Behind every great artist is a story of relentless passion, hard choices, and unshakable belief. For Aryan Prabhu, or PRBZ, music isn’t just a career—it’s the beat that drives his soul. From humble beginnings, his journey into the UAE music scene is as fast-paced and ambitious as the city of Dubai itself, and PRBZ is determined to make his voice heard far beyond the desert skyline.
The Start of a Dream
Growing up, PRBZ was always “that one guy in his friend group who could rap every lyric to the hottest tracks”. But something clicked when he realized he could write his own lyrics, creating something fresh and entirely his own. “One day, I thought, why not start writing my own stuff?” he recalls, flashing back to his early days of self-discovery. What began as playful lyricism soon evolved into a serious pursuit. “I saw the lifestyle that comes with being a successful artist—that fast-paced life—and I knew I wanted it.”
PRBZ’s entry into the music scene wasn’t handed to him. He worked tirelessly, pushing for his first performance, just to get his name out there in a city teeming with international talent. But it was the release of his debut track, 1-10, in March 2024, that lit a fire in him. “As soon as that hit the platforms, I knew—this is what I was meant to do. The ability to create art and have someone stop, even for just two minutes, to listen? That’s what gives me peace.”
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Shaped by the City, Driven by Sound
Dubai, with its glittering skyline and energy, is not just the backdrop to PRBZ’s life—it shapes his music. “Living here creates a unique aesthetic. It’s a glamorous city, so a lot of what I rap about reflects what happens daily in Dubai,” he says. The city’s creative energy fuels his own, offering inspiration at every corner, from high-end clubs to late-night recording sessions.
Musically, the young artist draws from an eclectic range of influences. On the local scene, he names Troy Matiza and Tyra Matiza as two artists who have left their mark on him. “Troy’s flow is cold, and Tyra’s creativity blows me away,” he says, admiring their artistry. But when it comes to his sound, PRBZ’s heart beats to an international rhythm. Gunna, with his mood-matching tracks, has been a constant source of inspiration. “Gunna’s music speaks to every side of me,” he adds.
Sacrifices on the Road to Success
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The life of an artist is not without sacrifice, and PRBZ’s journey took a dramatic turn when he decided to drop out of university in Canada to pursue music full-time. “It was my biggest sacrifice—leaving school and stepping into a completely different reality,” he admits. But for PRBZ, this wasn’t just a leap of faith; it was a calculated decision to follow a passion he knew would eventually pay off.
Still, the path to success has been anything but smooth. “I’ve been making music since late 2019, but I never had the confidence to upload anything. I kept doubting myself,” he says. Yet, when 2024 arrived, something changed. PRBZ dropped his first song, and from that moment, he felt unstoppable. “I’m in second gear now,” he says with a grin, confident that the best is yet to come.
The Challenges of Breaking Through
For any UAE-based artist, breaking into the international scene is a challenge. PRBZ recognizes the uphill battle local musicians face when trying to gain exposure abroad. “It’s tough—international festivals rarely look to UAE talent, and even local events often prioritize international stars,” he explains. Despite this, he remains optimistic about the support emerging artists receive on home soil. “There are so many events where you can get a chance to perform, and that’s a good start.”
When it comes to the financial side of the industry, PRBZ is pragmatic. “No one’s making money from music alone,” he states. It’s a reality most artists face, and he has learned to diversify. He’s yet to secure sponsorships, but he’s found collaborations and personal relationships far more valuable than financial backing. “I work through a barter system. You help me, I help you. It’s more about personal connections than money,” he explains.
His advice to other artists? “Focus on your network, because that builds your net worth. Stop thinking about everything from a monetary perspective.”
Success, Measured by Impact
Ask PRBZ how he measures success, and his answer is surprisingly humble. “It’s not about money or fame—it’s about influence. If someone is willing to spend their hard-earned money to see me perform, that’s when I know I’m doing something right,” he reflects. It’s the personal support from his family and close friends that keeps him going. “When someone close to me shares their opinion, I take it to heart. That’s what really matters to me.”
Looking Ahead
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With new music constantly in the works, PRBZ is laser-focused on pushing his craft to the next level. He’s not rushing to release an album, instead taking his time to ensure every track offers something unique. “I’m in the studio almost daily, working on different projects. I want each song to have its own wave,” he shares. For his fans, this means a steady stream of quality music that resonates in any setting, from casual dinners to club nights.
Live performances are becoming a bigger part of PRBZ’s journey, with his next show at Vii Club in Conrad Hotel on the horizon. “Live shows are where I connect with my audience the most,” he says. The intimacy of smaller crowds allows him to engage with fans on a personal level—something he deeply values.
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Advice to Aspiring Artists
For those looking to follow in his footsteps, PRBZ has some solid advice: “Stay consistent. Believe you’re the best at what you do, and don’t be shy in front of the camera. That’s your life now if you want to be an artist.” Reflecting on his own journey, the artist has no regrets. “I wouldn’t do anything differently. Everything happens when it’s meant to.”
A Vision for the Future
Five years from now, PRBZ envisions a career that transcends music. He’s determined to create generational wealth, not just for himself but for future artists inspired by his journey. “I want to see young talent saying their favorite artist is PRBZ,” he says, eyes gleaming with ambition.
As for the legacy he hopes to leave behind in the UAE music industry? “I want to be remembered as one of the greatest artists to ever step into this game, not just in the UAE, but worldwide.”
Aryan’s journey is just beginning, but one thing is clear: he’s not slowing down. With each beat, each lyric, and each performance, PRBZ is creating a name for himself in the UAE and beyond—one that will be impossible to forget.
