Feature
From marketing to RJ: Learn from Mariyam Kisat how seizing random oppourtunities can change your life
by AROMA KUMAR
April 19, 2018
Once upon a time, there lived an ordinary student in Dubai who happened to win a flight trip to Prague. Two years later, she becomes a popular radio presenter and lives happily ever after. The end.
BUT HOW?? In an interview with The Flare, Mariyam Kisat talks about her journey from being a marketing student to a radio presenter at City 1016, UAE’s No.1 Bollywood Radio Station.
Having been a dancer for the longest time, Mariyam first discovered her passion for singing at her university’s talent fest. Walking on stage with very little preparation and practice; Mariyam Kisat’s official debut performance was inaugurated with the A.R. Rahman-composed, Mayya Mayya that kick-started her career as an unplugged singer. During this time, City 1016 caught notice of her and propelled Mariyam into performing for them. After being hired as a voiceover artist, she finally got her breakthrough when asked to audition as an RJ and ultimately bagged the job.
“…it turned out to be one of the greatest days [of my life].” – Mariyam Kisat on her debut performance.
Mariyam won the biggest singing competition in the Middle East – The Voice UAE 2017, and to top it off; it was without any professional vocal coaching.
How? The Flare asked to which she responded “My dad sings and he used to train my sister at home and I always used to love dancing; [I] never got into singing, but I thought maybe I could try singing myself…and I did. And because of that, a little bit of my dad’s inspiration just got to me and here I am.”
Being consistent in posting covers on her YouTube channel not only helped garner attention but also provided her with “constructive criticism” that inspired Mariyam to hone her skills even more. On being questioned on rejection, she remarked that “we do not have a lot of female vocalists here” due to which she is continually motivated and encouraged by people in the industry and has not faced a lot of it.
“I did not get much of criticism – which I genuinely want, because that’s how I’ll learn.” – Mariyam Kisat
Alongside singing and being an RJ, Mariyam is also a model and was among the Miss India UAE 2017 finalists. Now that she has been introduced into the entertainment fraternity; Mariyam replied that “RJ is something I would do for a very long time.” when asked if she would ever revert to her marketing days if given a chance.
If you want to hear Mariyam Kisat squirm and sing your favorite Bollywood songs, then watch the interview video below. [Caution: This video contains a LOT of singing. We really mean a lot.]
If you're obsessed with Mariyam's singing now like we are, then do check out her popular cover titled, 'Despacito with a Twist' and don't forget to follow Mariyam on:
