Music, of all the art-forms that have managed to emerge from Singapore’s highly policed and judgemental consciousness, remains one of the most well-developed in terms of diversity and colour. It is after all the most accessible of the fine arts family, and our geographical location and nation’s genetic makeup are a great help in the area of originality. But the names that actually champion the perks of having a hub of cultural exchange for a creative cradle do not owe it to this single fact for their flourishing natures. Yes, it is access to material and tools, but it is also learning to tune out the rampant noise that can arise when pursuing authentic artistry — just ask Fariz Jabba and Josh Makazo.
For Fariz Jabba, facing the music that inevitably comes with being an entertainer is something he has had the privilege of learning how to handle first through his family. As one of three siblings who are also prominent in Singapore’s entertainment world, the rapper (also singer and dancer) grew up with great support to chase his dreams, becoming a voice of the Malay community while increasing the street-cred of Singapore’s expression of hip-hop, respectfully. But what continues to keep eyes on the 29-year-old and our August 2021 cover alum is more so his consistent approach towards his work; honesty and hence, the listener’s resonance is what has kept him in the running to become not just the the nation’s, but now region’s, pride and joy. Whether or not the “Jabba” in his stage name is a tribute to hip-hop dance crew Jabbawockeez or a riff off of jabbar — Arabic for almighty — his trailblazing anthem for success has only begun, and we’re all in for the ride.
On the other hand, Josh Makazo stands as a true-blue singer-songwriter-producer Singapore is proud to call her own. Since we last met him in August last year, the self-made 22-year-old all-rounder seems to have only become wiser and clearer in his artistic vision, whilst sinking even deeper into the hot seat as one of today’s most exciting acts to catch — as declared by the world online. Of course, a claim of this origin is a tall order, and can make the will to improve and refine one’s craft more desperate and insincere if taken too lightly. But Josh’s insight into his artistry has and still comes from a place of purposeful solitude, where the search for solace has taught him to reach for strength in ways not just beyond, but from within. A feat that he has, ultimately, music to thank for, and one we can all appreciate thanks to the songs he pens and produces.
For our next dispatch of visuals produced with the virtues of Armani beauty’s Stronger With You campaign in mind, Men’s Folio’s second April-May 2025 digital cover brings both Fariz Jabba and Josh Makazo into a focus with stirring conversations that distill their ever evolving relationship with music; here’s how they they are and will always be stronger with song.
Fariz Jabba
Hi Fariz! What motivates you?
Yearning for the feeling of relief to see my family and friends in good spirits all the time.
What would a close friend say when asked about your strengths?
You should ask them. [Laughs] I don’t know. I don’t wanna glaze myself. But I would say, they would claim that I’m somebody that can share a good laugh with them.
In your opinion, what makes someone a strong person? If you have someone in mind, could detail why you find them strong?
That’s pretty open ended. I find somebody who suffers in silence while dedicating their entire lives towards helping others the strongest. You don’t even know that person who made something look effortless, had a plethora of difficulty, but they just keep on biting the bullet. That is hard.
Music is a source of strength to many, and much more so to musicians. What are three songs that have always or recently gave you strength?
Playboi Carti’s HBA, Lil Tecca’s Dark Thoughts, and PLUTO & YKNIECE’s WHIM WHAMIEE.
How has pursuing the arts made you a stronger person?
I had to deal with the most turbulent lifestyle that I have ever experienced and forced to grow up faster than usual. But along the way I met amazing individuals with wisdoms of multiple lives that has ingrained deep-seated values that I carry till this day. I will always thank God for that progress.
You and your two older siblings are all public figures. In what ways has this strengthened your sibling bonds and family bond as a whole?
Well, all of us have our own individual lanes in this landscape, and the most exciting parts are when we get to work together on something unplanned. Because those ones are the best ones that bring us closer together. I’m also the youngest, so I had the pleasure of learning from their mistakes and their strides. We just stick together to strengthen our shield from external and internal negativity.
What about you as a person? How does having so many people close to you who also dabble in the performing arts impact your craft and approach to music?
I will always be a student, learning and absorbing different accounts and personalities by seeing what makes them tick. Normally it’s things beyond music; the way they live, their routine, their priorities in life can say a lot about what they represent. My new obsession is balance. Life in music and outside of music because it comes hand-in-hand. How authentic I am to myself is the goal everyday. And it’s not like once I reach authenticity I’m good; it’s a constant meter that I have to monitor with a light panache and deliberateness.
Outside of work, what is an unexpected place that you find strength?
I guess being there for my sick father. The feeling is priceless and unexplainable.
Last but not least, what new things can we look forward to seeing from you in 2025?
Well hopefully by the time you read this, it’ll be announced that I’ll be performing at Bangkok for a festival billing! My first big show outside of Nusantara region! Wish me luck.
Josh Makazo
Hi Josh! What motivates you?
The idea that someone might feel seen through something I’ve created. That connection, even if it’s silent or subtle, is everything to me. I’ve listened to artists who have made me feel that same way, and I hope my music can do the same for others.
What would a close friend say when asked about your strengths?
Here’s a response from one of my closest friends, Nathan Sun: Hmmm. It would have to be something about dedication or passion. Like when you set your mind on something you grind until you get it done. Also you (are) hella supportive and loyal. Not just to me but people close to you, you want to see them win just as much as you want yourself to succeed.
In your opinion, what makes someone a strong person? If you have someone in mind, could you detail why you find them strong?
To me, strength shows up in quiet ways. It’s in someone who can hold space for others while still honouring their own boundaries. Someone who feels deeply, but doesn’t let those feelings harden them. I think of my mom — her ability to lead with kindness, even in moments of difficulty, has always left an imprint on me. Her strength isn’t loud, but it’s unwavering.
In times of self-doubt, where do you reach to for strength?
In those moments, I usually retreat into any form of reflection — music, journaling, or even silence. Sometimes the strength doesn’t come from encouragement, but from allowing myself to sit with the doubt and understand where it’s coming from. It reminds me that I’m human, and growth isn’t always loud.
Over the past four months of 2025, has there been a moment where you found unexpected strength within yourself?
Over the past four months, I discovered strength in allowing myself to truly feel everything — even the uncomfortable parts. Instead of avoiding the heaviness, I chose to face it and sit with it. I think the start of this year has really made me reflect on the goals and aspirations I have for my life as a whole, and if I’ve been on track with the person I want to become.
What song or album has left the most lasting impact on you and your music?
Frank Ocean’s Endless still stands as a pillar for me. The way he weaves emotion, space, and vulnerability into sound — it showed me how minimalism can carry deep weight, and that imperfections are sometimes what make something unforgettable.
Being able to write lyrics is one thing, and being able to express yourself in the production aspect is another. How has the understanding of your artist identity evolved since putting out your first track and now?
When I first started, I was chasing a sound I thought people wanted to hear. But over time, I’ve started creating from a much more honest place. I’ve come to realise that my artist identity isn’t tied to a fixed aesthetic — it’s a feeling. Now, whatever thoughts I translate into music, my goal is for that feeling to resonate deeply with whoever’s listening.
Outside of music, how do you find strength to keep evolving as an artistic person?
I don’t intently seek to evolve my artistic approaches, I rather focus on working on aspects of my life I find important. The people around me, mental wellbeing, relationships – those are the things I try to focus on, because they naturally bleed into my music. For me, music is an expression of life, and I’ve realised that in order to keep making music that feels real, I need to live it.
What can we look forward to coming from you this year?
This year will introduce a more refined version of my sound — still personal, still vulnerable, but shaped with more intention and maturity. My upcoming project, ULTRAVIOLET, feels like a journal entry full of things I’ve never said out loud and thoughts I can only keep to myself for so long. I hope my audience feels depth, growth, and something that hopefully lingers in your heart.
Editorial Director Izwan Abdullah
Photography Chee Wei
Styling Manfred Lu
Interview Charmaine Tan
Grooming & Hair (Josh) Kenneth Chia
Grooming & Hair (Fariz) Sha Shamsi
Production & Styling Assistant Vanessa Ng
Styling Assistant Danessa Tong
All Clothing & Accessories Emporio Armani
Once you are done with this story, click here to catch up with our April 2025 issue.