Why do you think that it is important for children to be offered music

education?

I think music is a huge part of everyone’s life and it should really be a major focus during children’s formative years. It gives them an opportunity to explore something that so many are so passionate about and it lets them learn many things like teamwork, creativity, and so much more.

 

Before you came to America, you lived in a Taliban- dominated Pakistan and endured the harsh conditions of a country at war with itself. Your first single“Malala” was written because of this. What is the message you are trying to get across with this song? 

I was just trying to bring awareness to Malala Yousufzai’s story and her cause, her fight really. She fought so hard for her education when so many of us here in the US take it for granted.

 

You have performed live on stage with Drake Bell on the High School Nation tour. What was that experience like?

It was seriously amazing. I’ve looked up to Drake since I was a little kid and sharing the stage with him was literally a dream come true. The High School Nation Tour also donates $10,000 dollars worth of equipment to each school they visit’s musical education programs, so it was great to be a part of something that supported a cause that important to me.

 

You started loving music from a young age, and constantly trained to become a world-class entertainer. Who was your most influential teacher in your music education?

I would have to say my fifth grade music teacher, Mrs. Hill. She taught me not to be afraid to follow my dreams and pursue my music as a career if that’s what I wanted to do, and it’s really all I’ve ever wanted to do.

 

You are only 19 years old, and are already a successful musician. What would you credit your success too?

I would credit my success to my parents. They’ve always been so supportive of my career and I really couldn’t have gotten to where I am today without them; my mom waiting outside my voice lessons for hours, my dad driving me halfway across the country to perform… They’re amazing people and I love them so much and truly appreciate all they’ve done for me.

 

You are seen as a teen activist for woman’s rights. How does this make you feel, and what impact do you hope to have in the future?

Women’s rights are a major issue in America today and I really hope that in the near future that women get exactly the same rights and benefits as men get. It’s a cause that I believe is extremely important. It’s not an issue about being a feminist or not. Anyone who supports total equality between the sexes is a feminist.

 

You have said that ever since kindergarten, you wanted to bring a positive

message to touch people. What is that message?

I hope to show people that anything is possible if they work hard enough and keep at it. Working hard and dreaming big will take you places you never knew you could go.

 

Can you tell us about the song you will choose to feature on the collaborative CD?

The song I’ve chosen is “Malala”, a song about education and how hard some have to work to get it. It’s the struggle of a young girl growing up in a third-world country where women don’t get education as easily and readily as we do and the horrors she faced to accomplish what she has.

 

In your home country of Pakistan, is music education offered? Are children given access and opportunities in music and music education?

Music education is offered for younger kids, not so much in secondary schools and colleges. I hope that one day, I can go back and visit there to work with some teachers I know to bring about more music education in that area.