Creativity has no master – it is in constant motion, shaped by inspiration and the cultures it aspires to represent. Inspired by the INFINITI QX60, we here at Esquire Middle East launched a series of videos entitled The Creators – Artistry in Motion with the mission to shine a light on three creative talents from the Gulf each of who are rooted in their distinct cultures, but driven by an irresistible pull towards a modern evolution of it.
While behind the wheel of the INFINITI QX60, the talents tell their stories of how that mix of diverse cultural references have helped them blossom as creatives, and as people. It’s a celebration of beauty in imperfection, where Japanese precision and minimalism meet the intricate embellishments of modern Arab potential.
Yazeed Ahmad
Yazeed Ahmad is a multi-faceted creator, but it is as his role as Creative Director of his Saudi-born-Japanese-inspired streetwear brand Unas Tokyo that he has really hit a chord. Yazeed describes his decision to move from a small desert town in Saudi Arabia to the metropolis of Tokyo as a eye-opening moment in his creativity – one that has fuelled him to fuse elements of Arab and Japanese cultures together. Having lived and studied in both cultures, Yazeed has a deep understanding of how the history of Japanese street culture can impact the future of modern day Arabic clothing.
DJ Kaboo
For DJ Kaboo his music journey started at 13 years old and the memories of the music he used to listen to have stayed with him. Today, he is one of the most well-rounded DJ/Producers in the Middle East scene, earning the moniker of the “Arab Trap King”. Creatively his mission is to take the nostalgia that fuels his music, and adapt it in a way that will open it up to a new generation of audience. His secret? As soon as he thinks a track is ready, he listens to it in his car (an Infiniti QX60) – for him, that is the perfect testing arena.
Diaa Allam
Diaa Allam is a renowned UAE artist who specializes in Arabic calligraphy and live art performances. He creates 3D, flat, and motion calligraphy that spreads messages of values such as excellence, kindness, hard work, generosity, and growth. It is through his art that he found his cultural identity, and now how he uses modern technology to bring his traditional form of art to a new, modern audience.