OffBeat sat down with local emerging artist Zaire before his appearance in Rob49’s celebrity basketball game last week . He shared his inspiring story and talked to us about his recent single “4Me,” released on June 14. Zaire’s determination and passion for music have propelled him from a young percussionist in a concert band to an artist with promising potential.
Zaire’s musical aspirations began in third grade when he played percussion in a concert band. However, it was during his high school years that he discovered his true calling. Joining a marching band ignited his love for music, but he made a pivotal decision in the 11th grade when he quit and started making beats instead. This shift marked the beginning of his exploration as a producer.
When a friend introduced him to the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) after-school programs, Zaire knew he had to join the program. Also, around that time, he found a mentor in KC Da Producer, a producer for Justin Bieber, Lil Wayne, and more, who generously shared his knowledge and even provided drum packs to help Zaire kick-start his journey.
Zaire’s talent first caught the attention of Treety, a local bounce artist who was starting to gain local notoriety of her own. She facilitated Zaire’s inclusion in a local recording camp, providing him access to local producers and an opportunity to showcase his skills. This opportunity culminated in his first significant local placement, a collaboration with Malik Ninety-Five called “Traffic,” which Treety released in 2021.
Zaire’s breakthrough continued during his senior year of high school when he was invited to a camp organized by New Orleans Saints safety Tyron Matthieu. Impressed by Zaire’s production abilities, Matthieu flew him to the camp and allowed him to work closely with other artists there. At this camp, Zaire hopped in the booth to show one of the other artists how he wanted him to record a line for the song he was producing. When he laid down the reference better than anyone in the room could have, everyone in the studio stood still and instantly knew Zaire was ready to be more than just a producer. Matthieu purchased Zaire’s first microphone, recognizing his potential and setting the stage for his evolution from producer to artist.
Driven by his thirst for knowledge and academic excellence, Zaire now attends Georgia Tech on a full academic scholarship, majoring in finance. This decision connected him with his manager, provided him with valuable expertise, and served as a gateway to the vibrant music scene in Atlanta. Transitioning from a big fish in a small pond to a small fish in a big pond forced Zaire to elevate his skills as both a producer and artist.
Last year, Zaire released his first self-titled EP, which showcased his versatility and talent. Among the standout tracks, “Maybe,” a bounce record, garnered significant attention and bolstered Zaire’s confidence to continue his pursuit of a career as an artist. The release solidified his transition from being in the background as a producer to stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist. 
Building on the success of his debut EP, Zaire recently dropped his latest record, “4 Me.” The single is feel-good music that exhibits Zaire’s growing maturity as an artist. Notably, Zaire distinguishes himself by creating music that refrains from explicit language, focusing instead on delivering a positive and uplifting message. The track uses melodies and upbeat energy to demonstrate his ability to craft pop tunes.
Zaire also informed us he has recently been working in the studio with the rising hip-hop artist Big Boss Vette. Vette’s single “Pretty Girls Walk” is currently one of the most trending songs on TikTok with nearly 1 Million posts using the song. Vette was recently seen at the BET Awards last weekend along with New Orleans’ own Ambré and Rob49.
