Born and raised in Kuwait, Arabique, is a well known name around the city that continues to shine through the music scene in many events around the region. His unique style makes him easily recognizable for his singing and rapping abilities. Kingdome had the pleasure to get to know the person that goes by the name Arabique.
When did you first start singing?
I started making music back in 2008 while I was studying electrical engineering in the United States at the University of Wisconsin- Madison.
What did your family do to encourage you?
My family was always brutally honest whenever I asked for feedback. This honesty was crucial to my improvement and growth as an artist because it helped me analyze my own material from a different perspective.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
I’m an unapologetic Pan-Africanist so I would have to say Marcus Garvey.
Who else in your family sings?
I’m the only person in my family making music right now.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Craig David, Frank Ocean, Childish Gambino, Drake, J Cole, Kendrick Lamar and Kanye West.
What kind of music do you listen to today?
I’m not open-minded at all when it comes to music. I exclusively listen to Hip-Hop and R’n’B/Soul.
What embarrassing songs might I find on your MP3 player?
My roommate from college introduced me to country music. I hated it but for some odd reason one song grew on me. It’s called “Boots on” by Randy Houser.
Where would you most like to perform?
I would love to perform in a packed stadium.
Have you performed in other countries?
Yes, I performed in the United States, Sweden (I opened for Akon) and Bahrain.
Who would you most like to open for?
I would like to open for Childish Gambino.
If you weren’t singing, what would you be doing?
I would be working at an animal shelter.
Do you play any instruments?
No, I don’t.
If you could dabble in another genre of music, what would it be?
I’ve experimented with dubstep beats and I loved it. So, I’ll continue to search for good dubstep instrumental tracks.
What genre of music can’t you stand to listen to?
I can’t stand any Arabic music.
What hidden talents do you have?
I have the potential to be a skilled sketch artist, but I need to put more time into it.
Do you enjoy writing music and/or lyrics?
Honestly, I got to the point where my songs right themselves when I listen to instrumentals on repeat. I don’t consciously think about the writing process anymore.
Are your lyrics based on your life or general topics?
In my opinion art is skillfully created material that moves people through self-expression. Therefore, my lyrics overlap when it comes to my personal experiences and general topics.
If you could eternally be stuck on one year’s music scene, which year would it be and why?
It would have to be 2009 because I was very inspired to create music at that time.
Follow Arabique for more music on Soundcloud @Arabique, videos and updates on YouTube and Instagram @ArabiqueMusic. Originally published on www.kingdome.co.
