By: Mana Faye
Born and raised in the Bronx, NY, Ezequiel Pujols -better known as Zeke -always felt destined for stardom. His first introduction to the stage came at just two years old, performing Daddy Yankee's "Gasolina" in his family’s living room. It was his Uncle Spud who first believed in him, and Spud’s big speakers and urban music continue to influence Zeke’s musical taste to this day.
Zeke's early years were filled with performances in school plays and musicals, and his talent eventually found a massive platform on TikTok, where he amassed over 995.7K followers and 24.3 million likes. From a young age, he enjoyed singing at family parties, social events, and school functions.
In high school, his passion for musical theater seemed like a promising career path. However, the pandemic disrupted the theater world, pushing Zeke to fully pursue music and songwriting. He was encouraged by his friend and frequent collaborator Thomas Horan, and inspired by R&B artist Lil Quill.
Thomas Horan has been a pivotal collaborator, with their partnership starting in high school and continuing to thrive. Zeke’s recent single "Who Can Blame Her" was produced by Henry, a friend of Horan’s and a student at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio.
During the pandemic in March 2020, Zeke transitioned to building his audience on TikTok. Recognizing the platform's surge in popularity, he took full advantage. His "duet me" format, where he sang one part and encouraged the audience to participate in the other, often went viral.
Encouraged by his TikTok mutual Elijah 5.7king, Zeke grew his followers to nearly a million. He only started promoting his music this year, and has since been dubbed by his followers as the Dominican Brent Faiyaz.
As a Dominican-American, Zeke navigates between Latin and Western genres. This dual identity enriches his creative process, allowing him to blend influences and create something unique. His newest single, "Who Can Blame Her," has over 92.5K streams on SoundCloud and marks his journey into singing in Spanish. Zeke aspires to work with artists like Romeo Santos, Prince Royce, and Kali Uchis, who he cites as a pioneer of the Spanglish genre.
Besides his Dominican identity, his Bronx upbringing frequently influences his artistry. His natural New York swag enhances his storytelling and messaging. Zeke credits growing up in a diverse population for making him feel ready for the world.
If given the chance, he would love to open for Bryson Tiller, an artist who has greatly inspired him. Drawing from the music of his early teens, including artists like Justin Bieber and Jason Derulo, Zeke finds hidden gems in unreleased songs on YouTube.
Currently, Zeke is focused on making the best music he can. He is working on defining his branding and the kind of artist he wants to become. By summer, he plans to release a visual for one of his songs and is working on a project, whether it be an EP or an album. Music is his passion, and he wants to continue creating every day.
You can find Zeke on Spotify, Apple Music, Instagram, TikTok, and SoundCloud @ZekePujols.
Copy Editor: Breanna Robinson
Photos Courtesy: Zeke Pujols
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