main issue isn’t marketing or external factors; it’s often about the goals they set. We aren’t driven by a desire for fame; our aspirations transcend that. Many struggling musicians tend to work in isolation, reluctant to collaborate. In contrast, our success stems from a collective effort. We operate as a cohesive group of remarkable individuals, and this teamwork is why we have achieved and will continue to achieve remarkable things.

Where do you envision yourself and the band in five years?
Lumina: At the top of the billboards, touring around the world

What advice would you give to those who wish to pursue their passion like you?
Lumina: Embrace the struggles you encounter; they’re a natural part of the journey. Instead of fighting the world, focus on yourself and your goals. You don’t need a miracle to succeed—what’s essential is your undivided focus and dedication. Work diligently, persevere through challenges, and stay true to who you are. It’s normal to feel fear, but don’t let that stop you. Move forward, even if you’re afraid.Along the way, you’ll find people who support and believe in your vision, helping to turn your dreams into reality. Don’t be constrained by societal expectations. Be authentically yourself, and watch as things begin to fall into place. Remember, you’ll always face criticism regardless of your choices, so you might as well pursue what you love.

Follow Lumina on Instagram at @thebandlumina to stay updated on their latest music and upcoming live performances. Don’t miss their new song, “Leviathan.” Photography by @thes3od and @tings.jpeg.