In an engaging performance of Khalid’s ‘Young Dumb & Broke,’ Masuma Begum ’19 and Naima Nadia ’19 kept the audience happy during the S.O. Talent Show.

Begum and Nadia initially combined their talents when they competed in the Muslim InterScholastic Tournament (MIST) together in March 2018. This sparked their interest in working together. At MIST, they competed in the Nasheed group competition where they worked with their other teammates, Rukaiya Sharmi ’19 and Saira Naroo ’18, to write and perform an original song with a specific theme.

“I see the Talent Show as something that I can use to express myself. It just gives me a really good feeling! I can be out there and do what I want without restrictions. I just get to show people what I love to do, and it’s an empowering feeling,” said Masuma Begum ’19.

Over the course of the three months in which the performers prepared for their debut, they developed a group dynamic. To perfect their unique songs, Nadia used poems she had previously written about her personal experiences and opinions, contributing to her passion for music. In preparing, Begum would often beatbox and hum different tunes to different lyrics Nadia would write.

They chose to sing ‘Young Dumb & Broke’ because they felt that it portrayed the sentiments that many teenagers share. The song reminds many people of their summer memories and the happiness that came with it, along with the rest of Khalid’s ‘American Teen’ album.

“His songs are based on his own life and he talks about his experiences. Everyone can relate to his music,” said Nadia.

After deciding that ‘Young Dumb & Broke’ was the perfect song to perform, Nadia and Begum began rehearsing for their performance. Nadia memorized the lyrics while Begum learned to beatbox to the song’s tempo.

The S.O. Talent Show gave them another opportunity to showcase their joint passion for performing music. Being that Nadia and Begum have both been active participants in previous shows, they were not scared for their performance. They felt comfortable on stage and were ready to put on a noteworthy show.

“I see the Talent Show as something that I can use to express myself. It just gives me a really good feeling! I can be out there and do what I want without restrictions. I just get to show people what I love to do, and it’s an empowering feeling,” said Begum. 

For Nadia, performing at the talent show was a way to build on her character. “The Talent Show was another way for me to express myself and break out of my shell. It also gave me a way to gain more confidence in what I do,“ said Nadia.

Aside from beatboxing and singing, both Begum and Nadia have other artistic skills.

Begum also sings, raps, and plays the ukulele. “I see these talents as hobbies that allow me to escape from life when things become too stressful. It’s like a pause button, so I can take a breather and enjoy myself.”

As for Nadia, writing and drawing are her go-to hobbies. Growing up, she used to write poems and fiction. This practice has evolved into her current love of writing songs and enjoying music.

While they do not see themselves actively pursuing music as a career, they hope to engage in many different projects and hobbies with music. Both Begum and Nadia, see themselves partaking in future events.These talents and passions are sure to keep these students entertaining others in the future!