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Kurdish NZ Rapper's Viral Hit Tops Global Charts
22 Aug
Summary
- Kurdish New Zealander Fat Papi achieved global fame with a viral song.
- The song 'Freaked Out' amassed over 7.5 billion views online.
- Hussain is the first Kurdish artist to debut on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Baban Hussain, a 22-year-old Kurdish New Zealander performing as Fat Papi, has achieved unexpected global stardom. His song 'Freaked Out,' released four months ago, initially saw little success. However, a viral dance video and subsequent influencer promotion propelled the track to unprecedented heights.
The song has since amassed over 7.5 billion views online and gained millions of new listeners. It achieved number one on Shazam globally and charted in the US, UK, and Australia. This historic feat made Hussain the first Kurdish artist to debut on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Producer Owen Omen, known as Prodshushy, collaborated with Hussain to create the viral hit. Their partnership, formed just four months prior to the article's publication, has been described as a highly productive "flow state."
This viral success has dramatically altered Hussain's life, opening doors to new opportunities. The duo has secured management and record deals, with a new single set for release in September and festival performances scheduled for December. They aspire to play at Coachella and collaborate with other artists.