Faisal Marei — The Voice of Kuwait

At the heart of Kuwait's evolving music scene stands a voice that's both tender and powerful, modern yet rooted in tradition — Faisal Marei, known to his fans as 'Face'. A Kuwaiti R&B artist whose story stretches from the basketball courts of the 90s to the international stage, Faisal is back — and this time, the world is listening.

▶ Faisal Marei — Music Video — Watch on YouTube

Video courtesy: Artist

The Origin

Born and raised in Kuwait, Faisal's love for music began early. As a child, he remembers singing along in the car with his parents to timeless tracks from the 60s and 80s. In the 90s, while basketball culture was booming, he found himself gravitating toward R&B and hip-hop sounds that soon became part of his identity. When he moved to Toronto for university, that passion took shape. He connected with other musicians, formed the band Meadow Parks, and started uploading his original tracks online.

In 2002, just before graduating, Faisal signed with Alien Records in Kuwait and became part of the pioneering hip-hop group Army of One — the first official hip-hop band in the Middle East. Though the band eventually disbanded, his love for music never faded. It was during the pandemic, when the world slowed down, that Faisal tapped back into his creativity and reignited his purpose as a solo artist.

▶ Faisal Marei — Come Down — Watch on YouTube

Video courtesy: Artist

The Comeback

His comeback began with 'My World', a collaboration with Rahaf from Kuwaiti band Guitara. The track blends Arabic and English R&B, introducing a fresh, genre-bending sound to the region and beyond. Since then, Faisal has continued to experiment and expand his musical palette with:

I Need You – his first solo single, paired with a moody and stylish music video produced by Rashid AlNeaimi (rashidvisuals)

Come Down – a rhythmic, cross-cultural collaboration with underground Jamaican artist Kozmik

Diamonds – an ode to both classic and modern R&B, accompanied by a visual directed and edited by Fadi Attia AlMograby (Fadi Films)

A Sound That Blends Tradition and Modernity

With each release, Faisal showcases his ability to evolve while staying true to the soulful, expressive essence that defines R&B. His music isn't just for one country or culture — it's a global conversation, told through melody, rhythm, and real emotion.

Faisal's genre-bending approach — weaving Arabic melodies with English-language R&B production — speaks to a generation raised between worlds. His sound is a bridge, and his audience knows it.

Faisal's rising talent hasn't gone unnoticed. He was recently nominated for the MusivvAwards — a testament to his growing influence and recognition in the global music scene. Additionally, Faisal was featured in Rolling Stone India, further solidifying his position as one of the most exciting artists to emerge from the Middle East with global aspirations.

Picture courtesy: Artist

What's Next

Now, with renewed energy and a clear vision, Faisal is preparing to drop more music in the coming months and years. His upcoming tracks will continue to explore different genres, sounds, and collaborations — always pushing boundaries while remaining deeply personal.

For Faisal, this chapter carries the same energy as his earliest days — but now with the vision, craft, and confidence of an artist who knows exactly who he is.

Face's comeback is well underway and you'll definitely want to keep an eye (and ear) out for what's next.

The sound, the soul, and the story are all coming together. Watch this space.