We caught up with Kurdish artist, Kovan, to talk about his career and some of the key influences of his life.
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Kovan! I’m a young, Kurdish artist who has a burning passion for success and spreading
good energy.
How long have you been making music? I’ve been writing songs and freestyling since I was about 10! There was maybe once or twice as a kid where I sang at some Kurdish events; which was hilarious, because
it was in English, it was terrible 10 y/o singing, and would have been so random to the blessed Kurdish elders. But looking back those experiences helped me get where I am today, so I’m grateful as for those opportunities. I used to freestyle with 36PIMP and Fat Papi on Skype at the age of 12 with terrible youtube beats and distorted mics. I started properly recording songs at 16 and that’s when I really started venturing into the music industry!
You have a positive social media presence on TikTok. What keeps your energy in that direction?
The way that my content is framed comes from how much I enjoy connecting with people and vibing out. As anyone can probably tell from one look at my social media pages, I love smiling and making people smile. I’m the happiest and smiling when the people around me are happy and we’re all enjoying a good time together. I try to keep a positive space online and on TikTok so that people all over the world can get that same feeling. In Aotearoa, it’s uncommon to see people believe in themselves because of this idea of being cocky. I want to push out of that narrative and inspire people to believe in themselves by holding confidence in everything I do, and smiling throughout it!
What song has influenced you the most?
This is a hard one. Though my discography is relatively young, I hope to put out a lot of music that speaks to the different experiences and passions I have had. In terms of influencing the political music I want to make about freeing my people; Be Free by J.Cole is definitely up there. But ultimately, in terms of influencing my entire life and mindset, it has to be Feather by Nujabes! R.I.P to Nujabes, the G.O.A.T.
Was there a moment you decided to take music more seriously?
Yeah, for sure! I have had multiple moments of like “yeah, this is dope and I wanna go hard at this”, especially because of how fortunate I am with people around me being supportive. But, in terms of one defined moment, it was when I was drunk in a bathroom on a night out with my brothers. Seeing those around me that I loved, having the time of my life, and being inspired by the lives of my brothers made me have this talk to myself. I told myself that we have to make it; we have the chance, talent and grind to make it and not only enjoy many more moments like that night, but do it through and alongside my greatest passion: music.
How do you drown out insecurity?
In terms of my general confidence, one big thing is remembering that no one really cares as much as you do about the things you’re worried about. If you make a mistake, slip in public, wear a questionable outfit: it’s in people’s minds for one second, if that, and then gone the next. Being vulnerable in public is scary but knowing that no one really cares helps for real. I saw something online that describes it perfectly: if no one really cares about what you do, and being confident about what you do feels a lot better than not being confident, you might as well be confident.
In terms of my progress in music and how I feel about my work, I drown out any doubts by remembering that no matter what happens, I know I can make it. I am happy to ride along the waves of progress and trust the process instead of being upset I’m not where I want to be in particular. Because I know I’ll be there eventually.
What is the moment you dream of that inspires you?
There are probably two moments, that you could morph into one dream night. Standing in front of a huge crowd of people, listening to my music, vibing out, knowing where I am from and knowing who I am; and then partying with them and everyone I love after that, and being able to be together with them with no worries about anything. That’s the moment I work for everyday. Oh, and also stumbling upon my own wikipedia page would be pretty lit.
Who is your dream collaboration with?
If I could wind back time and choose anyone, it would be Nujabes for sure; the man just had the most incredible beats and ear for soul and life in hip-hop music. But in today’s age, it’s got to be J.Cole. Cole world baby!
Who has inspired you to be yourself?
My family for sure have inspired me to believe in myself. Watching them grind in life and try in everything they do has shown me that our success really is the subject of our mindset. In 1999 my family was in refugee camps so we came from nothing, you know? But their resilience in life has shaped me into being unbudging from working for success. This stubbornness that I learnt also indirectly affected my lack of care for opinions of others about what I wear or how I act; I’m stubbornly and unapologetically me!
What do you want to see more of in the youth of New Zealand?
Mutual support. I’ve actually been seeing a lot more of support between youth in Aotearoa which is really cool, like the Skip The Boat movement, but having more of this would be dope. We’re part of a generation which now can pretty much do whatever they put their minds to. Youtube is out there, free information is out there; and so there’s a lot of businesses and creatives waiting to happen. Having a community and culture of support for our fellow youth businesses/talents means everyone gets to do what they want for a living!
Why will you be successful?
Because I won’t stop until I am. Period. I have had so many incredible opportunities in my life and I’m privileged to be in the position I am today. I have talent, work ethic, and an incredible support system around me. I’m stubborn as fuck and know that I have to win. But, more than that, I have people around me and my nations I want to bring up. I ain’t stopping until I have Kurdistan, Aotearoa and everyone around me on the map!
What has been the greatest piece of advice you’ve received?
“If on your deathbed, someone showed you the life that you wanted was possible and that you could have achieved if you worked for it, how would you feel?” The answer to that question makes it so that I have to work for that life everyday.
What is your message to everybody else who has not started towards their dreams?
It’s never too late to start. Don’t feel discouraged because you haven’t achieved what you wanted so far; people can change their lives and achieve what they want to in a ridiculously short period, no matter when they start. And even if you start and it does not happen instantly, would it not feel better to know everyday that you are one step closer to making that dream happen, then sitting behind and never giving yourself the chance to find out whether you could make it?
What is the quote of the day?
“7 times down, 8 times up”
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