Today we’d like to introduce you to AbdulSamir Hamman.
Hi AbdulSamir, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
We had an interview just abit over a year ago where I introduced myself and all
My name is Ash Hamman , a singer, songwriter and entrepreneur
The Fire That Felt Like the End
The wildfire experience and the story behind City of Angels (wildfire Tribute song)
It felt like Armageddon.
The sky darkened like a scene out of a movie the kind where the world ends. At first, it was just smoke. Then thick, heavy clouds. The air turned sharp. Way too close.
We didn’t have time to think. My family and I grabbed bottles of water, a few things from the kitchen, important documents, and whatever food we could find. There was no clear plan, just panic. We ran. We drove. We left behind everything, not knowing if we’d ever see our home again.
It was chaos. I tried calling friends, neighbors, anyone I could think of. The ones who picked up—there were screams in the background. Shouting. Crying. It sounded like the world was falling apart on the other end of the line. I’ll never forget those voices. I still hear them sometimes in the silence.
We weren’t the only ones. So many of our friends especially families from my son’s school lost their homes completely. The school shut down. My son couldn’t go back. People we had grown close to had nowhere to sleep. No food. No comfort. Just loss.
But nothing hit me harder than a conversation with a 7-year-old boy. Tearfully, he told me, “The storybook my grandfather used to read to me is gone. I want to go back home… but there’s no home anymore.” His words pierced through me. That moment broke my heart in a way I can’t describe.
As a musician, the only way I could process that pain was through art. That’s how City of Angels was born—a song written for every soul affected by the California wildfires. It’s a tribute. A cry. A prayer. A way to say: We feel you. We remember you. We are you.
In the music video, I included a scene where a storybook is burning. That book was for that little boy and for every child who lost more than toys or books. It was for every adult who lost memories, for the families torn apart, and even for the animals who couldn’t escape. It was a symbol of everything we loved… disappearing.
But even in all that destruction, I saw strength. In the firefighters. In the neighbors. In the kindness of strangers. That’s the spirit I wanted City of Angels to carry.
This song isn’t just mine—it belongs to every survivor, every hero, and every person who held onto hope when everything else was gone.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s never a smooth road , there will always be bumps and pothholes but you always gotta keep going at it . Sounds cliche …. But just keep it moving……….Real talk
Obstacles and challenges are inevitable parts of the journey, especially in the music and entertainment industry. I’ve faced many self-doubt, financial constraints, industry gatekeeping, and even moments where I had to rebuild from scratch. One of the biggest challenges was staying consistent and focused in a world that often values trends over authenticity.
As an AfroRnB artist trying to break through globally, I’ve had to fight for space, recognition, and respect for my sound. There were times when doors were closed simply because people didn’t understand the vision yet.
Another challenge has been balancing creativity with business learning contracts, building a team, protecting my art, and turning passion into a sustainable brand. And on a personal level, surviving and rising from real-life moments like the California wildfires reminded me that obstacles test your fire but also reveal your strength.
But every challenge has made me sharper, wiser, and more intentional. They didn’t stop me they refined me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an AfroRnB singer-songwriter, model, and entrepreneur, blending the soul of African rhythms with the smoothness of RnB to create a sound that’s emotional, sensual, and deeply expressive. My music tells real stories whether it’s about love, resilience, or identity wrapped in melodies that connect across cultures.
What I do goes beyond just creating music. I specialize in crafting full musical experiences: from songwriting and vocal production to beat creation and mixing. I also write for other artists and collaborate across genres, bringing my AfroRnB roots into every creative partnership.
I’m known for my emotional delivery, catchy melodies, and my ability to fuse soulful storytelling with African groove. Whether it’s a slow, sultry vibe or an upbeat Afro-infused anthem, my music always carries a sense of authenticity and class.
What sets me apart is my versatility—I’m not just an artist, I’m a brand. I run my own entertainment platform, Immaqul’8 Entertainment (IMQ8), offering creative music services globally. I’m also rebranding to include a fashion line and a signature food seasoning brand, all reflecting my lifestyle: classy, elegant, and rooted in culture.
At the core, I’m here to inspire. Whether it’s through a song, a fashion piece, or a motivational message—I want people to feel empowered, seen and uplifted.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success, to me, is living in alignment with your purpose doing what you love, impacting others positively, and growing into the highest version of yourself. It’s not just about money or fame, but about freedom: the freedom to create, to express, to choose, and to elevate others as you rise.
It’s waking up fulfilled, knowing your work means something. It’s legacy, not just lifestyle. Success is when your passion becomes your platform, and your journey inspires others to believe in theirs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.ashhamman.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/ashhamman_
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/Ash.Hamman
- Twitter: https://Twitter.com/ashhamman
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ASHHAMMAN
- Other: https://youtu.be/dNOJ6AxOH_A?si=Y89Jw5mT7SU3Zq8S
Image Credits
Photographer – Robin Lorraine
Boy actor and model -Anthony Hamman
Outfit/ designer – Sammir Hamman
