Dynamic artist, versatile singer, songwriter, musician, and music producer graces Musivv with an interview.

With numerous chart-topping singles and albums, Ramzi has cultivated a substantial international following, amassing nearly 20 million views on YouTube and over 8 million streams on Spotify.

Performances at prestigious venues like Bafta, The London Palladium, and the O2 Indigo, along with sold-out shows at the renowned Jazz Cafe, underscore his global appeal. His talents have garnered praise from notable figures, including Ne-Yo, Tiwa Savage, Fireboy DML, and Donnie McClurkin.

Amidst his pursuits in songwriting and music production, accolades, recognition, and sharing stages with iconic artists such as Amy Winehouse, The Overtones, and Florida, and collaborating with Rudimental and Taio Cruz in the studio, Ramzi managed to carve out space for the establishment of an independent record label. "I started RDS Music because I wanted to take what I was doing as a songwriter and producer to the next level and build a business alongside being an artist," he shares passionately. Initially conceived as the moniker for his recording studio, it gradually evolved into both an independent record label and a comprehensive music company, providing a range of diverse services. "I’ve built a strong team of songwriters, producers, and engineers, and we’re doing a lot of great things to help develop new artists while also working with established ones and branching out into other areas of entertainment." Ramzi's pursuit is truly commendable. "I look forward to seeing where the future takes things," he concludes. It's safe to say that the future appears promising and bright for Ramzi.

"I started RDS Music because I wanted to take what I was doing as a songwriter and producer to the next level"

Influenced by his Lebanese/Nigerian heritage, his music carries captivating Middle Eastern and African flavors. Ramzi welcomes 2024 with a multitude of thrilling projects on the horizon. "I have big plans for 2024. Lots of new singles and possibly an EP or an Album," he mentions with excitement. "[We're] discussing some potential collabs, and as always we are also planning a bunch of shows throughout the year," he affirms. "My last release 'Another Pill' had some Arabic influences with the Oud, but as for singing in Arabic, yes! I will release something hopefully in 2024 with Arabic in it, inshallah!"

However, not everything in his endeavors is a bed of roses.

"Sometimes I hate the songwriting part (laughs)!" His reasons perhaps resonate with many musicians and artists. "Because I’m such a perfectionist, it takes a lot of brain work to get the lyrics and melodies right." The fun starts in the production. Ramzi thoroughly enjoys recording and breathing life into a song throughout the production process.

"Because I’m such a perfectionist, it takes a lot of brain work to get the lyrics and melodies right."

How did his musical journey begin? "It all started as a child singing and dancing to musicals and Michael Jackson songs," he shares with Musivv, a testament to the enduring influence Michael Jackson has left on artists across generations. Ramzi quickly delved into learning musical instruments and songwriting. "It was obvious from early on that making music was my passion and came naturally to me," he says. "Since I started to release music as an artist, it’s been a rollercoaster with twists and turns, but overall an amazing experience," he adds. "I’ve touched so many people with my songs and through live performances." His musical trajectory elevated to another level when he ventured into the realm of music production. In the present era, making a livelihood through music has become increasingly feasible. "I’ve helped a lot of artists with their musical careers, and I’ve managed to make a decent living off of what I love to do!" The notion that an artist must be signed to a major record label to earn a living from music has slowly become obsolete.

"Since I started to release music as an artist, it’s been a rollercoaster with twists and turns..."

Outside of music, Ramzi advocates for mental health. "Mental health is something I’m switched on to," he says. "I know a lot of people who suffer from it and have had my mental battles," he adds. His alternative passion functions as a refuge for coping with mental health challenges—for everyone. "I’m a big Boxing and MMA fan. I used to train years ago, but lately, it’s more challenging to find the time," he concludes.

"Mental health is something I’m switched on to," he says.

It's nearly unjust to inquire about his favorite project to date, akin to selecting a favorite child. We dared. "Possibly 'Watching The World Cry' from my first album 'Chapter One.' While it may not be among his most popular works, Ramzi takes pride in having crafted a mature song with profound meaning many years ago. "I believe its theme resonates even more strongly today amidst the ongoing complexities in the world."

Ramzi stands out as a dynamic artist, showcasing his versatility as a singer, songwriter, musician, and music producer, seamlessly fusing Pop, Soul, Gospel, and R&B in his distinctive sound.

ROOTS is musivv's segment featuring musical artists of Middle-Eastern descent residing in the UAE, Middle East and around the world. Features under this segment are considered as submissions for nomination under this category in the Musivv Awards’ annual recognition.

January 8, 2024

Sponsored — Stories