FarrdaT: In Shape, In Season, In His Bag

Interview by Luna Laurent – Presented by DUB 5

Fresh off a creative trip to Budapest and right on time for the summer heat, Leicester-raised artist FarrdaT is stepping into his prime. With the release of his new Afrobeats-infused single In Shape, he's not only building on the success of his previous breakout track Diamonds, but also deepening his sound and visual identity with the backing of DUB 5.

Shot on location in Hungary and directed by NYDUS, the In Shape video is the result of a collaborative project organised by DUB 5 — the independent creative collective behind the Budapest music camp that brought FarrdaT and several other artists together for a week of focused content creation, live performance, and cross-cultural exchange. While in Budapest, FarrdaT performed at a sold-out DUB 5 x Motion Madness showcase — and shortly after returning to London, previewed his latest visuals to a live audience — proving exactly why his 234,000+ Spotify streams on Diamonds are no fluke.

We caught up with FarrdaT following the trip to talk visuals, vision, and what’s next for this rising artist.

Photos of FarrdaT in Budapest, Hungary on set with DUB 5

1. FarrdaT, great to have you here. Let’s start with your time in Budapest. What was the experience like joining the DUB 5 camp and recording the video for In Shape?

FarrdaT: Budapest was definitely a special chapter. The camp gave me a space to focus creatively with an inspiring team. With everyone’s great energy and vision, it became a full-on cultural exchange. The city itself added an essential mood, leading to a top performance overall.

2. The video for In Shape, directed by NYDUS and produced by DUB 5 has dropped. Can you walk us through the creative direction behind it?

FarrdaT, Model, NYDUS

FarrdaT: The concept was always rooted in movement — both physical and internal. NYDUS leaned into the narrative effectively. We shot in stunning locations, from industrial edges to quiet, surreal corners of the city. It really shaped the mood.

3. You also performed at a DUB 5 x Motion Madness show in Budapest. How did that crowd compare to what you’re used to back in Leicester?

FarrdaT: The crowd was super open, not just to the music but the energy behind it. There's something powerful about stepping into a new space where no one knows your backstory — every moment on stage had to speak for itself.

4. Audiences at DUB 5: LIVE got an early preview of In Shape. How did it feel sharing the video in that setting?

FarrdaT: It was a key moment. People were properly engaged with the visuals and the feedback was real. That kind of early energy matters.

5. Your track Diamonds has racked up over 230,000 Spotify streams. Has that success changed your mindset?

FarrdaT: Definitely. Diamonds was a turning point. Seeing that kind of response from listeners around the world reminded me there’s a real audience for the sound I’m building. It raised the bar for me creatively.

6. You’ve got a distinctive Afrobeats-inspired sound. What influences have shaped your direction?

FarrdaT: My sound is rooted in Afrobeats, but it draws from a few places — rhythms I grew up with, melodic structures I’ve connected to. Artists like Wizkid, Chris Brown, and Mindless Behaviour influenced me early on. Outside of music, I’m inspired by dance, fashion, and how people express themselves in silence too. It all feeds in.

7. You’re part of a wave of UK artists pushing Afro-influenced genres forward. What’s your personal mission in that space?

FarrdaT: For me, it’s about authenticity and fusion. I’m not here to imitate what’s already out — I want to stretch the genre. That means new textures, languages, storytelling. I want to make the sound more global, more emotionally resonant.

8. How has Leicester shaped your creative identity?

FarrdaT: Being in Leicester gave me a strong sense of identity and independence. You learn to build your own lane because the spotlight isn’t always on you. It taught me to stay grounded, work hard, and let the music speak.

9. You’ve collaborated closely with DUB 5 on this project. What’s that relationship been like?

FarrdaT: The team has good energy and focus, which is key. The In Shape music video shows how we moved from concept to execution as a team. That type of structure helps bring the vision to life.

10. Is In Shape a standalone single, or the start of a new chapter?

FarrdaT: It’s more than a single — it’s a statement of where I’m heading, sonically and visually. More refined, more intentional.

11. For those discovering you through this release or DUB 5, what do you want them to take away?

FarrdaT: I want people to feel something real — whether it’s the rhythm, lyrics, or just the vibe. I hope there’s a connection they can take with them. I’m excited for what’s next.

Watch In Shape now on the DUB 5 YouTube channel. Follow FarrdaT on socials to stay locked in.