Omar Mohammed Elfadil, better known by his stage name ‘Dafencii’, stands out as one of the freshest and most celebrated talents in the rap scene. Hailing from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the Sudanese-Saudi rapper has risen to prominence through his freestyle videos shared on social media platforms. Renowned for his clever and fun wordplay, Dafencii has captivated audiences and catapulted himself into the spotlight.
In which ways do you see the rap scene in Sudan and Saudi Arabia being similar? And in which ways are they different?
As a Sudanese-Saudi rapper, I am in the unique position of being immersed in both scenes, which greatly benefits my career. Saudi Arabia offers a wealth of opportunities that can significantly boost Sudanese talent, while simultaneously, the Saudi scene stands to gain from the abundance of talent emerging from Sudan. It’s a beautiful symbiotic relationship that only helps in propelling the music and artistry further.
Can you discuss themes/messages that are important to you in your music?
It’s important that I remain true to my Arab Muslim identity and my Sudanese culture through my music in a way that fosters respect and understanding. My goal is to empower those who look up to me, encouraging them to face reality head-on rather than shy away from it. I cherish our differences and take pride in it, recognising that we don’t need to emulate Western norms. Instead, we possess a rich cultural heritage and a sound that is authentically our own.
Having lived in Saudi Arabia for most of your life, how has that experience moulded you and influenced your music?
Saudi Arabia holds a special place in my heart – it’s been my home for as long as I can remember, and my love for this country knows no bounds. I am so privileged to be living in Jeddah, in close proximity to Mecca, which means I can perform Umrah whenever I wish. Immersing myself in this spiritual atmosphere, the influence of this sacred journey on my personality, energy, and way of life is immeasurable.
