From a deeply personal Ghulam Ali remix that sparked his YouTube revolution to his latest track Ahista Ahista, Kazinama has captivated millions with his genre-blurring sound. Now, as he embarks on a new journey with Kazinama Live and original music, he reflects on his creative…Read More
Kazinama is redefining nostalgia with his reimagined classics and genre-blending remixes.
In an era where music is often measured in viral moments and streaming numbers, Kazinama is crafting something far more enduring—a sonic time machine that bridges the past and present. A fusion artist at heart, he doesn’t just remix classic tracks; he reimagines them, preserving their essence while injecting them with a contemporary pulse. His work isn’t about mere nostalgia—it’s about rediscovery, about giving timeless melodies a second life in today’s digital soundscape.
His name itself is a testament to storytelling: Kazi + Nama—a book, a narrative, an evolving musical saga. His journey began with a deeply personal Ghulam Ali remix, inspired by a memory, a moment, a tribute. That single track set off a chain reaction, leading to a YouTube revolution where his remixes and reinterpretations began resonating with millions. From laid-back grooves to disco-infused dreamscapes, he has turned every track into an immersive audio-visual experience, proving that music isn’t just something you listen to—it’s something you feel.
With over 1,100 live performances, 15 years as a session musician, and a growing fanbase that spans the globe, Kazinama is now stepping into a new phase—original music and Kazinama Live. In this exclusive interview with News18 Showsha, we dive deep into his creative process, his philosophy on music-making, and why he believes that true artistry lies in balancing reinvention with reverence.
Here are the excerpts:
What’s the story behind your name Kazinama? And what initiated your musical journey?
Kazinama is a combination of my name in the title “Kazi” and “Nama,” which means book or storytelling. It’s my moniker and alter ego, where I started my take on classic songs through both audio and video experiences. But you know, my whole YouTube journey actually started from a very personal place. My first Ghulam Ali remix ot just because my dad used to listen to him a lot. There was this one incident associated and making that remix was almost like me responding to that moment… It’s crazy to think that one video kind of set this whole journey in motion.
“Ahista Ahista” seamlessly fuses retro nostalgia with a futuristic soundscape. How did you strike the perfect balance between past and present without losing the soul of the original?
For me, the goal with any remix is to never mess with the original emotion of the song. I just want to give it my perspective—add some modern textures, but still keep that connection to the classic. I actually like using elements from the original track itself, like little samples or motifs, to make it feel familiar and nostalgic. Also, my approach to remixes is a bit different…I don’t treat it like a typical remix. I imagine, “What if this melody was given to me to produce from scratch? How would I interpret it today?” That’s the mindset I bring to every rework
The transition from a laid-back groove to an upbeat disco vibe in “Ahista Ahista” feels almost cinematic. Was this intentional storytelling through sound, or did it evolve naturally during production?
Honestly… it kind of just happened naturally. The first part of the song has this trippy, repetitive, addictive vibe…the melody stays pretty much the same throughout. So, for me, the only way to keep it interesting was to switch up the bed—the music. I started playing around with a bunch of different samples and chords and sounds…just experimenting, and then I ended up with this groovy section that instantly clicked. it sort of pulled the whole song into this disco direction…which is totally my jam!
When reviving a classic, how do you decide what elements to keep sacred and what to reinvent?
For me, melody is always the foundation—it’s what truly connects with people. The original vocals and melody evoke that deep-rooted nostalgia we all share. When I rework a track, I focus on mixing and enhancing the vocal quality, making sure it’s cleaner and more balanced. This process can be more tedious than creating the music itself, but it’s essential to get it right. I carefully build the sound around the vocals to match their quality and vibe without overdoing it. The key is to maintain that balance—keeping the track fresh while still allowing the nostalgia to shine through
Your arrangement of “Ahista Ahista” feels like a journey rather than just a remix. If this song were a scene in a movie, what would it look like?
Haha…You know, I always put together a video along with my remixes on YouTube—people really vibe with that, and it’s something I’m proud of. I love giving songs and visuals a new twist. If I had the privilege to make an official video for Ahista Ahista, I’d definitely see it as a travel song. Like, a road trip—driving from one point to another, but not just physically… it’s also a metaphor for life’s journey. It could fit into so many situations—new beginnings, moving on, or just cruising with someone you love.
You’ve made a name for yourself by giving classic songs a new life. What’s the first thing that sparks your imagination when you decide to rework a track?
It’s different every time, honestly. It’s a really dynamic process. Sometimes, I’m working on something and I’ll hear a melody in my head that just fits perfectly with a classic track. Other times, it’s just me listening to old songs—those timeless classics—and trying to absorb them. I’ll pay attention to the lyrics, the feel, and see if there’s something fun or unique I could play around with.
In an era where nostalgia is king, how do you ensure your reinterpretations feel fresh rather than just sentimental?
It’s about understanding the modern sound of today while staying true to your musicality. The track should feel natural and easy on the ears, but most importantly, it should still feel like a song—something that resonates with both the past and present
Is there a particular song from the past that you’ve always wanted to reimagine but haven’t touched yet?
Honestly, I wish I could go back in time and re-record all those legendary singers, but with my own production style. It’s not even about just one song—it’s more like, I wish I could’ve been in the room with those voices and talented composers creating something from scratch, blending their timeless vocals with my take on melodies and modern sounds. That would be unreal
If you could collaborate with any legendary artist from history on a modern rendition of their song, who would it be and what would you do differently?
Ah, that’s a tough one! I don’t really have just one favorite—it keeps changing for me. But if I had to name a few, people like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Hemant Kumar, Shamshad Begum, Lata Mangeshkar Noor Jahan… the list is endless. Each of them had such a unique voice and style.
Your video editing style adds another layer to your musical storytelling. Do you see visuals as an extension of your sound, or do they inspire your musical choices?
I see them as both connected and complementary. Sometimes, I’ll start with the video concept in mind, and I’ll look for a song that fits that vibe. But most of the time, I complete the music first and then find visuals that either match the vibe or metaphorically enhance the story the song is telling. I love video editing, and it’s always been a dream of mine to direct either a full movie or at least one of my own music videos—big dreams, haha!
With 15 years as a session musician, you’ve seen the industry evolve. What’s the biggest shift you’ve noticed in how music is created and consumed today?
I think the biggest shift is how technology has made music production so accessible. Back in the day, there were a lot of processes and expensive equipment involved in making music. But now, with technology being so affordable, anyone can make music from their bedroom—just like I did! A laptop or even a mobile phone can do the trick, which is pretty amazing when you think about it.
From playing live gigs to producing viral remixes, what’s been the most challenging but rewarding transition in your career?
I’d say the transition from live gigs to producing music was challenging but rewarding in its own way. Playing live gigs for money can sometimes get monotonous, like a regular job. Traveling is fun, but it’s also exhausting, and after a while, it’s hard to feel motivated to create music. Sitting at a computer and being consistent with production requires motivation and discipline, but creativity doesn’t work like a job—it can hit you at any moment. Finding a balance between the two is important, and so is patience. Also, I think it’s crucial in life to sometimes sacrifice the things that are giving you comfort—because something bigger might be on its way, but you’re stuck in your comfort zone. It’s been a journey of learning to step out of that zone and keep the creative fire alive.
Your music effortlessly blends different genres and time periods. What’s one unexpected musical influence that people wouldn’t associate with your sound?
I am a freeman and don’t want to be associated with a club or a genre. I like to challenge myself by making different kinds of music and blending different genres. It’s like solving a puzzle to me
With AI-generated music on the rise, do you see it as a threat or a tool for creative expansion in your style of music-making?
I think AI, like any other technology, is just making things easier and can definitely help speed up the process. But it’s still really important to understand the whole process of creating music. At the end of the day, the consumer is human, and emotions are key to connecting with the music. AI can assist, but it can’t replace the human touch and the sentiment that goes into crafting something real and meaningful.
You’ve performed over 1,100 shows globally. Is there a specific performance that stands out as a defining moment in your journey?
I’m starting my own journey of live gigs—‘Kazinama Live,’ which I’m really excited about! I’ve been performing as a session guitarist and bass player with many artists and bands, in all kinds of settings—from massive stadiums to gigs on moving trucks, haha! I’ve had shows where the crowd went wild, and other times, I’ve performed at private events where people even started firing shots in the air—just for fun! All these experiences with different people and cultures have taught me a lot. As a session musician, I’ve learned how to connect with the crowd, understand what they need in the moment, and try to give them the best time.. Those shows with artists and bands have definitely shaped me and prepared me for this next step in my journey…
What’s next for Kazinama? Any new experiments, collaborations, or sonic adventures on the horizon?
‘Kazinama Live’ for sure and Now that I have millions of listeners, I feel it’s the right time to share some original music. I’m really excited about this next step! Along with that, I’m planning collaborations with different artists from all over, Of course, I’ll continue releasing remix albums through my very own lens, adding my unique touch to each one.
