Meet Doni Kaba

Today we’d like to introduce you to Doni Kaba a.k.a. Drowzy.

Drowzy, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was in 8th grade, at the time I was playing Football and I guess you could say I was pretty dedicated. Although I loved playing ball, I’ve always had the idea of making music in the back of my mind. For as long as I could remember, I always wanted to create music. I grew up listening to a lot of Akon and Biggie from my parents since they’re both from the east coast. Shoutout Jersey! I also got into Wayne, Jeezy and Pimp C heavily from my uncle. Without my uncle, I wouldn’t have grown my love for hip-hop. I even dedicated a project to him “Free The Snowman EP.”

I was around seven or eight the first time I recorded myself. My uncle had got the iPhone 3GS and remember we loaded up voice memos and I spit a little freestyle. Crazy that I still remember that little moment. I really started to love hip-hop. I feel like it’s the most important thing that shaped me in my childhood. I was a pretty sad kid if that made sense. I kind of went through a lot, I had to grow up real fast and act a bit older than my age. I feel like music saved me, saved me from the world and myself. It got me to thinking that, if some of my favorite artists are doing this for me, why can’t I do it for other people?

So it all goes back to 8th grade. I met up with some of my friends after school and we started freestyling. I guess whatever I had thought of was pretty good. They invited me over to someone’s house to record, someone I have never met. His name was “Miles Canady” who has turned out to be a great friend and one of the main reasons why I decided to start creating music. Me and Miles connected, like THAT. He was kind of an introvert and I was kind of an extrovert. Kind of funny how we clicked, doesn’t make too much sense looking back on it, haha.

Six years later, here I am. Built my own fan base on my own. Built my own clothing line and successfully sold over 250+ items worldwide. Got to meet some of my idols who also believe in my craft. Seen lots of friends come and go, seen even more friends make it big, and seen even more give up. I feel like I still have a big journey left before I can even say “I made it”. I want to inspire the world, for the better. I want to show awareness and be a voice for people who don’t have one. I wanna make the world a bit funner because growing up fucking sucks, I at least want to make some music for people to relate to, or even smile too if they’re having a bad day. I just want to make this world a better place (how cliche). But seriously, #DrowzySZN every season…

(oh, by the way… did I say I was Albanian?)

Has it been a smooth road?
For sure has not been a smooth road. I went through a long road of depression and feeling of hopelessness. My anxiety is defiantly an everyday battle. It’s something not enough artist speak about. Including myself, I mean… I get it, no one wants to feel “not normal”. But who the fuck wants to be normal anyway. I love the problems I have. It makes me who I am. It’s just another fight that I got to win.

Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
I would call myself an artist. I would also call myself a motivator. I would even call myself a friend. Everyone who listens to my music talks to me on a personal level. I think that right there sets me apart. I love everyone who supports me. I support my supporters. I CHANGE people’s LIVES. I’ve helped so many people, and now those people who I helped are helping so many people too! I just spread this great energy that can never be lost.

Pricing:

• Drowzy Long Sleeve $25.99

Contact Info:

• Website: www.drowzyszn.bigcartel.com
• Email: drowzyinfo@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/thedrowzy
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/drowzyDTX

Image Credit:
@kumarvisuals on instagram

Suggest a story: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.