Vijay Galani.

Desimag.co.uk caught up with Bollywood Film Producer Mr Vijay Galani who told us how the preps are going for the biggest A R Rahman show ever, to be held in the UK.

 

AR Rahman is lined up to set the stage on fire. He has 20 shows all across the globe performing 3 in the UK covering London, Manchester & Birmingham! JAI HO!

Tickets are on sale now so get your bookings in fast. This spectacular show is set to create history for years to come; Vijay has brought the rights for all three shows and is eager to set a trend for plenty more shows in the near future.

He is currently busy planning publicity promotions for the shows and is ecstatic  from the response he has received so far.

DesiMag: How long have you been in the industry for?

Vijay : I have been in the industry for the past 20 years, I started my film in 1991 which with Salman Khan called ‘Suryavanshi’. Then I continued to make films like ‘Achanak’ with Govinda and Manisha then ‘Ajnabi’ I launched Bipasha in this film with Akshay, Bobby & Kareena. I started a film with Bobby, Sunil shetty and launched Priyanka chopra as well, but that film was not completed. I made ‘Hungama’ with Akshay Khanna, I made a small film called ‘Bachke Rehna Re Baba’ which starred Imran Khan & Mallika sherawat in it, which was shot in Mauritius then more recently I picked Veer with Salman Khan.

DesiMag: What was it like to work with Salman after so many years?

Vijay : We have been friends for many years, Its important to wait for the right time in life to approach the right actor who will charge me the right money which in turn will make me money. It’s very important to understand the economical side to a project before signing it; we did discuss it a few times and at the time I felt it was the right time to sign it at a particular price. I felt I would be able to recover my money, so we went ahead and made veer.

DesiMag: What is it like to be back in the UK working on a completely different platform doing A. R Rahmans concerts, how did the whole idea come about?

Vijay : I have experience in organising show I’ve organised 5 very popular shows for Himesh Reshammiya acting as a international promoter which were very successful. I visit the UK very often, having shot my films here I understand the business market out here, so I’m comfortable working here, bringing big artists down from India. A R Rahman is a very big international star now, he’s bigger then the bollywood heroes.

He’s going on a world tour, which consist’s of 20 shows. I brought the rights for three shows all in UK. I know the whole process and I’m aware of what goes in to making a show successful overall. Show business and film making is more or less the same, it works side by side. So my visit here today is to book venues, plan the publicity promotion and work out the sponsorship deal and organise the show.

DesiMag: The first show is in New York, What are we to expect from the show?

Vijay : This is the first time a show like this has been put together for an artist from India the whole team is from LA, this team has worked with well known famous artists such as the king of Pop legendary Michael Jackson, queen of pop Madonna, and Byonce’s Noels shows. Usually when an international show has been organised the show director is usually from India but what A R Rahman has done is he’s hired an International team, this works out better. The scale of the show is very, very big the show is added with back drops the props lighting, sound and a lot of technical support, a bit like watching a Madonna concert, giving you the full works. Rahman as hired the biggest PR agency to promote the show, he’s also hired all the international people to handle this.

DesiMag: What is the expected turn out for this show?

Vijay : You will get to feel a theoretical experience on stage for the first time, the whole show has been put together by a fantastic American company based in LA you will see, dancers, props, live performances & musicians. There are a lot of singers from his own group who you will see performing on stage, like for example the guy who sung ‘Pappo can’t dance sala’ and Adithi. The backdrops, technical sound is absolutely fantastic, incredible lighting includes illumination like never before. AR Rahman isn’t bringing the same old. He’s coming to perform to rock the stage with new upcoming talent hailing from India.

DesiMag: Can you tell us more about the Preparations that have gone in to the show?

Vijay : The organisation and preparation that has gone in to the show is phenomenal. The world tour A.R Rahman had done before consisted of 2 world tours, one was in 2002 the other in 2005-6 all the shows were sold out even though there was only 8-9 shows, 3 in the UK and 6-7 in USA & Canada so at that time all the shows were completely sold out, even though they were very few. But those shows were nothing like how these shows are expected to be.

This time he’s doing around 20 shows around the world 3 in UK again; UK cannot accommodate more than that. I haven’t even started yet and I’m already getting a lot of response from people especially corporate enquiries from people from all different communities, whether that’s Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi or Tamilians everybody is very keen and has shown great interest, plus we have had a fantastic response from the Western British crowd in UK as well. So this has opened a few more doors and allowed more people to get in contact with Bollywood and myself. This is the first time a show at this level has received a lot of corporative enquiries where we have bulk bookings I the pipe line.

DesiMag: Can you tell us more about what is A R Rahman currently focussing on at present ?

Vijay: He’s now experimenting with new boys and new girls he’s introduced a lot of new talent in singing. He’s not looking to bring down all the popular singers like Sukwinder and many others we have all seen performing in concerts, he looking to incorporate brand new fresh singers, so something to look forward to.

DesiMag: Do you know if he will be using any UK based Singers? (has he trained anyone from UK that might be performing on stage with him)

Vijay : Well we don’t have anything planned as yet, but maybe something I could always put this forward to him.

A R Rahman- Jai Ho.

DesiMag: Can you tell us more about what is A R Rahman currently focussing on at present ?
 

Vijay : He’s now experimenting with new boys and new girls he’s introduced a lot of new talent in singing. He’s not looking to bring down all the popular singers like Sukwinder and many others we have all seen performing in concerts, he looking to incorporate brand new fresh singers, so something to look forward to.

 Stay logged in to get up and personal with Vijay Galani!

A R Rahman.

Kick starting in NYC on June 11th, A.R Rahman will be touring the UK this year!

Thats not all, the double Oscar and Grammy winner  will be touring US, Canada, Netherlands, France, Norway and UK. Hosting all his own shows we will have to see what magic he brings on stage but something tells us its going to be BIG when it comes to A.R Rahman.

The best thing about his tour is that the Grand Finale is here in London on the 25th July 2010!

We’ve booked the Wembley stadium and O2 auditorium for the final concert,” informs Vijay Galani 

Vijay has purchased the full rights for the UK tours!

The first of the concerts will be at Manchester on July 23, the second one at Birmingham on July 24 and the Finale in London, the place where it all goes down on the 25th July 2010.

Amy Tinkham who is the well established show director who has worked with the likes of Madonna, Britney, and Sir Paul McCartney will be set to work closely with Mr Galani to celebrate the Jai Ho Euphoria.

” Rahman will be  travelling with a troupe of 85 people that includes singers, musicians, dancers but no actors,” says Galani, whose ‘package deal’ was locked after taking into account travel and stay expenses for the troupe as well. 

UK shows will be priced between 35 pounds and 250 pounds.  “For star shows, the highest tickets are tagged at 100 pounds. The VIP area for the Rahman concert is going at over double the price but we are confident there will not be even one vacant seat,” says Galani.

A.R. Rahman Jai Ho Concert: The Journey Home World Tour” will be a theatrical experience that will blend new technologies with powerful dance arrangements and acrobatics, the promoters said.

Just another auto-tone computer disguised as an artist? Nope, not Navin Kundra – he has got the goods to hold his own!

 In an era where digitally enhanced music is the norm, Navin Kundra stands out in the crowd as and incredibly talented singer, guitarist and producer!

This overflowing musical powerhouse has proven his merit with his tracks: Love Thing, ‘Mehbooba’ and ‘Tere Liye’  and bagged 2 UK AMA Nominations as well as some stellar upcoming performances.
 
Kundra’s sound is very unique to the South Asian scene. Though he is known for his Bollywood sound and covers of some classics, it is his incredibly fresh alternative vibe that bagged him the UK AMA nominations in the categories of Best Male Act and Best Alternative Act.
 
Navin’s journey in the music industry started when he spontaneously decided to audition for an audition for a music show at a Mela. He went on to represent the UK in the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge Dubai. As his career progressed, Navin has gone on to perform at those same Melas and at other prestigious events. Recently he performed at the UK British Sports Award 2010 and has a performance coming up in front of Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Amitabh Bachan, Shilpa Shetty and Jesse Jackson. 

Baby I Believe.

Baby I Believe is a sweet track for the ladies off the new mixtape “THE QUICK FIX” vol.1 Available Feb 18 2010

SING ALONG TO : BABY I BELIEVE

Chorus:
Baby i believe, baby i do
baby i believe baby its true
you were sent for me and i was sent for you
baby i beleive baby i do x 2
baby i believe baby its true
you be good to me and ill be good to you
baby i believe baby its you

When we first met
i admit i was tryna hit quick split
never could commit
alotta one night stands
but you, i couldnt understand
why i kept coming back on the phone
nah i couldnt believe all that
coudlnt fall for the trap
the nights you werent there was a fuckin nightmare
it wasnt quite fair we could be a nice pair
and when i fell you was right there
when my homie passed you wiped away tears
months turned to years
it was quite clear you was meant for me gave me a seed
when they never did girl you still believed
when they said stop girl u said proceed
when i turned blind girl u made me see
thanks to u girl i now believe x2

Chorus:
Baby i believe, baby i do
baby i believe baby its true
you were sent for me and i was sent for you
baby i believe baby i do x 2
baby i believe baby its true
you be good to me and ill be good to you
baby i believe baby its you

now i aint got alot but u still my sweetheart
and i dont mean to sweet talk but senorita
cant wait to see ya i dont need much but i need ya never did b4 but ima keep ya
never be a cheata cud neva cheat ya liek a queen ima treat ya i cud leave this whole world but i never leave ya
heart beatin slow when im near ya and ya features got me catchin fevers never make u cry cuz our love is deeper
the type of bond they cud neva teach ya so id liek to thank ya come here for a minute let me hold ya
put u on a poster they can hate but so what tell ur frends grow up
and y know what forever ima be ur soldier cuz
forever ima b ur soldier cuz

Chorus:
Baby i believe, baby i do
baby i believe baby its true
you were sent for me and i was sent for you
baby i believe baby i do x 2
baby i believe baby its true
you be good to me and ill be good to you
baby i believe baby its you

Title:Baby I believe
Artist: Roti
Producer:Skoshamuzik
Alnum: The Quick Fix 2010

Watch all the actors come together to protect india’s culture and hertiage.

Contributions made by, A.R. Rehman, Amitabh Bachchan, Shankar, ehsan , Loy, Shreya Ghosal, Aishwarya, Gurdas Maan, Juhi chawla, Zakhir Hussain, Shilpa, Priyanka Chopra, & Salman Khan have been captured to complete this video.

WATCH NOW!

He has collaborated with some of the biggest desi names bringing a series of amazing acts to the asian music scene from the likes of Apache Indian, Mehsopuria, Suman, DJ Ams, to the likes of Alisha Chinoy, Mika Singh, Atif Aslam, Hadiqa Kiyani and Abrar Ul Haq to an international platform.

The Album, ”Turning Point” reflects the ups and downs of the producers experiences. The journey from one genre to another, reflecting on many thoughts, memories, feelings and emotions.

We have already broadcasted the videos Aey Khuda, Tareeyan De Loye Loye, Hogiya Na Pyar and now we bring you the video to Dil Ka Diya featuring Omer Nadeem the new kid on the block already making waves in the industry world-wide!

This is Omer Nadeem’s second video, first being Aey Khuda. This video was shot in Karachi and features Armeena an up and coming model based in Manchester UK.

This video was shot by none other then Khiza himself! A singer/ producer/ dancer and now VIDEO DIRECTOR! What else does Khiza have under his sleeves… we will wait and

After the global musical successes of Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham and Kabhie Alvida Na Kehna, Sony Music Entertainment (India), the largest multinational and third largest music company in India, is proud to release the soundtrack of one of this year’s most highly anticipated Indian motion pictures, My Name is Khan, an epic romantic drama with Global appeal.

Continuing to redefine rules of music marketing, Sony Music Entertainment (India) is again at the forefront of creating a unique and scintillating musical experience for the global South Asian Diaspora and mainstream listeners alike.

My Name is Khan, is directed by Karan Johar and reunites megastar Shah Rukh Khan – named by Time magazine as “the world’s biggest movie star” – and one of India’s finest actresses Kajol for the first time in eight years, deals with the bold subject of an unconventional hero – Rizvan Khan (Shah Rukh Khan) an Islamic man with an Asperger’s Autism Disorder – and his journey into a foreign country to win back the love of his life, as he overcomes obstacles and demonstrates humanity and love. Together the three have ruled the international box office taking Indian cinema to unsurpassed heights and My Name is Khan is expected to be no exception. 

The music is directed by one of India’s most accomplished musical trios, the critically acclaimed Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy who have collectively delivered some of the most hummed and danced to tracks from India, many of which are award-winning. 

The musical composition of the soundtrack reflects the myriad hues of the film, interspersed with human emotions as it identifies the significance of a prevailing story of love, life, tribulations and tragedy. The Sufi flavoured music soiree consists of six songs that are soul-stirring. This  ‘must hear’ album features some of the most renowned vocals across the Sub-Continent including that of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Shafqat Amanat Ali, Adnan Sami, Richa Sharma, Shreya Ghoshal, and Rashid Ali, Shankar Mahadevan adding to the earthiness of tracks. Over 20 minutes of the film is set only to music.

In commenting on the music release of the soundtrack for My Name is Khan, Shridhar Subramaniam, Managing Director, Sony Music Entertainment, India says: “Our decade old relationship with Dharma Productions & Karan Johar now has one more jewel. “MY NAME IS KHAN” is set to be another classic soundtrack that will live on in our collective consciousness for a long time. We are very proud of this album and determined to make the world enjoy it.”

The music soundtrack for My Name is Khan is now available nationwide from local stores, Amazon.com and downloadable from iTunes

UK’s Top Bollywood Dance School – Honey’s Dance Academy – launches auditions to select next Bollywood Superstar – ‘Bollywood Factor’!

Honey’s Dance Academy, the UK’s top Bollywood Dance School, will be discovering the next Bollywood superstar in the making at its eagerly anticipated X-Factor audition process – Bollywood Factor – taking place on Saturday 9th January at St. Giles Hotel, Bedford Avenue, London WC1.  The competitors dancing to secure a winning place will be trained by Bollywood’s top Choreographers to take part in a major Bollywood film as well as the winning the chance to compete in the UK Bollywood Dance Championships 2010. 

This Saturday, the keen eye of Honey Kalaria, the Academy’s Founder, alongside a panel of Bollywood’s top choreographers, will be hunting out new dance talent who have the passion, drive and determination to make it as a Bollywood Star.“You don’t have to be a dance professional to audition, we’re looking for students with passion, creativity and stage presence who we can train in different styles of Bollywood and Bhangra dance” Honey Kalaria, Founder H.D.A

Open to all skill levels the Academy has taken novice dancers and trained them to perform on the most glamorous of stage and film sets. With Bollywood ever growing in popularity and now reaching global audiences the appeal to learn and perform in the Bollywood arts has attracted students from all cultural backgrounds – something H.D.A encourages. Since its inception in 1999, Honey’s Dance Academy has grown to over 13 London Studios and has casted its dancing students in Film, TV and Stage performances such as the BBC Proms, Jamie Oliver’s Oliver Twist, Harry Potter, Bombay Dreams, as well as blockbuster Bollywood movies.

 The Academy has always attracted a high number of applicants and fierce competition, and with this year’s Bollywood Factor and forthcoming UK Bollywood Dance Championships the organisers have been inundated. Anyone interested in auditioning should register prior to the day by calling 020 8590 8050 or online at www.honeysdanceacademy.com

Music Mogul Rishi Rich is proud to announce the launch of his new Music academy.

The first of his classes will be a basic introductory 4 day course for those who want to make a career in the music industry. Students will be taught in the world famous Pineapple Studios in Covent Garden starting in London on the 14th April 2009.

This course will give many opportunities for aspiring artists to be fast tracked and have the opportunity to be taught and meet the world’s finest artists and professionals in the industry. This course will be covering all aspects of being an artist from production, singing, performing and dancing. This will be an amazing opportunity for those wishing to learn the realities of becoming an artist and have insight into what it really takes.

Throughout the course students will have the chance to meet and learn from the likes of Rishi Rich, H-Dhami, Nihal, Ameet Chana, Juggy D and Veronica.

Rishi Rich States
“Personally speaking this academy was set up to feed my passion, the passion to make SUPERSTARS! Not only that but the aim of the academy is to help us find the star in you and seed new talent”

This academy will be developing the next generation of quality artists with extreme talent and ambition.

Veronica states
“By doing this academy we aim to breathe fresh talent and raise the standards of the performing artists that we have today in the music industry”

Students with exceptional talent will be invited back to be developed further by the Rishi Rich Academy.

Yash Raj Films, an industry leader, has always been in the forefront to give its repertoire to the consum- ers in the newest formats.

It is a matter of great pride that YRF has now released 11 of its best films on the next generation of quality viewing, e.g., Blu-ray Disc to give all its consumers an experience of high definition viewing through this cutting edge technology format.

YRF films on Blu-ray Discs have been aggressively priced to enable more and more consumers to experience High Definition. It will help upgrade your personal home video library with several YRF Block- busters, Popular Entertainers, New Age Cinema and Classics.

 YRF shall continue to add more titles in this format in a phased manner based on the feed-back from its esteemed customers.

YRF had done a strategic alliance with Philips whereby the Blu-ray Disc of New York was available exclusively with *Philips Blu-ray Players in India for the first three months and has now released in the open market as well. We express our gratitude to you for your patronage over the years and we look forward to your continued relationship in the future as well.

The YRF titles now available on Blu-ray disc: New York, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Dostana, Bachna Ae Haseeno, Chak De India, Dhoom:2, Fanaa, Veer-Zaara, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Silsila, Kabhi Kabhie. All these titles are available in select stores of Music World, Planet M, Rhythm House (Mumbai), Landmark, Crossword and other retail stores in select cities in India. These have also been released in
the USA, UK, UAE and few other countries.

For any assistance and enquiries, please write to:

gaurav@yashrajfilms.com

The distinctively unpretentious, deep, rich, and a mesmirising voice who earned her recognition as one of the India’s premiere singers who is one of the very first indian artists to receive an MTV Immies Award for her chartbusting song “Babuji Zara Dheere Chalo”.

 She is none other than “Sonu Kakkar”.

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The distinctively unpretentious, deep, rich, and a mesmirising voice who earned her recognition as one of the India’s premiere singers who is one of the very first indian artists to receive an MTV Immies Award for her chartbusting song “Babuji Zara Dheere Chalo”. She is none other than “Sonu Kakkar”.

Some of Sonu’s memorable tracks are – the emotional and heart wrenching track ‘Call of the lover – ‘Sun Charkhe Di’ from the non-film album Mitti from sony bmg which created, waves everywhere., the Indi-pop chartbuster ‘Mallika I Hate You’etc.

She opened her eyes in a small town of Rishikesh, Uttaranchal on October 20th. Giving her a full support her parents who agreed shifting to Delhi where she used to sing Mata’s Bhajans and finally to Mumbai a place where her dreams lie.

Sonu Kakkar is a versatile singer who has come up a long way in a very short span of time. After listening her full-throated voice sandeep chowta promised to give her an opportunity to sing in his next film.

She made her debut with the film Dum starred Vivek Oberoi and Diya Mirza with the Most Popular Song Of The Year 2003 Babuji Zara Dheere Chalo picturised on Yana Gupta. This ultimate Raunching Dance Number really makes E.Niwas’s Dum eminently worthwhile.

As she is brilliant with sufi also, she has sung some mesmerising songs like YAADAN TERI YAAD in the album called Euphoric Sufis from times music with living legends like Abida Parveen, Shubha mudgal etc. DHOLNA MAHI,and a song in Channa vey etc. 

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She has worked with A.R Rahman, in the film called Godfather.

Sonu’s film Mukhbiir, has a beautiful song called Jeena and her latest album on Sony BMG – is called “DON’T TOUCH ME”.    

Sonu sang a classical number in Kaizad Gustad’s film Boom the song Seduction Saanwaria so beautifully sung by her critically appreciated a lot, and many films like RISK the song has been a chartbuster called Hichki , Delhi Heights, Corporate, Kis kis ki kismet, Sandwich, Naach, Sheesha, Revati etc.

She has recently sung for Kurkure’s latest commercial ( GODHING GAPPA )which has been directed by Imtiaz ali , picturised on Kareena Kapoor.

Her new film Toss a flip of destiny has got an upbeat number by her…

Sonu’s Latest  projects :

FILM “ BLUE ” music by A.R.Rahman, directed by Anthony D’souza, starring Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Katrina Kaif,  Lara Dutta and Zayed Khan ( She has sung the title track of BLUE )

FILM “ JAIL “ starring Neil Nitin Mukesh and Mugdha Godse, directed by Madhur Bhandarkar ( she has sung the item number in JAIL )

From her earliest days as a singer, Sonu showed an independent spirit, appetite for work, and natural talent that would fuel her for years. Fans all over the world are amazed to see her performing. She has done uncountable shows, performed all over the world… 

Once started her carrier in the music industry, there has been no looking back for her……

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First collaboration between composer AR Rahman and Director Gautham Vasudev Menon

The soundtrack to the forthcoming Tamil film, Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa (“Will you come to me, from across the sky?”), was previewed on Saturday evening at a reception at BAFTA in London.

The soundtrack, by Oscar winning composer A.R. Rahman, accompanies the latest film from director Gautham Vasudev Menon. All the artists featured on the soundtrack performed live at the launch and A.R. Rahman went on stage to talk about the film and also to thank his fans.

 The movie, made in both Tamil and Telugu, is to be released in February 2010 and follows the love story of Karthik and Jessie.  Karthik is an ambitious idealist while Jessie is a simple, conservative Malayalee Christian girl. When Karthik and Jessie meet, it’s love at first sight…for Karthik. Jessie holds back, but is unable to resist the persuasive, romantic Karthik. However cultural clashes soon rear their head.  This is the eighth movie from film-maker Gautham Vasudev Menon. Engineer turned director, Menon’s films have, over a short time span, become trend setters in the Tamil film industry-enjoying both commercial success and critical acclaim. He has made stars out of actors including Madhavan (Minnale) and Surya (Kaaka Kaaka). In the recent past, he has made a mark in the film industry with the release of Vaaranam Aayiram starring Surya and Vettaiyadu Villaiyadu starring Kamal Haasan. 

Double Oscar winner and recipient of a host of awards, A.R. Rahman is an internationally celebrated composer. Rahman, who made his debut in Mani Rathnam’s Roja, created a new wave of sound and music and since then there has been no looking back. Rahman worked with Andrew Lloyd Webber on Bombay Dreams and has composed for the ‘Lord of the Rings’ musical. In 2006, he received an honorary award from Stanford University for contributions to global music. But it was in 2009 when Rahman won his Oscars for ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ that he was catapulted into the global spotlight. He recently performed at the Obama luncheon at Washington and has been nominated for a Grammy this year.

This is the first Tamil soundtrack that Rahman has worked on since winning the Oscars. Speaking at the launch, Rahman said: “Winning the Oscars was great and it does make you mindful of a global cross-over audience, but every film I work on is precious to me. The music is key for this film; Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa is a story of two different cultures, and all the emotion of that comes through the music. It’s the first time that Gautham and I have worked together and because it’s a new combination, there has been a lot of curiosity and anticipation about the soundtrack.” Talking about the topic of the film at the launch, Menon said: “In the movie, Karthik is a script writer whose friend tells him not to write a script about a romantic cultural clash because it would be too cliched; by poking fun at the genre we work around the cliches of a love story”.  “Working with A.R. Rahman has been inspirational; we’re very pleased with the end result and there is huge excitement about the soundtrack.”

The seven-song soundtrack features lyrics in Tamil, Malayalam (a language predominantly spoken in Kerala in South India) and English. Full details of each track are below. The soundtrack will be released globally through Sony BMG in January 2010.

Mumzy & Sophie

Rishi Rich, Biddu, and Bappi Lahiri have put together a unique sound. Mumzy and Sophie are working together for the first time. Check it out!

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Make sure you log in and check it out!

Mumzy’s new Bollywood sound has taken him to new heights in his career.

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His elegant and Bollywood style voice makes us wonder why Bollywood has’nt sweept  the gorgeous Navin off his feet and flown him to a recording studio in Bollywood…or have they? Watch him perform at the Uk Bhangra Awards 2009!

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Zain Bhikha

Check Zain Bhika’s ”Freedom Will Come” from his Album 1415 The Beginning!

 

1415 The Beginning pays true homage to when Zain Bhikha began recording in 1994/1415 AH. 2009 marks fifteen years since he officially released his first independent debut album “A Way of Life”. The release of 1415 pays tribute to his beginnings with 12 emotionally driven tracks including ‘Mum and Dad’, ‘I Remember your Smile’ and the ‘Prophets Faithful Friend’.

The album also features a fresh new approach to classic songs such as ‘Fortunate is He’. This album is a true tribute to the work of Zain Bhikha in its simplicity and profound messages; it’s a must for all those seeking peace in the remembrance of God. 

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Zain Bhikha, 1415 The Beginning, Freedom Will Come

786- Striaght Path

Taken from their new Album Straight Path, the 786 boys are back with new Nasheeds/Naats about Islam, Life, Struggle, Nature and World! Check them out!

 

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Interview with Wajid (from Sajid-Wajid duo) Composer turns lyricist for “Kal kissne Dekha” and many other Hit Bollywood films like Wanted, forthcoming Veer and Many more!

DesiMag.co.uk caught up with Music Producer and composer Wajid at the Promo of “Kal Kissne Dekha”

DesiMag: Tell us about the music you have composed for Jackky Bhagnani’s debut movie “kal kissne dekha “

WAJID:  I’m here today in London for the Promo of KKD, I was invited by Vashu jee, I have sung a couple of tracks for this film myself and the music is by myself and Sajid.

DesiMag: What other projects are you working on?

WAJID:  I have also composed the music for Salman khan starrer “Veer”, the music for “Wanted” is now complete, Kal kissne dekha as mentioned earlier “Paying Guest” which is movie by Subhash Ghai, “Jahne Kahain se aye hain” starring Sanjay Dutt as the main hero, and “Mein aur Mrs Khanna” and “Partner”, So yeah you will hear a lot more from me in the near future…

DesiMag: How long have you been in the industry for?

WAJID: I have just past my 10th year.

DesiMag: Congratulationst, so how did you enter the music industry, why Bollywood?

WAJID: As a child I use to accompany my father, my father is a very big Musician, a Tabla player, that’s how I got into this. I also play the guitar so that helped me, and now I compose and produce music and have recently lent my vocals to some future releases coming soon.

 
DesiMag: You have also composed the music for the IPL Punjab Cricket team in India? Could you tell us more about this?

WAJID: I am the official composer for KINGS V1 PUNJAB TEAM – (Mohali)  of the Indian Premier League I have sung the song.

Desimag.co.uk would like just like to say what a  remarkable voice Wajid actually has.  We heard him sing LIVE and believe me, we wanted more!

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We caught up with the next lady in line to take the music industry by storm… Kee

DESIMAG: When did you start singing?

Kee: I started singing in my early teens but professionally I would say it’s been just over a year now. I am still getting to know the industry.

DESIMAG: Tell us a bit more about you’re music, you’re known as the first Hindi pop rock artist to hit the UK, who is your main influences?

Kee: I would describe my music as being very fresh and current. Fusing Hindi with pop/rock and a big dose of British attitude! To name a few, my main influences are legends like Asha Bhosle, Lata Mangeshkar, and more recent artists like Atif Aslam and Himesh Reshammiya.

DESIMAG: How did you get involved in the music scene?

Kee: My friends and family always encouraged me to take it further. But it wasn’t until I wrote my first song and realised I actually had potential. I then took vocal training and continued writing. It isn’t a straight road and you do meet some false people along the way who waste your time. But you learn and move on, now I can filter them out quite easily. Facebook is an amazing networking tool.

 I have met so many decent people from the music industry on there who are now very close friends of mine. One being my manager Rani Joshi, we instantly connected and are now part of Royal Music Management.

DESIMAG: Your single ‘Baby baby’ produced by Brass tax, tell us more?

Kee: Brass Tax is another good friend of mine and I have appreciated his music for a long time. He is also a hip-hop artist and his productions are very hard hitting. It was more of an experiment to see how we could combine the two styles and we ended up with a cocktail of futuristic sounds merged with creamy vocals.

 The song is written by myself and it’s about a man who is about to leave his girl for good. How love can just disappear. It’s all based on one scene capturing the kind of conversations that would take place in that situation.

DESIMAG: What is your full name and where are you from?

Kee: My full name is Kiran Dass and I am from Coventry, which is in the West Midlands.

DESIMAG: Who is your biggest inspiration? And who is your favourite singer and why?

Kee: My biggest inspiration and favourite singer all in one is Asha Bhosle. Do I need to explain further? But really Asha ji has the sweetest voice ever and still sounds sweet as ever.

DESIMAG: Have you performed outside the UK, If so where?

Kee: I haven’t as of yet, I’ve been mainly working on my album and performing around the UK, but I do hope to perform abroad in the near future.

DESIMAG: Has your life changed since you have become a singer? & what is life really like for a singer?

Kee: Yes, definitely! I have a 9-5 job, and life as an artist is a 24/7 job! So you can imagine I’m a very busy girl, but I prefer it that way otherwise I would get bored easily. You don’t really get time to see your friends and socialise the way you used to, but on the other hand I am meeting new people every-day. I find I can never switch off from being an artist. I have the passion and drive to succeed and failure is not an option for me. So far I have had very positive feedback and am looking forward to the journey ahead. As with everything you get your highs and lows but bottom line I love it!

DESIMAG: Which Artist’s would you like to work with in the future?

Kee: I would love to work with Atif Aslam, Jannat (group), Raghav and Taz (Stereo Nation).

DESIMAG: How do your lyrics reflect on your life, is there a deeper meaning/ message behind them?

Kee: The lyrics of every song are based on experience, however not necessarily just mine. I watch & experience other people’s lives around me and then reflect them in my music. I can actually put myself in their situation and imagine how I would feel in that moment of time. It’s really strange it’s almost like acting. I have also co-written with other people on some of my songs, so the lyrics are based on their experiences as well.

DESIMAG: What is your level of education? Do you consider education to be important in life and music?

Kee: I started working as soon as I left college. Luckily for me I progressed well and have a fantastic job now, but I could have got there a lot sooner had I continued my education. I think it is very important, and to be successful in anything you do you need a good head on your shoulders. After-all music is a business too.

DESIMAG: Where do you see your career as a singer in next 5 years?

Kee: Hopefully as a successful and well established artist who is still around.

DESIMAG: For a female vocalist you’re the first Hindi, Rock fusion in the UK how did this come about?

Kee: I am absolutely crazy about Hindi music and the way India and Pakistan have created this fusion with rock just blew me away, I just had bring it to the UK! Born and raised in the UK, I have always been surrounded by Bhangra and you’re odd Hindi singer. I wanted to bring something new to the UK Music Industry, and here I am!

DESIMAG: Are you single?

Kee: Yes! Unfortunately it is hard to commit to a relationship when you are married to music, but you never know I just haven’t met ‘the one’ yet.

DESIMAG: Do you take part in charity/ fund raising events?

Kee: Yes.

DESIMAG: Is your voice professionally trained & does singing come to you naturally?

Kee: I have been professionally trained and continue to exercise my voice regularly. Yes singing does come naturally; you can’t just decide one morning that you want to become a singer. Having the basics is great, but then you have to nurture what you have been given and try perfecting it. There is always room for improvement!

DESIMAG: What is your perspective of life?

Kee: Life is what YOU make of it! Stay humble and true to one another and good things will happen!

DESIMAG: Could you tell your fans & desimag.co.uk readers what your all time favourite song is?

Kee: My all time favourite song is ‘Kabhi Kabhi’. I must have driven my friends and family mad singing that all the time. I love the version Bally Sagoo did too!

DESIMAG: What is your biggest achievement to date?

Kee: My song ‘Tere Bina’ with Singer/Songwriter/Producer ARJUN was selected as one of the ‘top 5 love songs’ in 2008 with CLUBASIA!

DESIMAG: What do you fear the most?

Kee:  The thought of not being able to sing! I dread catching a cold/flu as it always hits my throat first!

DESIMAG: Name 5 things you consider to be your biggest strength?

Kee: My supporting family & friends, management, my voice, being able to create melodies and write songs!

DESIMAG: Name 5 of your weaknesses’ –

Kee: Music! Chocolate! Shoes! Nandos and Ben & Jerry’s Cookie Dough Ice-cream!

DESIMAG: What is your star sign?

Kee: Aries, yes so don’t mess! (LAUGHS)

DESIMAG: Last but not least could you give a big shout out to all your fans, well wishers and desimag.co.uk readers. Is there anything you would like to tell them?

Kee: I would just like to say a big thank you to DESIMAG for the support and interest you have expressed in me. A big shout out to all my supporters and well wishers! Look out for me I will be making my way around the UK performing exclusive tracks from my Debut album due for release late 2009! Appreciate all the love and support!

Love Kee xx

www.myspace.com/keemusicpage

Watch Kee’s Video Diary One!

Watch Kee’s Video Diary Number Two!

It was the first time that the Kolkata audience got to listen to a recital of Hariharan and Pt Swapan Chaudhuri. Credit goes to Abir and Abhra to have thought of a programme with such an interesting combination of artistes. For the fans of the tabla maestro, whom Kolkata gets to hear only at classical music programmes, such a concert is indeed special.

For those who don’t frequent an Indian classical conference, this was a rare opportunity to get wooed by Chaudhuri’s magic fingers while Hariharan enthralled with numbers like Kesariya and Patta patta buta buta. The audience was also generous in appreciating the skill of the sarengi player who engaged in an interesting sawal jawab with Hariharan! 

Jagitt Singh.

Ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh has questioned Rahman’s talent and said the music he composes is not ‘real music’ He even went on to challenge Rahman to compose and sing ghazals to prove his talent.

Jagjit Singh accused Rahman of copying western tunes and giving an Indian touch to them. He also went on to criticize Gulzar for writing such lyrics and said that a man from such literary background should not write such ordinary songs.

Jagjit has been giving alot of negative critism to many of his so called collegues, only the other day he was saying how Adnan Sami should go back from where he came from and also mentioned that he couldnt sing either?

Sami

Sami Yusaf was born in 1980 and is a British Muslim singer-songwriter of Azeri descent. He was born in Tehran, Iran to Azeri Muslim parents and was raised in London. Sami is signed to Awakening Records and comprises songs to do with Islam and Muslims in the world today.

He also sings about the Humanitarian and Social issues in his music. Sami Yusaf has made videos for several of his songs and performed two of his songs from his new album at the Wembley concert during the US tour organised by Islamic Relief.  Following the release of his first chart topping album Al-mu-allim and My Ummah, Sami Yusaf is now back with his new highly anticipated album ‘Without You’.  

The album has many beautiful songs, ‘Forever Palestine’, which has a sincere expression of the bravery of the Palestine people in hardship today. ‘Thousand Times’ is a song about friendship.  ‘Sallou’ is a fusion of four different languages talking about the Danish cartoon controversy. ‘Not in my Name’ is written by Bara Kherigi and is an unpredictable song disapproving acts of violence.

‘Without you’ and Anything For You, are written by Conner Reeves a British singer and song writer are to remind people of what they sometimes forget in their busy lives. Salutation is a soft and meditative acapella song. The song ‘Never Never’ is influenced by Indian music which unites Hindi, English and Turkish.

Finally the album has a song called ‘Asma Allah’ the melodious balled that was pre-released with a music video. All songs in the album are composed by Sami Yusaf.The album has been released and is priced at £8.95.