Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Mohamad but you can call me Fez. I am 100 per cent human - no alien or robotic parts. I’m a part-time lecturer at the University of South Wales in the Creative Sound and Music programme and Foundation degree in Creative Audiovisual Media. I also run a youth arts organisation in Newport which has developed projects such as Fashion Wales LIVE and STOMP. When I have some time I help create films and media projects too.

 

How did you get into this role?
They came about after graduating from university a long time ago. I developed an online channel with some peers. We recorded rappers from across Wales. The initiative produced more than 300 videos,  accumulated millions of views, and has had almost 6,000 subscribers from across the globe. I have worked for many arts and human rights charities since and this had lead to where I am now. 

What is the Newport arts/music scene like?
It is resilliant but poorly funded. We need policy makers to understand the true economic and social value of our arts. We also need more people to stand up and advocate for the arts so we can preserve more for future generations. 

What’s the best show/event that you have staged in the city?
Fashion Wales LIVE is an accomplishment for the entire team involved and the thousands of people who have watched it or participated. Thanks to Arts Council for Wales, the project is returning this year in July! 

What would be your dream show/event to stage here?
An international arts event would be nice. 

Where would you suggest we go for an arty night out in the city?
Between Barnarbas Arts Centre, The Riverfront, Dolaman Theatre, Le Pub and occasionally the The Project Space these are all great places to watch theatre, comedy and live shows. Not forgetting Warehouse 54 and The Pen and Wig which have great acoustic music nights early in the week. 

Most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened in your career?
I remember someone (won’t name them) repeatedly got my name wrong for about two years. I never felt the need to correct them since I actually liked the new remixed name I had. Sadly, one day that person announced my name wrong live on stage. I should have just corrected it when I had the chance. Not that embarrassing really, just one of those funny moments we all laughed off.  

What one song would you have to have on your iPod?
One song?! I love music too much to pick just one song. If I could only have one, it might have to be something classical and extremely long so it wouldn't irritate me. I think the older we get, the more we appreciate classical music, we notice tiny nuances each and every time we hear it. Im too much of a noob to give you a name of a song though. It’s track six on my spotify 'classical music tunes'.

What is the last book you read?
'Who Owns the Future' by Jaron Lanier.

Dark but very insightful look at the changes and pitfall of capitalism and how we have got it wrong in a digital and information-lead age. We live in radically transparent times and a lot of our systems haven't updated along with the invention of the internet. It’s one of those more informative and thinking reads. One I suggest more take a look at. Maybe then I can start having discussions about it. 

If you weren’t here doing this, where would you be?
I would be doing it all elsewhere, I guess.

If you could grant Newport, one wish what would it be?
For everyone to be happy.

What would be your dream job?
Think I’m already there. Weird never thought about that. 

Three words which sum up Newport to you...
Resilient, defiant, creative