Naeim Alnajjar

My name is Naeim Alnajjar (Artist Name: Numa). I am a 27-year-old beatboxer based in Manchester, UK. My work integrates music performance and community outreach, showcasing a dynamic artistic journey shaped by my cultural heritage and creative innovation.

Before I became Numa I was known as Madz for 17 years but in October this year, I took the decision to rebrand as NUMA - truer to myself. 

I am known as a beatbox performer, who is busking on the streets of major cities across the UK and Europe. I also share my performances online, and some of my videos have gone viral, being featured on popular Instagram accounts like @dnbdistrict & @dnballstars and gaining over a million views.

I have been competing in the UK Beatboxing Championship for the past decade, consistently placing no higher than 16th. However, this year I achieved a significant milestone by reaching the finals and securing 4th place. It was an unforgettable experience that taught me not to give up and keep going towards my goal. 

In 2021, I attempted to set a Guinness World Record for the longest human beatboxing marathon. I successfully beatboxed for 27 hours, but the record was not officially recognised. Despite this, the achievement gained attention in local communities and was featured in an article by the Manchester Evening News.

My main genres for beatboxing are Techno and DnB, though I am also skilled in Dubstep and Garage. I also DJ across all electronic dance music genres, with a particular preference for DnB, Techno, Dubstep, and Garage.

I am studying BMus (Hons) in Vocal Popular Music Performance at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), Manchester and am set to graduate in 2025.

The full programme includes 6 phases and each phase includes four lessons:

Phase 1: Foundations of Beatboxing - We start with the basics: mastering 10 key percussive sounds and 4 basslines. You'll learn to keep time with a metronome and explore improvisation from the get-go.

Phase 2: Rhythmic and Artistic Development - This phase deepens your skills with breathing techniques, beatbox notation, and insights into beatbox history to inspire your journey.

Phase 3: Sound Design and Improvisation - You'll expand your sound range with new effects, learn to replicate beats from songs, and improve your improvisation skills for more spontaneous performances.

Phase 4: Genre Exploration and Multi-Tasking - Discover genre-specific grooves, from Hip-Hop to Grime, and develop multi-tasking abilities like beatboxing while singing or rapping.

Phase 5: Advanced Beatbox Techniques - Focus on crafting original patterns and tackling complex routines, preparing you for competitions and advanced performances.

Phase 6: Performance and Production Integration - You'll refine your stage presence and explore music production, gaining the skills to integrate beatboxing into the studio environment.