Quick Facts
Biography
Aziz Maraka (Arabic: عزيز مرقة; born 22 June 1983), is a Jordanian music composer, singer, performer, recording artist, and producer. Maraka created a music style called "Razz", an Arabic Rock-Jazz fusion that garnered regional attention.
Early life
With the support of his parents, Aziz began performing keyboard for his school band. At the age of 12, he won a nationwide competition for original composition on keyboard. After attending the Music School in Amman, he received a scholarship for PLUS Program to study in the United States. His first hit song, “Bent El Nas” was written as part of his senior graduation project, along with several other songs from his self-titled debut album. This album was later distributed by the Lebanese record label “Ekaa” in 2008.
Music career
Aziz released his first album “Master Copy” in 2008. The song “Bent El Nas” (Arabic: بنت الناس) (girl of the people in Arabic)was the first of his songs to become known throughout the Arabic pop-music culture. His next official radio release was in 2009, “Najeh,” (Arabic: ناجح) (Successful) for the senior class after passing their final exams. The song became hugely popular for teenagers across the region. “Ma Bagool Assef” (Arabic: ما بقول أسف) (I don’t say sorry) debuted on radios in 2010.
Performance career
Maraka has performed with a new style of music, which he termed as "Razz", an Arabic Jazz-Rock fusion. Maraka traveled around the world in several festivals and events, including a Red Bull soundclash eventwith a local alternative rock band; JadaL. The concert reportedly gathered a 4,000 people audience.
Event Production Career
In 2011, Aziz created his company “Maestro Entertainment” as a music and event production business. In October 2011, Maestro Entertainment launched “BAB 1” (Bands Across Borders) as the first annual concert and comedy platform in Jordan. It featured local popular comedian Mohammed Lahham and singers Farah Siraj, Yazan Haifawi, and Alaa Wardi.
The latest BAB Music Festival was in August 2016 and featured a lineup of alternative and hiphop artists, including Adonis, DJ Sotosura, Muqata’a, Satti, El Far3i, Amer Al Taher, El Morabba3, Dakn, Edd Abbas, and Yazan Haifawi.
Videography
- 2014 - Sme3tek – Directed by David Frost
- 2014 – Meen Gallak – Directed by David Frost
- 2014 – Time – Directed by David Frost
- 2015 – Beat it (Cover) – Directed by David Frost
Personal life
Aziz Maraka is married and has one son, born in July 2014.