Get Familiar: SABRI

Interview by Passion Dzenga

Today, we’re chopping it up with SABRI - a soulful artist blending R&B, Hip-Hop, and Pop with her own raw edge. Born to a Moroccan father and Algerian mother, SABRI got hooked on music early, vibing to icons like Lauryn Hill, Aaliyah, and Mary J. Blige before she could even tie her shoes. That fire pushed her to the mic, and now, she’s racking up millions of streams with a sound that’s all her own. This year, she’s leveled up, landing on tracks with Nigerian rap star Olamide and Grammy-nominee Yung Bleu. And now, she’s dropping ‘Ring By Spring,’ a reggae-infused anthem produced by Sak Pasé. It’s all about self-worth, moving on, and female empowerment, showcasing SABRI’s raspy, soulful vocals that never miss. After her breakout 2022 EP Actually, I Can, she’s back and ready to claim her space in the game.

Can you share a moment from your childhood when you knew that music was your calling?

I must’ve been around 4 or 5 years old when I performed solo at a school play. I remember seeing the joy on people’s faces and their reactions after I was done. That’s when I started realizing that I might be gifted with something special. That moment stuck with me and made me want to keep performing.

Your music uniquely blends R&B, Pop, House, and Soul. How did you find your distinctive sound, and how has it evolved over the years?

Growing up in the Netherlands exposed me to so many different cultures and styles of music. The diversity sparked my curiosity to explore music outside the country as well. I was also influenced by my family. My dad’s collection had everything from reggae to soul, and my brother listened to different artists like A Tribe Called Quest, Maxwell, Nirvana, and more. Hearing so many genres growing up made me more open and versatile as both a songwriter and a vocalist. Over time, I think I became a blend of everything I’ve absorbed. At this point, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly who influenced me—I'm a mix of so many different elements.

You've worked with incredible artists like Olamide, Yung Bleu, and Full Crate. How have these collaborations influenced your artistry, and what have you learned from these experiences?

Each of these artists are so different, not just in terms of genre, but in the way they approach their craft. I’ve learnt a lot by adapting to their styles and processes. It’s pushed me creatively and opened my mind to new ways of working and thinking about music.

Your new single ‘Ring By Spring’ explores themes of empowerment and self-worth. What inspired this track, and what message do you hope listeners take away from it?

It’s a personal story. The title says a lot, but what I really want listeners to understand is that it’s okay to set boundaries and choose yourself. Life’s too short to wait for someone who doesn’t appreciate what they have. I hope people hear this song and feel like they’re not alone in their experiences. It’s about recognizing your worth and having the courage to move on.

How was the experience of working with Sak Pasé on this single, and what unique elements did he bring to the production?

Sak Pasé is the element, honestly! Working with him felt like a full-circle moment for me. I told him this when we first met, but years ago, I met Rock City, who wrote "Man Down" for Rihanna, and that meeting really sparked my decision to take songwriting seriously. So, working with Sak now ,who obviously produced that record, feels like a dream come true.

‘Ring By Spring’ marks your first solo release since 2022. How does it feel to be back, and what can we expect from you musically in the coming months?

It feels amazing! I’m so excited to be back with new music. I took my time to create exactly what I wanted, and Ring By Spring is just the beginning. You can expect an EP early next year, and this single is a first taste of what’s to come.

Female empowerment is a recurring theme in your music. How do your personal experiences shape the way you address this topic in your songs?

My music comes from my own personal experiences, and that’s where the power and emotions come from. I try to translate my feelings, whether it's pain, strength, or joy, into melodies and lyrics. When it’s coming from a real place, it’s authentic and people can feel it. I think that’s why themes of empowerment naturally show up in my songs.

How do you balance incorporating different genres like reggae in ‘Ring By Spring’ with maintaining your signature sound?

For me, the foundation of all music is soul, and that’s always where I come from. No matter what genre I’m blending, whether it’s reggae, R&B, or pop, I approach it in a soulful way. It’s second nature for me to mix different genres, but I always do it in the ‘SABRI’ way, staying true to my sound.

You’ve achieved significant milestones, but what’s next on the horizon? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you're particularly excited about?

Definitely stay tuned for my EP, which is dropping early next year.
There’s so much I’m excited about, and I can't wait for people to hear what I’ve been working on.

What advice would you give to young artists, especially those from diverse backgrounds, who are looking to break into the music industry?

Believe in your talent and stay true to who you are. Coming from a diverse background can feel like a challenge at times, especially in an industry that can often push a specific image or sound. But that diversity is also your strength. It gives you a unique perspective that no one else has. Embrace your roots and let them influence your music in an authentic way. The most important thing is to stay authentic, work hard, and never let anyone make you feel like you don’t belong. Your voice matters, and your story deserves to be heard.

With millions of streams and a new single, ‘Ring By Spring,’ you don’t want to miss out. Check her out, vibe with her tracks, and see why SABRI is the voice you need on your playlist.