In a region where bold musical expression often battles cultural constraint, Badria is forging a path all her own. The Kuwaiti singer and graphic designer is making waves with her debut single IOTA—a cinematic symphonic metal track that blends haunting vocals, raw emotion, and striking visual storytelling. With a childhood shaped by silence—music was banned in her household—Badria’s journey into artistry has been anything but ordinary.
Her passion for music ignited in secret, nurtured quietly through headphones and late-night humming, and eventually found voice in university choirs and international mentorship. Today, she balances her creative life as a full-time graphic designer with her musical ambitions, crafting not just songs but entire visual worlds around them.
With IOTA, Badria introduces herself not only as a vocalist but as a visionary. In this exclusive interview with CP Magazine, she opens up about defying expectations, the power of perseverance, her love of gothic aesthetics—and how a masterclass changed everything.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey into music?
Growing up in a strict household where music was banned, I’d sneak songs, feeling a spark of freedom. Obsessed with instruments and singers’ voices, I thought singing was natural, so I focused on piano. At 17, joining my college music club changed everything (including meeting my husband). A professor formed a choir, labelled me a soprano, and showed me singing could be learned. COVID stalled things, and a harsh teacher crushed my confidence for two years. But my family’s encouragement and a last-minute spot in “Singing Masterclasses” led me to my teacher, who decided to coach me online from abroad.
What inspired you to write and release your debut song IOTA?
Simply put, my teacher. She said I was ready to sing more than just covers and pushed me to create something original. I really didn’t know what to write about, so I made IOTA a message to myself—to just create.
What does IOTA mean to you personally?
IOTA holds a really special place in my heart. It’s not just my first song; it’s like a piece of my soul. Beyond that, working on IOTA opened my eyes to the whole world behind the music industry. I had no idea how much effort goes into the behind-the-scenes work—writing, recording, producing, all of it! It’s intense but so exciting. It’s my bold start, saying, “I’m here, and I’m not stopping.”
How did you come up with the concept for the music video?
For IOTA’s video, I studied similar bands’ videos but kept it small due to budget. I storyboarded every scene, syncing lyrics with camera angles. A talented crew brought my vision to life, creating a video that captures the song’s soul.
Have you always known you wanted to be a singer?
Deep down, yes. In my strict childhood home, I’d hum quietly or sing in the shower—it was my peace. I’d record myself, dreaming big. Learning I could train to sing made it real, and I’ve been chasing it ever since.
What was your childhood like – any early memories connected to music?
My strict childhood banned music, but I’d sneak classics and pop, feeling alive through earphones. At 14, Nightmare by Avenged Sevenfold flipped my world, pulling me into metal. Those secret music moments let me dream and rebel.
You’re also a graphic designer – how do you balance both passions?
Being a graphic designer and a singer is like juggling two creative loves, and it’s not always easy! I’m still figuring it out, but right now, I try to blend them.
My current plan is to focus on singing and plan content for singing while designing my singing feed at the same time. That way, I can sort of do both.
My endometriosis awareness account lets me create meaningful visuals, too. With a full-time graphic design job, I want to make more room for singing.
Do you see your visual art influencing your music, or vice versa?
Yes, my graphic design and music are like two sides of the same creative coin!
When I was planning the IOTA music video, my design brain kicked in—I sketched out every scene, matched visuals to the lyrics, and picked camera angles, just like I’d plan a design project.
Did you face any challenges as a young Kuwaiti woman pursuing a music career?
Absolutely. First, finding a local composer who could nail my vision was tough. Symphonic metal isn’t exactly common here, so I had to look internationally. Luckily, I connected with an amazing composer in Switzerland who totally got it.
The bigger headache was videography. I didn’t realise how pricey it could be, and then I got burned by someone who seemed perfect. He hyped me up, promised the world—even when I double-checked if he could do it—and then completely ghosted me to this very day.
It was so frustrating. It dragged the video process and really tested my patience. But then I found an incredible team who stepped up, worked fast, and delivered a beautiful video. I’m so grateful for them. They turned a rough experience into something amazing.
What role has your family played in supporting your dreams?
My husband gets the spotlight for this one. He gave me loads of support and (as he also composes music) wants me to sing songs for his future projects! What better motivation than having your singing recognised?
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Epica, Epica, Epica!!!
What genre would you describe your music as – or do you prefer not to be boxed in?
I’d say my music is metal, with a big dose of symphonic metal. It feels right for me, especially coming from Kuwait where this sound is super rare. Looking ahead, I want to push things even further with a more operatic edge.
What themes or messages do you hope people take away from your music?
IOTA is a huge message to anyone scared to start anything they want in their lives. But moving forward, I would love to explore storytelling in music. I want to create songs that feel like you’re stepping into a mythical world.
What’s the songwriting process like for you – lyrics first or melody?
Since I’m only a vocalist/lyricist, I write the lyrics first. Then I hand them over to my composer, and he crafts the melody to match the vibe. It’s a team effort: my words set the tone, and he brings the energy. I feel like this is my next step though—to learn songwriting.
Do you play any instruments?
I used to play the piano, but not anymore.
Do your pets ever inspire your creativity?
Yeah! My black cat is a huge spark for my creativity. As a goth, his sleek, mysterious vibe fits right into my world. Whether I’m writing lyrics or designing bold graphics, he’s there. And who knows? He might just sneak into a music video one day!
Also, my cat Brownie always comes to me when I sing—she has taste, she loves opera singing! When I’m out of tune, she’ll walk away, and that’s when I know I need to change something.
Who is your vocal or music teacher, and how did you find her?
My vocal teacher is Aleksandra. I found her through a “Singing Masterclasses” programme at the Kuwait Music Academy. From the moment we met, it was like an instant connection—she saw something in me, and I was totally inspired by her passion. Aleksandra was only in Kuwait for a week, but she urged me to keep going and offered to coach me online. Now, we meet weekly over video calls. I’m so grateful for that masterclass—it changed everything!
What’s a book that’s had a big impact on your life or mindset?
Growing up, I loved vampires. And my favourite books are all vampire-related. Here are my top three: Vampirates by Justin Somper, Dracula by Bram Stoker, and Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice.
They had a huge impact on my life because this is who I am as a person. Dark, vampy vibes spoke to my soul, sparking my obsession with all things gothic. I live in accordance with that lifestyle—a vampy lifestyle. My fashion, my designs, my makeup, and soon, my music.
Your message for us at CP Magazine.
Huge thanks, CP Magazine, for featuring me! Meeting Jameel Arif was a blast. I’m thrilled to share IOTA and bring symphonic metal to Kuwait. Hope your readers love it!
