HOTLINE

Known as the ‘MVP’ of the music industry, Richmond “HOTLINE” Shaw is a musician who has made it his mission to challenge the norms of the music genre commonly considered very negative in the Gulf region.

Born and bred in Pontiac, Michigan, Richmond joined the US military in 2002 and was stationed in Iraq with the first infantry division before leaving the service to settle in Bahrain and focus full-time on his music. Richmond’s life in the military is perhaps quite typical of what most soldiers go through in Iraq but what’s interesting about it is that some of his experiences were captured in the war documentary, Gunner Palace.

‘I had to endure daily shillings and watch many of my unit members die before my eyes but my music kept me going. I thank god that I didn’t leave that stage in my life filled with anger and hatred. My experiences not only molded my lyrics but they have also shaped my perceptions of the region and allowed me to be more understanding.’

From being in a situation six years ago where he was obligated to kill, Richmond now finds himself immersed in a culture that affords him a fresh perspective on life. ‘I have come to realise