Connect with Wali through Instagram.

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“I want to break down those stereotypes for other kids. To change the perspective and stereotypes others have about immigrants, Muslims, and even what people associate with rap. It’s a journey that I’m still going through. It’s a journey where I’ve learned a lot. I feel [that] no matter what, people will judge you. They will put you in a box or stereotype you. I still go through it…But what I do through my work is to be an example of overcoming that… You can be the best example and be the change as Ghandi said so many years ago, which still rings true today. I give my all and actively fight these stereotypes… I became the best example.”

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I heard his voice first. Strong but soothing. Melodic and welcoming. Since meeting Wali back in 2015 for Canada’s Top 20 under 20 conference in Toronto, his powerful voice has resonated with me throughout my journey. From his talks, rap music, spoken word poetry, or his social media posts, his voice of empowerment is unwavering through the turbulent waves of life; the resiliency of tackling his own life challenges and inspiring others to do so, is undeniable. It’s been a humbling experience to follow his journey of how he bridges compassion across Canada through his love for poetry, connection, and positive impact.

He advocates heavily for the work that organizations such as Bell Let’s Talk, United Way, and We Day champions. Whether in his stint as Mississauga Poet’s Laureate, receiving YMCA’s Peace Medal, or the distinction of RBC’s Top 25 Immigrants, his centrepiece of remaining true to his story and experiences inspire numerous youth to overcome their challenges and to find hope amidst the chaos of life. His voice both literally and metaphorically represent a deep found understanding for the importance of human connection that comes from a place of genuine life experiences. Candid, open and inviting.

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C: Given that your work and your story has been featured and shared extensively, I thought I would just get straight to the questions! You’re a poet, a musician, and a speaker. I’m sure you identify with a lot more than that. But what is the significant of the arts within your life?

W: I’ve been very privileged to have found my artistic talent and to cultivate it at a young age. Not everyone has people around them who are supportive or have the opportunities to discover their passions at a young age. I’m fortunate to have had people in my life who supported and believed in me. I’ve always liked rapping. For its musical style and its form of expression. I then, discovered poetry and it became more than an expression form but something that could I use to impact many people. Poetry shares a story and creates this opportunity to make a difference. I wanted to use my words in way that was more than just sharing my own story but transcended the writing about myself to write to inspire others, inspire a movement.

C: Yes, I love how open you’ve been about your experiences through your poems or talks. But you also use your words to relate to others and their struggles and triumphs. Since there’s so much literature out there about you especially as you’ve gained momentum for your work, you’ve really shone a spotlight on issues you’ve faced. From the ups and the downs. You are open and vulnerable in your work as an artist but you continue to empower many individuals along the way. How difficult has the been for you and your family? How do you navigate that balance between vulnerability and publicity?

W: It’s not easy, it’s very difficult. At first, I was scared. Most young people are typically scared too because social media is like shouting in public. Essentially, your post is broadcasting to the public (at least that’s what I thought at the time). And growing up, I saw people getting in trouble for what they posted on social media or things eventually coming back to bite them. The implications of social media are huge. But what I found with the content out there was that it was disingenuous. People weren’t being real.

When the Bell Let’s talk campaign rolled out, there were these prominent Canadians sharing their story. People we often put on pedestals who opened up and shared their own stories. Through their sharing, it gave people the permission and the confidence to do the same. It was de-stigmatizing the realities of life and showcasing a much more human aspect to all the social and public personas we’ve been putting on. That was a turning point as I thought maybe I can too. Maybe I can start sharing my story.

Growing up as an immigrant child, there were these cultural expectations that I’m sure many can relate to in various ways. At first, my family didn’t agree with my choice of pursuing a career as an artist. It was something I didn’t want to talk about with others because it was hard. Yet as I continued to deal with these experiences within the context of prominent Canadians beginning to share their struggles, I realized the power that came from sharing. There is power that comes from a place of both vulnerability and comfortability. It’s opening up a feeling of safety for another who comes across your story who recognizes your emotions and vulnerability and can relate by saying.

“I feel the exact same way you do, thank you for finding the words that I wasn’t able to.”

It’s a huge risk to put yourself out there. Especially, if you’re not comfortable with it. I want to say how important it is to only share from a place of comfortability. Don’t do something if you don’t feel like it’s what you want to do. However, once you are ready to share, it’s this healthy and beautiful experience. One that helps the world and is a lot more beneficial to those around us. Because so often, we can all hide behind titles and achievements. These attributes often mask people and give this perception that they have it all figured it out. Others don’t see you for you. But the reality is that everyone is still human. All of us have challenges and continuously tackle the tribulations of life.  

C: Sharing is such a powerful tool to foster feelings of community and compassion. I love the part about being comfortable because you’re right, it’s so important. The diversity of the stories that we tell and that process of sharing like you mention, is truly very beautiful. Your poems are exactly that. You thread through themes of empowerment and compassion especially coming from your experiences being bullied as a teenager and a witness to gang violence at a young age. You also address issues of stereotypes and judgement head on. And your recent distinction as RBC’s Top 25 Immigrants of 2019 is a testament to that. What does this award mean to you in the context of your life and what you’ve had to tackle?

W: I feel like no matter what, people will judge you. They will put you in a box or stereotype you. It’s unfortunate, but it’s life. I still go through it. Being Muslim is very important to me and when I tell people I’m Muslim, people have a pre-conceived notion of who I am or who I should be. These are the realities I live in. But what I do through my work is to be an example of overcoming that. Even my parents had pre-conceived notions of my career choice of becoming an artist. But, I gave my all and actively fought the stereotypes. I became the best example.

You can be the best example and be the change as Ghandi said so many years ago, which still rings true today. Actively, living what you want to see in this world initiates change. Starting with the changes you can make in your own life.

I want to break down those stereotypes for other kids. To change the perspective and stereotypes others have about immigrants, Muslims, and even what people associate with rap.

It’s a journey that I’m still going through. It’s a journey where I’ve learned a lot. The world isn’t always going to be this happy place. If it’s always good then I can’t grow or learn from the bad. I need to have the difficult and terrible moments in order to grow from it. All these experiences are going to make me stronger. There’s this analogy that in order to get iron to become a tool, it needs to be hit thousands of times. If I want to serve this world, then I have to face the nastiness of this world.

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