There are some interviews that don’t just end when the recording stops. They stay with you.

My recent conversation with Zav was one of those moments.

From the very first interaction, Zav carried himself with a quiet confidence and intentionality—especially in how he represents the Lord. Nothing about him felt forced or performative. It was grounded. Purposeful. You could tell early on that his identity is rooted in Christ, not just his music.

One of the first things that stood out to me—and honestly sparked conversation immediately—was his hat. At first glance, it looks like “LA,” but as he explained, it actually reads “I AM.” And that alone spoke volumes. Everything about it pointed back to Jesus—scripture references, the Lamb of God, and the number 33, symbolizing the age Christ was when He was crucified. It wasn’t just something he was wearing; it was a declaration. A reminder of who God is and who we are in Him.

As we sat down and really got into the interview, the conversation became even deeper. Zav opened his Bible, and we went straight to the Word. That’s when I knew this wasn’t going to be surface-level. He talked about doing outreach at the mall, meeting people right where they are, and being intentional about showing up for Christ outside of church walls. What really stood out to me was his honesty. He didn’t shy away from talking about moments when his walk wasn’t clear or when he had questions—but what was powerful was hearing how he has transitioned into standing firm on God’s Word.

I genuinely enjoyed this conversation. I enjoyed his heart. I enjoyed his seriousness about the things of God. And I appreciated his transparency. You can tell when someone is truly sold out—not just saying the right things, but living it.

Who Zav Is

Zav, whose real name is Xavier Duda, is a 22-year-old Christian music artist out of Grand Blanc, Michigan. He writes from real life—his experiences, his process, and the revelations he’s received through the gospel that has changed his life.

What I love about Zav is that his desire isn’t just for people to hear Christian music, but for them to experience Jesus personally. Not just through reading a book or attending church, but through relationship. And that heart shows up in everything he does.

He’s released multiple singles across all platforms and also dropped a mixtape titled Professor Xavier on YouTube and SoundCloud. His sound feels familiar, but it’s still original. It’s reflective, intentional, and very honest.

Music That Reflects the Walk

One song that really stands out is “Romans 7 & 4” featuring Christlike Kaya. This record is one you should absolutely check out. It’s dope—but more than that, it’s real. It wrestles with scripture and the internal battle believers face daily, and it doesn’t try to clean it up or sugarcoat it.

Other songs like “Dear Jesus,” “Look Ahead,” “Break My Fall,” and “Save Me” continue that same theme. These songs feel more like prayers than performances. They reflect a heart that’s learning, growing, surrendering, and choosing God daily.

Spotlight: Christlike Kaya

I also want to take a moment to highlight Christlike Kaya, whose contribution on “Romans 7 & 4” adds real depth to the song. His verse complements Zav’s transparency beautifully and reinforces the message that this walk isn’t about perfection—it’s about dependence on Christ. Together, they created something honest and impactful that I believe will resonate with a lot of people.

What’s Next

Zav has an album dropping titled Professor Xavier: Side B, releasing this Friday, and I’m genuinely excited about what’s coming. If you’ve heard his earlier work, this next project feels like a continuation of his growth—spiritually and musically.

Beyond music, Zav also leads a community group where he goes deeper into scripture, identity in Christ, and what it really means to be intentional in your walk with God. He’s not just creating music—he’s creating space for people to grow.

Why This Matters

Zav is the kind of artist who reminds you that music can still point people back to Jesus without compromise. His sound is original, his flow is solid, and his heart for God is evident. He is radical for Christ, and it shows—not just in what he says, but in how he lives.

You can find Zav on Apple Music, Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube, and YouTube Music (links below), and I truly hope you take the time to listen.

This was a conversation I enjoyed. An interview that stayed with me. And I believe Zav is exactly what I said from the beginning—a voice that points back to Christ.