DROP THE BEAT: KASHMIR’s BEATBOXER, FAIZAN FAYAZ.

Faizan Fayaz is a beat boxer from Bagh- e- Mehtab, Srinagar. He has performed in numerous events in front of large crowds. He was also one of the lead beat boxers of KBX, a beatboxing community in Kashmir.

For those of you who may not be aware of beat boxing, it is a form of vocal percussion primarily involving the art of mimicking drum machines, using one’s mouth, lips, tongue, and voice. Its all about rhythm.

Faizan began his journey in 2018. He took up this out of the box career after watching some beat boxing videos on Youtube. To a large extent he credits his initial learning to YouTube, since there were no places to go or not a lot of beat boxers to follow in Kashmir.

Initially it was difficult, with people questioning his choice, but with his talent he turned them to his side. He dedicated time to learn this art, showcasing his efforts to his friends.

In an attempt to convince his detractors he brandished to them the best of his beats. Slowly, he gained support of his friends and family who urged him to pursue this further. This motivated him and he began performing in front of others with confidence.

Accoridng to Faizan the best part about beat boxing is that it gives him happiness. Moreover it helps him cope with stress.

The turning point for this young beatboxer came when he was called to perform at an event in a cafe. Nervous at the start, but once he hit the beat the people loved it.

And since then Faizan has performed in a lot events around Kashmir.

Faizan alongwith others was a major part of the ‘KBX’ a beatboxing community, to help the art grow in Kashmir which first started in 2016-17.

Faizan also sees beatboxing as a long term career in the music making genre as musicians, singers require sounds and that makes it the work of a duo. One for singing and the other for producing sounds.

He believes that being successful in this field is going to take a lot effort. He is keen to encourage others as well hoping to make a mark in this unique art form.