Noorzi, the content creator who began her career at the peak of the COVID-19 lockdown, has created a unique online identity through unconventional humour, trending dance videos, and the now-iconic question: ‘Where are the ducks?’. In this exclusive Complex MENA interview, she speaks about visibility, confidence, cultural identity and the unexpected responsibility that comes with becoming a familiar face to a new generation. The interview and images shot by Zaid Al Lozi look beyond the viral moments that shaped Noorzi’s online presence, revealing the intellect, intention and personality behind an image that has always appeared effortless.
Laith Naouri: What made you start content creation?
Noorzi: It was during COVID-19, and I was bored. I randomly decided to start posting TikTok videos of me dancing. Basically, I was a TikTok dancer in the beginning. Now, to be clear, I am a trained dancer but the content I used to post was not in that scope, it was trendy viral dances. So maybe I should call myself an ex-dancer, but my dancing era could come back eventually; never say never.
LN: What’s one video you doubted would go viral?
NH: That one video I posted about the ducks! I genuinely thought it was cool that my friend Omar has a duck. The first time I met him I imagined him walking around with his duck everywhere, so I was like ‘where are the ducks?’
LN: What’s a random comment that still lives rent free in your head?
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NH: It’s a bit too obvious now: ‘where’s the ducks?’. It’s followed me everywhere. Every piece of content I post, someone has to ask ‘where’s the ducks?’.
LN: Speaking of the ducks, where are the ducks?
NH: They are right here with us, well, at least one of them. Our icon Batboota is getting ready for the shoot with us.
LN: Where do you get your ideas from?
NH: I definitely get my ideas from real life; my most recent video, for example, is inspired by this guy that I had asked to come to a friends’ gathering. There, he started telling everyone around that I was nagging, constantly asking him to come. Honestly, he was such an inspiration. Also, coworkers or perhaps I should say ex-coworkers now.
LN: How does it feel to be a full-time content creator?
NH: It feels freeing. I don’t think any of my family really support it, I think they believe that it’s just a phase. My mom is okay with it, although I don’t think she gets it, but when I showed her the article written about me she started taking me more seriously. She kinda loves it but she doesn’t understand it.
Personally, I think there is a way to make art without nepotism; people can save up money and create the ideas they have in their heads.
LN: Is there a difference between who you are offline and who people think you are online?
NH: Of course. I am more shy in real life. If someone comes up to me I usually become very shy compared to how I present online. I think it’s because I’m usually alone when I film content. I am alone in my car or my room so there is no one actually watching. Sometimes when I’m filming content I am screaming at the camera so obviously I won’t be screaming in people’s faces when I meet them.
LN: What has comedy taught you about yourself?
NH: It gave me more confidence. It taught me that mishaps happen to everyone and that people can relate to mine. It also taught me that I was funny. I always knew that but now I have the receipts to back it up.
LN: How do you cope with the comments? Do they affect you at times?
NH: I would be lying if I said that people’s comments don’t get to me sometimes, especially comments concerned with my body or weight. But it’s not like I read them and start crying, I just say ‘oh okay’ and move on. Usually, I just post less until I recover. I enjoy posting at my own pace; I don’t have a content strategy, I genuinely post when I feel like it. I am not the person that is like ‘guys it’s time to post story number three for the day and reel number two.’ I admire those who do have a schedule, but it’s just not me.
LN: If social media disappeared tomorrow, what do you think you’d miss the most or wouldn’t miss at all?
NH: I would miss the community I built. When I say or do something that is a bit delusional and they support it. One time I posted a video of me dancing like I’m on top of the world, and people were like you are that girl, you are the it girl. It fuels my passion and love for the field.
Another time, I came across a Reddit post that was asking what people thought of me, and it was so nice to see the support and see more people doing the same thing I was, which is genuinely so nice. I love seeing people being themselves and seeing more funny girls online.
One thing I won’t miss would be the haters. Definitely never gonna miss them.
LN: Is personal style about clothes, or is it something much deeper?
I’m going to be poetic when talking about this. Clothes are closely connected to my brand image. It’s more of the fact that I’m able to express myself with clothes. Something that piqued my attention was a comment I got that said that I don’t look Arab when I dress, which is a weird concept to me. What is the certain way of dressing that is making me appear less Arab? Why is the way I’m dressing not Arab enough? Yes sometimes, we associate neutral colours, like nudes or browns to be more reflective of our culture, but to me, if there’s a way to showcase my upbringing in my clothes, without being literal, I will take it; this might be wearing things that remind me of my childhood, whether that’s colours or shapes that I resonate with.
LN: What’s one trend you refused to follow?
Looksmaxxing. This culture is horrible, but it’s a dying trend anyway, thank God!
LN: What’s something you’ll never wear, no matter how trendy it becomes?
Overall shorts and overall skirts. They are nasty. Full-length overalls I don’t mind.
LN: Any words of advice for anyone just starting with content creation?
NH: People set such big expectations for themselves about the content they want to post, and put so much care into other people’s opinions, but at the end of the day, it is your page and your content, just post whatever you want. And remember, whatever thought or idea you have, it flows through you from the universe. You are just a vessel for the universe, and that creative thought is meant to flow through you. Also, don’t forget your inner child. Everyone has an artistic inner child; every time you do something remember that you’re making their dream come true.
LN: What’s one piece of advice you’d give yourself when you first started creating content?
NH: I think she wouldn’t listen, but I would tell her to just try and if she thinks something is not relatable, she should post it anyway and see how many people will relate. Also don’t post things you don’t like, only share the content you enjoy.
LN: What legacy are you trying to build beyond social media?
NH: Hopefully I will get into acting. I love performing in general, for me, it is such a good representation of myself. I love entertaining people.
