We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Zanib. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Zanib below.

Zanib, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on undoubtedly has been the creation of “Freedom Waves.” This project holds a deeply personal and profound significance for me as it represents something far greater than just myself. It all began with the desire to be a voice for my identity as a first-generation American, carrying the heritage and rich culture of Sudan within me. Growing up, I often found myself torn between two worlds—the culture of my ancestors and the society in which I was raised. However, through introspection and self-discovery, I realized that this unique fusion of identities could be a powerful catalyst for positive change.
“Freedom Waves” became the embodiment of this realization—a platform designed to liberate my passion, vision, intention and action to ultimately live my purpose . It symbolizes the freedom to pursue my dreams to help make positive ripples of change in the world.
In this project, I poured my heart and soul, drawing upon the experiences of my ancestors and my own journey. It is a testament to the struggles and triumphs of my Sudanese heritage, woven into the fabric of my American identity.
The project, however, transcends the boundaries of my personal story. It is designed to educate, inspire, and give back to communities worldwide. The vision was to create a movement that would empower others to embrace their uniqueness, rise above adversity, and embrace their purpose. Through unique one of one fashion pieces, community activations and events and spreading awareness and positivity, Freedom Waves is able to represent something bigger than all of us.

I was able to capture this story in my latest music video Catch Me If You Can. The video showcases a thrilling chase, symbolizing the pursuit of positive change and artistic expression despite the obstacles thrown their way. Amidst the relentless pursuit by the FBI, my unwavering determination and creative vision shine through, demonstrating the indomitable spirit of “Freedom Waves.” As I race towards my dreams, the video underscores the message that no matter how hard they try to catch us, our passion and purpose will always make us unstoppable, leaving a trail of inspiration and empowerment in our wake.
I celebrate my first generation Nubian-American heritage by infusing the video with vibrant elements of my culture. The bilingual lyrics, seamlessly weaving between English and Arabic, serve as a powerful ode to my roots and a bridge between two worlds. I also incorporated original violin composition in the production of the song.
Freedom Waves designed all the outfits for the short film. This song an anthem of empowerment, inspiring individuals worldwide to break barriers, embrace their heritage, and unlock the boundless potential within. I would like to thank my director and production team Steven Knoworries and Showblackss for making this possible.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Zanib is a movement for freedom. I am an Afro-Nubian vocalist and violinist who harnesses the power of music as a tool of expression and elevation. From a young age, my journey with the violin began in the fourth grade when my older brother who I have always admired and looked up to handed me down his violin as he transitioned to joining a band. It evolved into performing with orchestras and symphonies all through my younger years throughout college.
Throughout my journey, I held onto dreams of becoming both a singer and a doctor. It was after I graduated high school and then in college where I discovered my true voice, as their dreams of being a singer resurfaced, guiding me to find a new and profound purpose.
As my musical talents evolved, I collaborated with other artists who inspired me to utilize my voice to share my unique story through both the strings of the violin and soulful singing.
As a true visionary and driven artist, I sought to create a platform that would not only embody my creative works but also serve a greater mission. Enter “Freedom Waves,” a brand that defies convention, representing living our purpose, crafting exceptional one-of-one fashion pieces that express individuality, bonds community and inspires a movement for freedom.
As I began performing more live shows in Denver, I realized I needed merchandise. I wanted it to stand out from the same branded t-shirts with the artist name or logo in the middle. With a focus on uniqueness and creativity, the brand stands as a testament to the power of innovative expression and the celebration of diverse identities.
Through “Freedom Waves,” I created a space where my music, art, community and fashion converge into a powerful force for change. The brand serves as a reflection of creating ripples of inspiration and change. I embrace Afro-Nubian heritage, culture, and values by incorporating multi-lingual lyrics in English, Arabic and Spanish expressed through singing, rapping, and poetry.
As an artist, my focus is not limited to personal success but rather centers on using my creativity to inspire positive change. My music, fashion and community became vehicles to amplify the message of freedom, encouraging others to find their own voice and express their truth unapologetically.
With the strings of my violin and the depth of my vocals, I craft a symphony of empowerment, urging individuals to embrace their uniqueness and awaken their potential. Through this harmonious fusion of art, music, and fashion, my movement for freedom takes flight, leaving a mark on hearts and minds across the globe.
My latest release Catch Me If You Can really highlights my journey as a first generation Nubian-American representing the diaspora and my community in Sudan and Egypt.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

To be a woman in the music industry means to have thick skin. I spent a lot of the early years of my creative journey working with men in studios, photo shoots, video shoots etc. During the course of my career I have had to deal with various levels of discrimination for being a women in the field. I would have producers and engineers hold back from sending my projects or songs due to their own agendas without the best intention. I remember waiting months just to get a song back because of the way the men would let their egos or emotions block the professionalism. I had to learn to apply my mission in life which is freedom, to the music industry. That propelled me to own my own recording studio in Denver, Sound House, which was a space to learn to produce, engineer, collaborate and have autonomy to take control of my timelines, creative vision, and process. Freedom Waves was also able to evolve from that space. We were able to create a safe space where women and community were prioritized over profit and power. In this space I was able to really tap in and elevate my production and engineering skills so I learned all that I needed to be able to record, mix, master and produce my own music, on my time, preserving my energy and valuing my power as a woman.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is always inspired by freedom. Freedom to create, express and connect with something deeper. Often times the music industry wants to define or shape artists to becoming their puppets, but as an independent artist, that allows the space to create meaningful art that can inspire future generations in a positive way to become the best versions of themselves. Being raised by immigrant parents, music was never something that in their eyes bred stability and security. My goal is to be able to live completely off my music financially, independently and securely. I want to showcase the power of music to actually make an impact on the world through healing, educating and building bridges to communities that often share similar experiences. It is more than entertainment, it is a vessel that connects with people on a deeper emotional level and to contribute to communities in a deeper way. My mission is to liberate myself and others through their purpose. Music is my passion and purpose and that is the time in my life where I feel the most free. When I am performing on stage, playing the violin, recording music and creating I am at my most present, peaceful and joyful state. I create the same ripples of emotion when I perform life, when people can experience my music through spreading that contagious energy of blissful liberation.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.freedomwaves.shop
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/zanibwaves
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/zanibwaves
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/zanibwaves
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwf8yY9aFouDkkwhuYKuopg
• Other: www.tiktok.com/@zanibwaves

Image Credits
Anthony Maze Maddie Steele