Gamal has already built a name as a wildly versatile producer, with over 25 million streams and a sound that moves freely through R&B, pop, hip-hop, rap, indie and alternative spaces. Now stepping out with his debut single “A Ring For Kiki”, he brings that same curiosity into something more personal and direct. With years of creative work already behind him and support from names like Billboard and Complex, Gamal is shaping a lane of his own, one built on vulnerability, connection and a refusal to be boxed in.
We were super pleased when we got to send a few questions his way…
“A Ring For Kiki” feels wonderfully stripped back and intimate. What made you decide that this story should focus on the guitar?
The reason, like many artistic decisions is subconscious and unconscious at all once. Growing up every guitar hero of mine had an instrumental song, “the song” that was secretly a fan favorite, “Dee” by Randy Rhodes, “Eruption” by Eddie Van Halen, “Lenny” by Stevie Ray Vaughn and the list goes on. I’ve always wanted that – a song that leaves a trace of voice on the instrument in ways words can’t.
Last year I got engaged and something in me changed, knowing I have my person for life, it gave me the confidence to put out myself as myself for once.
The only question was – what? “A Ring for Kiki” started as a riff I would play late at night, something I would always come back to – it calmed me down, it sounded like what our first date felt like. I showed the song to my best friend Alex in passing. He heard it and instantly said “This should be your first song”. At first it sounded strange – and then it made perfect sense, a return to form, not image to uphold, no vocals to perfect, just me and my guitar – how it all started. My fiancé always wanted me to write a song for her – well I’ll do her one better haha.
You’ve built a reputation as a producer working across so many genres. Was it refreshing to step away from big production and let simplicity do the talking?
Yes, very much. I’m always in search for the “feeling”.
When you can close your eyes and your thoughts get replaced with sounds. It was refreshing have one singular track in the logic session and making that fill the room.
Your music often explores relationships and personal growth. Is this song drawn from a real moment, or did the idea come from somewhere else?
Many real moments and some I imagine. Growth comes in waves, I try to document all of the waves in sound.
Playing the guitar has always been a safe place for me and I trust it in a very primitive way.
That riff always brought me back to a beautiful place – so I hope it can do the same from someone else. That’s all I can ask for .
People know you for your versatility, but this track shows a much quieter side. Do you think this is the direction fans can expect more of, or are you going with the flow?
At this point I’ve accepted the fact that part of my versatility is my indecision on genre’s I like and if I have anything to say in them. In a world where AI and loops allow a producer to be anything – it’s more important than ever to have conviction in your decisions – it’s arguably the only thing a computer can’t do for us.
This song was a decision, in music, perception and love.
At a young age, you’ve already achieved so much as a producer and artist. When you look ahead, what kind of musician do you hope people see you as in five years’ time?
That is debatable but thank you haha. I hope people see me / or my music as a quiet room in a loud party.
The room where you take a second to gather yourself, get away from the noise and think / feel … or not think / feel.
I hope young musicians and producers get inspired to pick up an instrument and learn to express themselves with it. There is an entire world of expression in your hands if you do. I hope this song can be “the song” for me.
Well, we’re really excited to follow Gamal’s progress.
Check him out on Instagram below.