Faisal Marei, better known as Face, has been a trailblazer in the Middle East’s hip-hop and R&B scene. As a founding member of the pioneering group Army of One, Face has spent years redefining the region’s music landscape, seamlessly blending soulful melodies with authentic storytelling. A proud Kuwaiti with Palestinian roots, his music reflects a rich fusion of cultures and life experiences. Recently honored as Kuwaiti Artist of the Year, Face continues to inspire with his unique sound while balancing his roles as a father of two and a passionate creative.

Kuwait Times: You began your journey with Army of One. How did that shape your path as a solo R&B artist?

Faisal Marei aka Face: Being part of Army of One was an incredible experience. Those were some of the best days of my life. We were the first official hip-hop and R&B group in the Middle East, and I’m proud to have been part of that revolution. It gave me the knowledge and experience that shaped me as an artist.

KT: How do your Kuwaiti and Palestinian roots influence your music?

Face: My heritage is a beautiful blend of cultures, and I’m deeply grateful for it. Experiencing both worlds inspires the depth and emotion in my music — it’s a reflection of who I am.

KT: Why did you choose R&B as your primary genre, and how do you keep your style fresh?

Face: R&B was huge in the ’90s, and I was captivated by hip-hop culture. That fascination drove me to explore the genre. When I moved to Canada for my studies, I experimented with R&B vocally and fell in love with the creative process. I stay fresh by constantly exploring new sounds and challenging myself.

KT: As a father and someone balancing music with another career, how do you find time to create?

Face: It’s definitely challenging, but music is my passion, and I remind myself of that every day. I make time for it whenever I can — it’s a part of who I am.

KT: Does fatherhood influence your songwriting or collaborations?

Face: Absolutely. As we grow and go through different life stages, our perspectives change. That evolution is reflected in my music and inspires me to explore new sounds.

KT: How does collaboration differ between being in a band and working solo?

Face: In a group, you rely on your bandmates, which is a unique dynamic. Going solo pushed me out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to think independently and experiment more.

KT: Are there any artists, locally or internationally, you’d like to collaborate with?

Face: I’m open to working with anyone. I love exploring new sounds and letting collaborations happen naturally at the right time and place.

KT: If you were to reconnect with your Army of One bandmates, what type of project would you create?

Face: We’re still friends and support each other. A reunion project would be amazing — maybe a single, mixtape or album. I’d call it The Reunion.

KT: What makes a collaboration impactful, and what do you bring to the table?

Face: Collaboration is one of the most enriching experiences for an artist. It brings together different energies, cultures and perspectives, which can elevate the music. I always aim to contribute my creativity, experience and passion to create something meaningful.

KT: What’s next for your music career? Are there any projects or collaborations you can share?

Face: I have a few ideas in mind, but I like to take things as they come. Stay tuned — there’s more to come!

KT: What advice would you give to young people pursuing their dreams, especially in music or the arts?

Face: Never give up on your dreams, no matter how tough the journey might seem. Keep pushing forward, and good things will come your way.