BIJI is the atomic fusion between the minds of Robin Nazari (artist/actor) and Maceo Frost (director/music producer). The duo embarks on an audio-video journey that is deeply meaningful, incredibly personal, and intent on transcending genre and borders alike. BIJI is a lens into Kurdish culture – life, love, and celebration. This statement represents an identity that has long yearned for recognition and the freedom of self-expression. BIJI thoughtfully blends Kurdish and Western Asian music traditions with contemporary splashes of Hip Hop, Afrobeat, Latin, and Dance music for a globally-minded message of freedom, celebration, and love conquering all.
Reframing the conversation about Kurdish culture and art is paramount to BIJI. The audio-visual experience is about engagement, education, and innovation. »My dad and their whole generation gave up lives for the freedom I have today,« reflects Robin, referring to countless wars and conflicts in the region as well as a ban on singing, recording, and performing songs in Kurdish that lasted years. The artist remains in pursuit of freedom and expression. »It's about being able to express who you are – to believe, love, and live as you want,«he expounds. He sings about those very things. »We're showing the beauty of the Middle East through our own lens.«
Both halves of BIJI are lifelong creatives. Robin Nazari is a Kurdish-Swedish artist, actor, and poet. He began rapping in Swedish, previously releasing three solo albums which all have six figures in streams. On-screen, Robin had a breakout performance in the crime series Snabba Cash. He has since appeared on the Clark series, as well as the drama The Beautiful Game, playing opposite Michael Ward (Top Boy) and Bill Nighy (Love Actually).
Maceo Frost is an award-winning film director and music producer based in Stockholm, Sweden. Born to a family of skateboarding and street dance pioneers. His work often highlights street culture, including Hip Hop, dance, and skating. In 2018, Frost earned a gold Clio Award for his YouTube doc on Burna Boy. He partnered with Adidas for the HBO feature documentary TOO BEAUTIFUL, highlighting Cuban boxing. He has also directed and produced award-winning commercials.
