Biography

Starting at an early age Naif new he would be in the entertainment industry. From writing his first song at the age of around six or seven, to singing in the choir and playing in the marching band throughout junior high and high school, this young man was destined to be a star. With the help of his mom and dad Naif got to record his first two professional records with the then famous band for the group Expose' in 1988, which were songs that he wrote himself. This led to Naif performing at various weddings, concerts  and parties throughout Detroit showing off his electric dance moves and powerful voice.

In 1990, with the help of his then manager and uncle Norman Mislmani, (may he rest in peace) Naif got to open up for the group Linear, who had the smash hit 'Sending All My Love'. His performance was so powerful that when Linear took the stage they were hit with the chants of "We Want Naif" over and over again from the crowd. The group even had to stop one of their songs to find out what the crowd was saying! Naif was very thankful and humbled.

1991 was a year that Naif will never forget. With the help of his manager he caught the eye of Dennis Rodman while dancing at a local club. Dennis was so impressed with Naif's dancing skills that he asked him to perform at a party he was having. He also informed Naif that he was friends with MC Hammer and that he could introduce Naif to him. With Naif not believing what he was hearing Dennis then gave him his number and told him to call him to go to an MC Hammer concert with him. Naif did exactly that!  And at the Palace of Auburn Hills Naif and his uncle (may he rest in peace) met Dennis for the Hammer concert and during the beginning of the song 'U Can't Touch This', while Hammer was looking in the crowd for one of the Pistons to join him on stage for their theme song, Dennis pulled Naif from the crowd and put him on stage instead!!

After a brief hug from Hammer and on his cue, Naif, in front of 22,000 fans, turned it loose, lighting up the stage doing all of Hammer and his crew's moves. He even got to say "U Can't Touch This" a few times on the mic. From there Hammer signed Naif to a major recording contract with Bust-IT/Capitol Records in 1992. Unfortunately, after recording a great POP/R&B album in Fremont California with Hammer's producer Felton Pilate and one of Bobby Brown's producer's Dimitrious Shipp, the album fell through. Due to Hammer's trouble with his label all of his acts were released from contract.

But this didn't stop Naif. In 1996, with the financial backing of his best friend Billy Chammout, Naif composed, arranged, produced and performed the freestyle album 'The Waiting Is Over'. In just two days of shopping the album Warlock Records signed Naif. The first single 'Can't Stop The Love' landed him an array of concert dates, opening for Stevie B, Lil Suzy, George Lamond, No Mercy, La Bouche, Johnny O and Quad City DJ's to name a few. However, even though the track 'Luv Me Baby' was starting to get major radio airplay, Warlock decided not to release any more singles.

In 1999 Naif moved to Las Vegas to pursue his music career. He started producing progressive house and trance music, performing his songs live with six keyboards on stage. He also began Djaying parties and landed a weekly gig at Mist Bar and Lounge in Treasure Island. But it was in the Las Vegas afterhours scene where the percussionist career was born. While watching other percussionist play and borrowing their drums for a few sets here and there, Naif became a regular guest drummer. Finally after buying his first drum and showing up with it at the club, the other drummers would just watch and learn. This self taught percussionist was taiking over with his fierce skills, quickly landing gigs from all club owners. Naif went on to play in every major club and casino in Las Vegas, with a two year residency at Tangerine Nightclub (now called Christian Audigier the Nightclub) in Treasure Island. He also played with the likes of Jonathan Peters, Boy George and Richard Humpty Vission, and played for Gloria and Emilio Estefan and their son while he was djaying. Gloria praised Naif, jumping up and down with excitement. This really humbled him.

Now living back in Detroit, Naif has quickly made his mark as one of the premier percussionists and performers. He has since released 'Honeys In The Summertime' and with the help of executive producer Mike Osman and Naif's family, his new single, 'It's All About The Music Ft. Gia Bella', is available now with pounding remixes by the Wideboys, Mike Rizzo (Funk Generation), Mr. Mig, Eddie Amador, Tom T and Naif himself. With his upcoming album entitled 'Live, Luv & Dance' due out soon, Naif is ready to hit the dance circuit hard!!! He has worked extremely hard on this album which was composed, arranged, produced, mixed and performed all by himself. So keep an eye out for this highly energetic performer to move crowds with his uplifting music, fierce percussion skills and great vibe!!!!!