We’ve been giving a lot of play to ZMA’s current EP Eclectic – and we caught up with him to find out more about the man and the music …

Tell us a little bit about your yourself?

I was born in Iraq and raised in New Zealand, just another regular person trying to navigate through life!

When did you first start to develop a passion for music?

I’ve always been an entertainer, earliest memory would be when I was 4 years old I would sit my family, uncles, aunts and cousins in the lounge and I would walk out the corridor and start singing songs pretending to be the artist I’m impersonating. We moved to NZ when I was 5 and that’s when I heard Michael Jackson and I was intrigued! Then when I was 8 I heard Forget About Dre and that’s when I fell in love with Hip Hip after hearing that instrumental then it got Eminem’s verse and I knew right then and there I wanted to make music and rap!

Which artists did you listen to while growing up?

To be honest I grew up listening to (and still do) anybody that made good music, wasn’t just one genre, anything that caught my ears I’d listen to it from Bee Gees to 50 Cent, I appreciate all genres.

How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard you before?

I’d describe my music as – whatever you need I got it, ha ha! From summer vibes getting ready to go to the beach, to being in love, to going to the gym getting hype before a lift, a whole range of emotions!

What music have you recorded and released to date?

I’ve released 7 self produced songs prior to my EP Eclectic which is produced by Legendary Hip Hop Producer Ty Fyffe who has produced Jay-Z, 50 Cent, DMX, G Eazy etc. So it would mean a lot if you were to check those out on my Spotify!

Which artists do you enjoy listening to at the moment – and do they influence your work?

I’ve been listening to a lot of chillhop music lately, something soothing and it’s inspiring me to want to release a chillhop album, actually already planning on what the next project is going to be!

Who would your dream collaboration be with?

I want to make music with all the Legends, no one in particular but would love to work with a female artist like Elle Mai, Summer Walker or Snoh Aalegra to make a record like Ja Rule and Ashanti.

What are your plans for the future?

I want to tour the world, even if it’s playing small gigs, would be cool to travel and meet people from all over, connect, make memories.

Where can we find out more about you?

As well as Spotify you can also find me on Instagram @donzma.