Music Discovery: Zaery shines bright with Rasta

Sudanese pianist, keyboardist, composer and producer Zaery is one of the artists helping shape Sudan’s modern Afrobeat movement. Known for his expressive melodies, authentic influences and dynamic live performances, he continues to carve out his own musical path with every new release.

His latest EP, Rasta, is a four-track instrumental project filled with sunshine, positivity and feel-good vibes. Fusing African music, reggae grooves and infectious dance melodies, the record is an invitation to move, let go and embrace a little more hope. Each instrumental highlights Zaery‘s signature approach, combining modern production with rich musicality to create an uplifting listening experience.

We caught up with Zaery for 5 quick questions to talk about Rasta, his artistic journey and the inspirations behind his music.

Can you introduce yourself to our readers and tell us how you started to make music?

I was born in Omdurman, Khartoum, Sudan, where my passion for music first began. I started my musical journey in 2012, performing within the modern Sudanese Afrobeat (Zanig) scene and developing my skills as a pianist and keyboardist. As my performances gained attention, my popularity steadily grew throughout local neighborhoods and communities. Over time, this support opened the door to performing on some of the major stages in the capital. Those early experiences shaped my artistic identity and laid the foundation for my career as a composer and music producer. From 2021 to the end of 2022, I embarked on a live performance tour across Sudan, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. During this period, I performed at numerous public concerts and cultural events, connecting with diverse audiences through my music. My performances blended modern Sudanese Afrobeat (Zanig) with expressive keyboard playing and original compositions. These experiences allowed me to grow both as a performer and as a composer while sharing my music beyond my home country. The tour remains one of the most defining chapters of my artistic journey.

Do you have a specific creative process?

Most of my ideas begin with a melody on the piano or keyboard. From there, I develop the arrangement, experiment with sounds, and carefully shape every detail until the music reflects the vision I have in mind.

How would you describe your latest release?

My latest release reflects my signature style, blending modern Afrobeat influences with expressive instrumental melodies and contemporary production. It represents another step in my artistic journey and musical evolution.

What are your future plans?

I’m currently working on several new projects, including an upcoming collaborative EP with a Sudanese rap artist, which is planned for release in Winter 2026. I’m excited to explore new musical directions while continuing to grow my audience both locally and internationally.

https://www.instagram.com/zaerymusic