ABOUT NAEZY
Bigg boss OTT season 3 runner-up Naezy “The Baa,” whose real name is Naved Shaikh, was born on August 10, 1993, in Kurla, Mumbai. Growing up in the working-class neighborhood of Ram Bachan Chawl, he was primarily raised by his mother while his father worked in Dubai. Despite facing a troubled childhood and a juvenile run-in with the law, Naezy channeled his experiences into music, turning personal struggles into powerful creative expression.
After finishing his T.Y. B.Sc. at Guru Nanak Khalsa College in Matunga, Naezy joined forces with rapper Neykhil Naik, also known as NCube, to establish the collective The Schizophrenics. His career gained momentum with the release of his debut single “Aafat!”. in 2014, which he crafted using an iPad. This was followed by the game-changing hit “Mere Gully Mein,” a collaboration with DIVINE that put Mumbai’s rap scene on the map. You may have heard about “Bombay 70” during Naezy’s recent stint on “Bigg Boss OTT”. This 2014 documentary, which won Best Short Film at MAMI, delves into his life, with the ’70’ signifying the area code of Kurla West.
The OG “Gully boy”
The 2019 film “Gully Boy“, starring Ranveer Singh, is loosely inspired by Naezy and DIVINE, exploring their impact on Mumbai’s rap scene. Naezy also joined forces with American rapper Nas and DIVINE on the track “NY se Mumbai” to promote the film.
Naezy’s music often tackles socio-political issues, reflecting his commitment to “conscious hip-hop” and raising awareness among youth. Tracks like “Haq Hai” and “Tragedy Mein Comedy” showcase his dedication to social commentary.
In 2018, Naezy took a break from the underground rap scene due to family issues, but this hiatus only deepened his passion for music. He made a triumphant return in 2019 with “Aafat Wapas,” a follow-up to his debut hit.
His debut album, “Maghreb”, features six compelling tracks and marks a significant milestone in his career. Additionally, Naezy made a splash in Bollywood with the song “Birju” from the 2015 film “Hey Bro”, which featured a star-studded music video including Amitabh Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan.
Naezy also made history as the first rapper featured on JioSaavn, India’s popular music streaming platform, underscoring his influence in the industry.
During his recent appearance on “Bigg Boss OTT” Season 3, where he entered on June 21, 2024, and emerged as runner-up to Sana Makbul Khan, Naezy garnered mixed reactions. While some criticized his lack of engagement in the game, others admired his calm demeanor and respectful nature. His presence on social media, where fans shared memes and expressed their support, has left many eagerly awaiting his next move.
Stay tuned for what’s next in Naezy’s dynamic career, as his fans continue to follow his journey with enthusiasm!
