US rapper and vocalist Zaafir entered the indie Massachusetts music scene in early 2016 with his debut single “CAUTION” featuring a high-level commercial sound. “CAUTION” received local and national attention, eventually linking him to the likes of Justice Born & Lamar Craig Harris, who gave Zaafir his first opportunity to exhibit his introspective and rhythmic songwriting skills. Zaafir would go on to rank in the finals of the international songwriting competition, garnering praise for his craft. He became connected with Ned Wellbery of Leedz Edutainment during Boston’s “Best Hip Hop Artist Rap Race”, further pushing his career to greater heights. Shortly after, Zaafir opened for American hip-hop acts such as Playboi Carti, IDK, and international star Yonas.
Later in 2016, Zaafir released his debut EP AOA Athens Of America, a nickname for his youth home in Boston, Massachusetts. The EP showcased a blend of commercial and underground hip-hop with clever songwriting, ultimately sticking to his musical roots. The EP was the inspiration behind Zaafir starting his own independent recording company, AOA sounds.
In 2017-2018 Zaafir took to the air performing in Rome, London UK, and Warsaw Poland. Zaafir has been considered a “timeless performer”, with one fan reminiscing: “I have seen him only once, but the lasting impression of his performance feels classic. He is so smooth and has a mystique about him that is intriguing. Guys like him, girls like him. He has a sound that draws you in". At the conclusion of the Europe tour, Zaafir released his next project Outlaw, featuring a darker, more trap-inspired sound.
More recently, Zaafir has released two other commercially successful singles in 2020: the anthemically infectious “Alley Oop”, followed by the moody “Touchy”. Zaafir then finished 2020 strong with a mixtape exclusive to this site, titled Summer’s Never Over. The project quickly became the most significant release in his catalog with sounds ranging from smooth R&B to Afrobeat-inspired jams. He talks about the creative process of Summer’s Never Over at length on an “Album Analysis” episode of the Massachusetts music podcast, The Turntable Teachers.
Zaafir is focused on continuing to elevate and reinvent his sound while inspiring his audience, as he channels musical energy that is authentic and positive.
