Born and raised in Oxford, UK, Eaz is a staple amongst the Sudanese music community, contributing raps that transcends traditional sounds and expectations of music from the homeland. Though a part of the Sudanese diaspora his whole life, Eaz has always ensured that he maintained a close bond to Sudan. “I have a musical lineage that probably dates back to the 18th century, really.
” Coming from a family filled with Bashir Abbas ’ entrancing oud skills and Bas ’ captivating head-bops, it comes as no surprise that Eaz has channelled Sudanese culture and traditions into his artistry, inevitably impacting his musical journey. “From early, the first thing I can remember hearing is music. The first thing I remember seeing is my aunties and my grandmas and my mum singing.
So it’s definitely impacted my musical journey.” Like many Sudanese children both in and out of the diaspora, it took a while for Eaz to appreciate and resonate with some of the Sudanese greats as he was growing up. He tells Lovin’ of his grandmother’s favourite artist, Ibrahim Al Kashif.
“I grew up in the UK, so I didn’t really hear much Sudanese music that appealed to me. I’m listening to Tupac [and etc.], so whenever I’m hearing Sudanese music as a kid, I’m just like, turn this off! But I grew to appreciate Sudanese music so much more the older I got.
” National admiration for Al Kashif’s music was always prominent, though it experienced a profound wave of resonation during the Sudan.
