In a world where music is often just entertainment, Chris Uriel is crafting songs that inspire, heal, and connect. At only 19 years old, this Aruba-born, Netherlands-based artist is making a name for himself with his deeply personal, genre-blending sound.
A Name with Meaning
Chris Uriel’s stage name isn’t just for show—it reflects his identity and faith. Born Christian Uriel Hijmering, he chose to use his real name because of its spiritual significance. “I believe highly in God. Uriel is an angel, and Christian means a follower of Christ. It felt like the perfect choice,” he explains. This deep-rooted faith is evident in his music, where themes of resilience and self-belief take center stage.
Roots in Aruba, Dreams in the Netherlands
Growing up in Aruba, Chris was immersed in a mix of cultures and musical influences, from hip-hop to Latin rhythms. While he moved to the Netherlands for education, his true motivation was the expanding opportunities in music. “Aruba is small but has big connections. The Netherlands, and Europe as a whole, offer even more,” he shares.
This diverse background plays a key role in shaping his sound, allowing him to seamlessly blend genres while staying true to his roots.
A Sound That Speaks to the Heart
Chris describes his music in one word: relatable. Every song is inspired by real-life experiences, whether personal struggles, love, heartbreak, or overcoming adversity. His creative process is pure instinct—he puts on a beat and lets his emotions guide him. “I don’t sit down thinking, Today I’ll make a pop song or an afrobeat track. I just express what’s in my heart.”
From DJing to Producing to Rapping
Chris’s journey into music started at a young age when he discovered dubstep and Martin Garrix on YouTube. The unique sound fascinated him, pushing him to learn music production by watching tutorials and experimenting with beats.
He first gained attention as a DJ and producer, uploading beats on YouTube under the name NVSN before transitioning to full-fledged artistry. “People started following my journey, even calling me NVSN before I was 13,” he recalls.
Biggest Inspirations
Chris credits his older brother for introducing him to hip-hop, playing artists like G-Eazy, Nipsey Hussle, Bryson Tiller, Logic, and J. Cole around the house. As he developed his style, he found strong influence in Joyner Lucas, Logic, The Kid Laroi, Juice WRLD, and Bryson Tiller—artists known for their introspective storytelling and emotional depth.
Breakthrough Moments
Among his growing discography, two songs stand out: “Missing You” and “Fairy Land.” The latter holds special significance as one of his first releases. “I remember coming home from school every day and going straight into my homemade studio to record that song,” he shares. The track captures his struggles, dreams, and personal journey, making it a defining piece of his career.
Overcoming Challenges
Like many upcoming artists, Chris has faced his share of challenges—insecurities, financial struggles, and even doubt from friends and family. “No one ever believed I could make it happen,” he admits. But through it all, he stayed focused, using music as both an escape and a weapon against negativity.
His faith in God keeps him grounded. “I’ve faced hate, but my music and my belief in God help me overcome those obstacles.”
A Message of Inspiration
At the heart of Chris Uriel’s music is a message: believe in yourself, push past your limits, and make your dreams a reality. He wants listeners to walk away from his music feeling motivated to give 200% in everything they do.
What’s Next for Chris Uriel?
Chris is constantly working on new music, expanding his network, and preparing for global performances. Fans can expect a wave of new releases this year, as well as exciting collaborations and future live shows.
With his passion, talent, and relentless drive, it’s only a matter of time before Chris Uriel becomes a household name. Stay tuned—this is just the beginning.