HammAli & Navai are a popular music duo from Russia, performing in the genres of pop, R’n’B, rap and urban. Their music blends melodic sound, heartfelt lyrics about love and life, and a recognizable Eastern flair. With emotional delivery and honest storytelling, the artists quickly won over listeners’ hearts and became leading figures on the Russian-speaking scene.
Early Years
The project members are Alexander Aliev (HammAli) and Navai Bakirov (Navai). They met in Moscow in the mid-2010s, when both were already active in music. HammAli started out as a rapper and beatmaker, while Navai was a vocalist and songwriter. Their musical tastes and life stories aligned, and in 2016 the artists decided to join forces, launching the duo HammAli & Navai.
Their early tracks immediately resonated with audiences: songs like “Ty moya khimiya” (“You’re My Chemistry”) and “Ty tak silno” (“You So Much”) gained millions of views and went viral on VKontakte and YouTube.
Breakthrough and Fame
Their true breakthrough came with the release of “Khochesh, ya k tebe priyedu” (“Want Me to Come Over?”) in 2017. The song stormed the charts and made the duo famous across the country. This success was followed by a string of hits — “Pustite menya na tantspol” (“Let Me on the Dancefloor”), “Privet, nu kak ty tam?” (“Hey, How Are You?”), “Ne lyubi” (“Don’t Love”), and “Pust’ ona plachet” (“Let Her Cry”) — all of which reached the top of streaming charts and radio airplay.
In 2018, HammAli & Navai released their debut album Janavi, which became one of the most-streamed releases of the year. The duo embarked on a large-scale tour across Russia, the CIS, and Europe, performing to sold-out crowds.
Selected Discography
- Janavi (2018)
- Kogda khvatit boli (2020)
- Khochesh, ya k tebe priyedu — Single (2017)
- Pustite menya na tantspol — Single (2018)
- Privet, nu kak ty tam? — Single (2019)
- Zadykhayus — Single (2020)
- Vmeste letayem — Single (2022)
Style and Characteristics
HammAli & Navai’s music is a fusion of lyrical pop, Eastern motifs, and melodic rap. Their signature style is defined by:
- Sincere lyrics about love, loss, and hope;
- Melodic vocals combined with rap elements;
- Atmospheric instrumentals with Eastern-inspired soundscapes;
- Themes of solitude, heartbreak, longing, and emotional maturity.
The duo created a distinctive sound — music in which every listener can find a reflection of their own story.
Solo Careers and Reunion
In 2019, HammAli and Navai announced a temporary split to focus on solo projects. HammAli released solo tracks, including collaborations with Mari Kraimbrery and Jah Khalib. Navai launched a successful solo career with singles such as “Ne lyubi” (“Don’t Love”) and “Plakala” (“She Cried”), cementing his reputation as a top artist.
In 2022, the duo reunited, thrilling fans with a series of new releases and a reunion tour across Russia and the CIS.
Achievements
- Billions of streams across major platforms;
- Awards from Zhara Music Awards, RU.TV, and Muz-TV;
- Sold-out concerts throughout Russia, the CIS, and Europe;
- Top 10 positions on Yandex Music, Spotify, and Apple Music;
- Millions of views on YouTube music videos.
Interesting Facts
- The name “HammAli & Navai” is derived from the artists’ real surnames — Aliev and Bakirov.
- Their songs are often inspired by personal experiences, making their lyrics deeply relatable.
- The duo collaborates with artists from Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine.
- They were among the first in the CIS to bring the “urban pop” genre to mass audiences.
- In 2023, the duo celebrated their 7th anniversary by releasing a best-of compilation.
Legacy
HammAli & Navai are more than just a music duo — they are a phenomenon of the new wave of emotional pop. Blending rap, Eastern melodies, and genuine emotion, they created a unique sound that resonates with millions. Today, they continue to release hits and inspire those seeking music with soul.
