Ziad Azzam, a senior at NYU Abu Dhabi studying music and business, has introduced himself to the MENA music scene with his debut single, "BARE3." The track, translating to "talented" in Arabic, offers more than just an engaging melody—it is a deeply personal reflection on ambition, self-doubt, and the struggle between following one’s passion or taking a safer, more conventional path. Ziad channels the tension of feeling caught between two worlds. On one hand, he is driven by his passion for music—a calling that is both exhilarating and daunting. On the other, he wrestles with the fear of failure in a highly competitive industry, prompting him to pursue a degree in business. Like many young Arab men, Ziad is occupied thinking about finding a stable career path to meet expectations of securing a future. He chose to major in business, but has been fitting music classes into his electives as a creative outlet for his passion and talent. Now, he ventures into his artistic career in parallel, his brave attempt at moving away from the conventional.

Ahead of BARE3's release, Ziad dropped a 40-second teaser video, offering a glimpse into his forthcoming tracks and the themes that drive his music. The teaser conveys a cinematic atmosphere with visual hints of Ziad’s internal conflict—running away from his thoughts, racing against time, balancing ambition with societal expectations, and chasing passion. This short but resonant introduction set the stage for his debut single, building excitement for the album and offering fans a taste of the journey to come.

BARE3 then comes to capture his inner dialogue: the clock is ticking, and his desire to prove himself in music intensifies. This urgency fuels his creative process, pushing him to make music knowing that belief in himself will be enough to propel him to the top.

Reflecting on his journey, Ziad shares the growth he has undergone, especially since joining NYUAD. In the verse "neseit ana kont meen embare7" (which translates to “I forgot who I was yesterday"), Ziad expresses his sense of loss, noting, "I felt happier in my high school years. I don’t know if it’s because of adulting or just the idea of being outside my comfort zone." He reflects on how, despite the professional growth he has gained from NYU and studying abroad, he feels that he has lost some of the carefree passion he used to have. "Old Ziad was more relaxed, not overthinking the future," he recalls, "I was more at ease back home." As the track continues, Ziad’s second verse, "ma3 el zaman dayman basare3" (which translates to "with time I am always wrestling"), captures his struggle with the relentless passage of time. He explains, “I hold onto my memories as much as I can, but they’re fading, slipping from my hands.” This sensation fuels the drive to make his mark in the music industry. He aims to rise as a unique voice, using his music to reconcile these mixed emotions of loss and ambition. “I want to be the best in the scene, to show that not everything was lost in vain,” he says.

Set against moody urban backdrops, the music video for BARE3 weaves warm and cool tones to reflect the inner conflict he faces. Shots of Ziad sitting on a dimly lit rooftop, interspersed with scenes of him performing under shifting lights, convey a quiet sense of searching—both for himself and for recognition. While the song itself is brief, running only two minutes and ten seconds, Ziad feels its message is clear and impactful. “I know it’s short, and the lyrics are only a few bars, but I feel like I delivered what I needed to,” he explains. He also wanted the music to be cinematic, saying, “I view my musical journey like a movie—one where every moment counts.”

As a viewer, the video takes you on an intimate journey through spaces Ziad calls home, from sweeping landscapes of his hometown Cairo to the quiet familiarity of his room. It feels like stepping into Ziad's world, seeing how he shapes and defines home through his music. We watch him crafting his song in the solitude of his room and sharing moments with friends. The familiar faces and spaces bring comfort, yet a sense of detachment lingers, as if he is wrestling with the urge to move beyond the life he knows. This juxtaposition of connection and solitude underscores his journey, painting a picture of a young artist searching for meaning in the very places that once defined him. "In many ways, this song is a conversation with myself, but it’s also for anyone who feels caught between two worlds. I wanted the video to feel like you’re walking through my thoughts," he shares, hinting at the dichotomy of longing and ambition he navigates.

With BARE3 serving as both a debut and a declaration, Ziad offers a glimpse of what lies ahead: music that speaks to personal struggle, identity, and ambition— echoing the experiences of many in his generation and marking the beginning of a promising musical journey.