It Runs In The Family: Ali Jafri And Hamza Jafri

Find out what the two have to say here

Ali Jafri, founding member of Noori, and Hamza Jafri, guitarist, singer, composer and director at the MAD School, talk about their brotherhood. From playing in indoor tents in West Africa to growing up to being each other’s closest companions, these siblings come clean about it all

What is your first memory of each other?

Ali: Since we’re five years apart I have some faint memories of Hamza as a baby in his crib in London. A more vivid first memory is of us playing in some sort of colourful, indoor kids tent in West Africa — this was way back in 1980. Soon afterwards, in Southern Africa, I remember we thought it would be swell to sword fight with real box cutters. Hamza still has the scar on his hand, mine is more emotional.

Hamza: Playing at our home in Zimbabwe.



What is the craziest thing you have done together?

Ali: Quite honestly, nothing crazy comes to mind. So, either we’re deathly boring together or our crazy meter is way out there!

Hamza: We watched the war movie Platoon, which was rated 18, in the cinema when we were both under 12 year olds.

What did you get punished for the most as a child?

Ali: We were lucky. We didn’t get punished much by our parents — either that or we didn’t notice getting punished. School was a different story though. In my time during the early 80s, children were usually harshly punished. There was no detention, no inspirational talk with the teacher, just a swift, peeled bamboo cane to the behind (for as little as not doing homework too!)

Hamza: For making loud noises, and disturbing the peace.



If you could only wear one piece of clothing for the rest of your life, from the others closet, what would it be?

Ali: Nothing would fit! Well, maybe a tie. For the rest of my life ... wait, why is this even a question?

Hamza: His pyjamas.

If you could swap places with each other, what’s the first thing you would do?

Ali: Travel! We have different passports, his gets visa-free access to 175 countries, and mine to only 29, which includes choice destinations like Micronesia and Vanuatu.

Hamza: Start an exercise regime.



What is the one thing you love about your brother?

Ali: Siblings have the unique advantage of sharing a completely unpretentious relationship, and that’s how Hamza and I are. He says it as it is — straight up. What’s not to love about that?

Hamza: His sense of humour.

If you are fighting with each other, how do you make up?

Ali: In probably the same fashion that all guys do: by just moving on. We don’t have any of those sappy, emotional talks.

Hamza: By letting the disharmonious moment pass.



What is the one secret talent your brother has, that you wish you had too?

Ali: It’s no secret that Hamza can play the guitar and compose music like nobody’s business. I wish I could too!

Hamza: His writing skills.

Describe your brother in three words:

Ali: Pensive, sensitive and committed.

Hamza: Intelligent, funny and loving.

Which fictional character is your brother most like?

Ali: Hamza would make a great character actor. He has this understated charisma and mystique, and he plays his cards carefully, not revealing too much. I don’t watch enough films or read enough fiction books to name a specific character with these traits.

Hamza: The Thing in The Thing.



How are your personalities similar?

Ali: Actually, we couldn’t be more dissimilar — that’s what people say at least. Hamza’s the serious, quiet type. He’s much more composed and mature.

Hamza: We both have a thirst for knowledge.

I can’t live without my brother because…

Ali: I haven’t entertained the thought of life without any of my siblings. As far as I am concerned, all my siblings will remain my siblings till the end of time. Sure, that’s taking them for granted — but a little bit of that is allowed amongst siblings, no?

Hamza: Because we are one soul.