From the coastal city of Kozhikode in Kerala to the rugged cliffs of Jebel Shams, Cheru Kunnath Paijas, better known as Faaxy, has been quietly building a cross-cultural music career that is now earning international recognition.
Born on February 21, 1982, Faaxy moved to Oman at the age of fifteen. Despite his early passion for music and dance, he initially pursued a career in technology, completing a postgraduate diploma in computer applications at NIELIT in 2002 and a degree in computer science from Don Bosco in 2003. However, his love for music never waned, and in 2013, he established his own music studio in Muscat, laying the groundwork for what would become a professional music career.
Faaxy’s first widely released single, “Faaxy Code” (2021), introduced audiences to his distinctive style, blending pop and hip-hop elements with digital production. His follow-up, “You Are The One” (2022), gained notable attention for its music video shot across Oman’s scenic landscapes, including Ad Dimaniyat Islands and Jebel Shams. According to Times of Oman, the video has surpassed 100,000 views on platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music, and Faaxy has described it as a tribute to his adopted home, aimed at promoting tourism and celebrating Oman’s natural beauty.
In 2023, Faaxy’s rising profile culminated in him being honored with the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Arabia Act, a testament to his growing influence across the Middle East and beyond.
Beyond his professional achievements, Faaxy remains connected to his cultural roots. He has participated in cultural events celebrating Keralite heritage, including the Onam festival in Noida, India, in August 2023, where he highlighted the festival as a symbol of unity among the Malayali community.
Faaxy’s discography reflects a steady evolution of sound and style, with albums such as Tempting (2019), Let Me Say a Little (2021), and In The Darkness (2021), alongside singles including “Falling For Another,” “I Am Faaxy,” “Ne Na Ve,” and “You Broke.”
As Faaxy continues to blend his technical background with his musical ambitions, he represents a new generation of independent artists crafting global music stories from local roots and putting Oman on the international music map in the process.