Today we’d like to introduce you to Nozai.
Hi Nozai, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Luis Figueroa, also known as Nozai. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, and I currently live in Miami.
My career began between the 4 walls of my house, in the streets of “el barrio”. At any holiday, birthday, wedding, or big get-together the trumpet and the cuatro puertorriqueño of my brothers created magic notes and rhythm that made everyone’s feet move. It was fascinating, I looked and imagined them as magicians. My older brothers were protective and kept their instruments locked in their rooms, except when it was time to party. And, let me confess… I often sneaked into their rooms to admire their instruments and hoped that one day I would learn the magic of their music.
At the age of nine, my parents finally gave in to my desire to learn more about music and enrolled me in an after-school program for young artists at the “Bellas Artes de Carolina”. I loved it so much that I stayed for 8 years. During that time, I learned about music theory, cuatro puertorriqueño, vocal technique, acoustic guitar, and musical theater.
Fast forward to 12 years old, you could find me performing at different venues around the island.
When university came around I skewed briefly to the world of biology, but quickly learned that my heart has always been tied to music. That’s when I decided to follow my passion. I had the opportunity to attend Berkley College of Music and decided to take a leap of faith and accept a scholarship. During my first years in Boston, I started as a songwriter. Then I transitioned to the Department of Contemporary Writing and Production and continued developing my abilities as a song creator and entrepreneur.
Watching, emulating, learning, and working with other artists molded my artistic expression, and my voice, and gifted me with a deep respect for all forms of art. This knowledge and opportunities created a whole new aspiration and friendships. I feel I am the artist I am today thanks to my brothers, teachers, and other musicians who believed and supported my path. What started as a hobby became my career.
Even though life has not been a straight line, music has always been there for me. It is my passion, language, and life. Now I am here in Miami, promoting my new single “Volverte Amar” available on all digital platforms, and sharing my story with all of you! Connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Spotify so you can see more and not miss what’s coming next! New music is out there go check it out.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Struggles? Of course! They are an essential part of the process of reaching personal goals. Looking back, I have come to realize that one of the major struggles is overcoming the negative and restrictive thoughts of your brain.
I fortified my mind, let my creativity be free, and started believing in myself and my mission. This inner strength made me free and ready for what’s next. I am going to keep moving forward and continue creating!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I like to explore music. Always on the lookout for inspiration daily. From a melody to a concept, I grab inspiration and create art through music.
I am motivated to keep pushing my boundaries to inspire and connect with everyone through the lyrics, melody, and rhythm of my songs. For me music is much more than a compilation of frequencies; it is a voice, a language that can touch and unite us. After writing and recording music all these years, I have developed a craft that I want to share with the world!
Apart from Songwriting, my other strong side is Performance. All those years singing and performing for different audiences created in me a profound connection with the stage, lights, and audience. I can’t explain how I do it! It just happens. Magic! I am also a multi-instrumentalist/composer with knowledge of music production and music theory.
Currently, I am meeting and working with other musicians and my team to release new music consistently. But, like most of us, I couldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my family and my continuing dedication. That is what I am proud of in my life. Thanks to their support I have been able to keep growing and overcoming different stages in life. Not everyone is that lucky and for this, I am super grateful. It takes a lot of fuel and willpower to be someone out here.
What matters most to you? Why?
Time. What matters to me is to have enough time to be the best version of myself and inspire others with colors, chords, and melodies that the universe places daily in my life as a gift.
At one point, I tried to be a doctor to be able to heal, the career changed, but the career goal has not changed much.
Through music, I still serve and heal others. I can put a smile on someone’s face or bring back a good memory.
Contact Info:
- Website: linktr.ee/nozai
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/itsnozai?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsnozai/featured
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/34xmwnPN8P8DvCF5Uepbck?si=8XrvnNCDR-OAt1QAVsnhGw
Image Credits
Alejandra Belt and Bruce Zurita
