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Mick Jagger Unveils "SuperHeavy" with A.R. Rahman

According to Reuters.com, Mick Jagger has joined up with the likes of famed Indian Composer A.R Rahman, songstress Joss Stone, Eurythmics member Dave Stewart and Reggae artist Damian Marley, to form a new supergroup by the name of SuperHeavy. 

The group is currently working on their yet-untitled debut album, with their first single "Miracle Worker" due out in September. Universal Records will release the album in North America, while A&M will handle the release worldwide. 

The recordings themselves took place in various studios all over the world including France, Cyprus and India, and were put together in a span of three weeks in Los Angeles. 

The band came together in 2004, when Jagger and Stewart were curious as to how different sounds from around the world would sound, if fused together. After meeting other artists who shared the same interests, SuperHeavy was born.

One song on the upcoming album titled "Satyameva Jayate" (which translates into "the truth alone triumphs") has Jagger singing in Urdu on an A.R. Rahman production. 

The group has also released a trailer for the project, which can be viewed here:

 

From the looks of this project, this is definitely something that any music lover should look out for, when it is released in the fall. 

-Naveet Nanwa

Celebration 2011: Canadian - Indian Festival at Canada's Wonderland

Indian Music Fest welcomes you out to Wonderland where we will be showcasing both South Asian and Canadian culture.  With over 15 artists from around the globe as well as the top Canadian talent, this is one event not to be missed.  With legends such as Apache Indian, Heera and the Safri Boyz along with newcomers Culture Shock and Mumzy this will undoubtedly be the event of the summer.  The discounted ticket admission will not only include entry to the park which will allow you to go on all your favourite rides but include entry to the festival happening inside Kingswood Music Theatre.  There will be live deejays onsite including Baba Kahn, Nspire, ISC Nation and more.

Performers

Apache Indian
Born into a family of Indian origins, Kapur grew up in Handsworth, a racially mixed area with larger Black and Asian Communities, home of reggae bands such as steel pulse, and by the early 1980s he was working with local sound systems and wearing dreadlocks.  The single mixed ragga and bhangra and was hugely popular among audiences of both genres.  Two further singles followed in a similar vein, "Chok There" and "Don Raja", bringing him to the attention of the major labels and in 1992 he signed a recording contract with Island Records.

Heera Group
Heera Group UK was a popular bhangra music group that originated in the early 1980s.  They scored several Punjabi hit songs through much of the decade.  Arguably, Heera Group introduced Bhangra as we hear it today.

Culture Shock
Baba Kahn is without question Canada's premier and most celebrated club DJ.  Few can begin to touch the scope of this decade-long success within the industry.  Sunny Brown, a composer and producer has been preparing for what is set to be an amazing journey.  Sunny Brown is no newcomer to the music scene.  Lomaticc, signed to SPG Music and 747 Records, is a solo artist, producer and songwriter.  Lomaticc is leaving people in awe with his original breathtaking talent.

Manak-E
Manak-E started his musical journey in Jalandhar, Punjab from a very young age during his school days.  In the beginning music was just a hobby for him and he doesn't know when this hobby turned into his passion.  He continued his journey and shifted to the U.K. where he dominated with his songs like "Hor Glassy", "Jee Karda", "Shera Di Korm", "Virsa", "Khushian", "Dhoor" and with his latest Bollywood smashit, "Paisa Paisa".

Geeta Zaildar
Zaildar is one of the most popular Bhangra music artists between the youngsters of Punjab.  He likes to live life king-size with an open heart.  His affection of Punjabi music always compels him to create something extraorinary in his albums.

Safri Boyz
The Safri Boyz were and still are known as one of the best Live Bhangra bands in the U.K.  They were known for their contemporary style, and musical hooks.  They mixed Punjabi Folk with Western flavours such as Dholkas/Tablas alonside Drumkits and Guitars, which caused them to be a major hit with the British Asian population of the time.

Roach Killa
Roach Killa is an award-winning Pakistani Libyan-born recording artist residing in Canada.  Born in the Saharan city of Sebha, Libya, Roach Killa migrated with his family to Canada at the age of ten.  At 12 he developed an interest in urban music and particularly reggae, inspiring him to become a reggae artist.  Roach Killa has toured Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and has an international fan following.  His songs have received airtime on commercial radio stations across Europe, and his single "Yaara Dildaara" reached the number one ranking on the BBC Asian Network Music Chart in October 2009.  Another song, "Bomp", was produced and recorded in Milan, Italy by Articolo 31, released by Sony/BMG, and reached 15th place in the Italian Dance Charts.  A third song, "Talkin", was released by EMI/Virgin UK on the Dancehall Selecta CD, alongside artists including Sean Paul, Beenie Man, and Elephant Man.

Blitz
The word Blitzkrieg means lightning warfare.  It's also the name of a Toronto rapper who has blown up in the U.K. for his Bhangra influenced style of hip-hop.  Blitzkrieg got his rap name from his late friend Robby.  Robby thought the fact that Blitz was an Indian MC, coupled with his insane flow, was an "unexpected attack" on the norm of hip-hop.  Since then, the name stuck and Blitzkrieg began to rise.

Deep Jandu
Many artists strive to get their name out hoping that one day their dreams will come true.  A young talented artist out in Toronto, Canada has captured the hearts of many fans just by doing what he does best...Singing.  This upcoming artist has broken the waves of Punjabi music in his own unique style and fashion across North America.

Nspire Sound
One of North America's biggest and most versatile Disc Jockey and sound crews, Nspire Sound has been moving the Desi/West Indian scene for over 10 years.  Nspire Sound has perfected the art of the DJ, rocking crowds with their unique style of mixing, beat matching, remixing, and MC'ing abilities.

Dholi Tanveer
Tanveer has risen to become one of Toronto's finest dhol players.  Starting off at an early age, Tanveer has learned to play the tabla, percussion drums, and the dhol.  Without taking on or joining past dhol groups or names, Tanveer has independently established himself having performed throughout cities around the U.S.A, Canada, and international events.

This article first appeared HERE.

Celebration 2011: Canadian - Indian Festival

When: Sunday, July 10th, 2011
Where: Canada's Wonderland (Kingswood Music Theatre)
             9580 Jane Street,
             Vaughan, ON
Time: 3:00pm

Tickets are available at www.CanadasWonderland.com, with password AM530JULY10 until the day of the show, and www.indiamusicfest.com.

Click HERE for more information.

Jermaine Jackson will Jam with Sonu Nigam at IIFA ROCKS

In an international first, legendary Indian playback singer Sonu Nigam will team with Grammy Award nominee and iconic American popstar Jermaine Jackson in a dazzling performance at IIFA Rocks presented by The Bay in tribute to his brother, the late ‘King of Pop,’ Michael Jackson.

IIFA Rocks is a dazzling event that shines a spotlight on the world of fashion, with live musical performances from popular internationals artists in support of the IIFA Foundation. The IIFA Foundation supports families of film industry workers who have been adversely affected during the production of films. This year, IIFA Rocks will also announce the 12th Floriana IIFA Technical Award winners and feature musical performances by top stars and international music artists, including Neha Dupia, Dia Mirza, Mallika Sherawat, the cast of Double Dhamaal, Shankar-Eshaan-Loy and is co-hosted by Anushka Sharma and Karan Johar.

Nigam, one of India’s most revered playback singers hosted the wildly popular televised Indian singing competition Sa Re Ga Ma. Nigam, who credits Michael Jackson for influencing his career, released a tribute song to the late pop idol in collaboration with his fans on Facebook. It was featured on the album, The Beat of our Hearts, a tribute to Michael Jackson, an 18-song compilation of international artists.

Jackson, the older brother of the late Michael Jackson was a member of one of the world’s most beloved R&B groups – The Jackson 5. Nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for his 1980 album Let’s Get Serious, Jackson has had numerous Billboard Top 30 hits including Daddy’s Home, That’s How Love Goes and Let’s Get Serious. A duet with his brother Michael, Tell Me I’m Not Dreamin’ (Too Good to Be True), hit #1 on the dance chart in 1984. Don’t Take It Personal, hit #1 on the Billboard R&B singles chart.

The event will feature fashion from collections available at The Bay, as well as renowned Indian designers, Sabyasachi, Rajesh Pratap Singh and Vikram Phadnis.

“Wе were fortunate to have met with Michael Jackson in 1996 when we brought hіm to India for hіѕ first concert in the country,” said Sabbas Joseph, Director, IIFA. “Wіth IIFA in Toronto, we will honouring the incomparable Michael Jackson’s memory, and look forward to enjoying a spectacular and unique performance by his brother, Jermaine Jackson and the great playback singer Sonu Nigam.”

“The Bay is proud to rep  resent Canada during IIFA Fashion Rocks as this country’s premier designer fashion destination,” says Suzanne Timmins, Fashion Director, The Bay. “Along with our incredible roster of International Brands we continue to support globally recognized Canadian Designers including Wayne Clark, Arthur Mendonca, Mark Fast, Vawk and Jeremy Laing.”

“As presenting sponsor of the 2011 IIFA Celebrations, CIBC is excited to help bring the creativity and glamour of IIFA Rocks to Canada,” says Raza Hasan, Senior Vice-President at CIBC. “IIFA Rocks gives fans another chance to be part of the magic of the biggest celebration in the city this summer.”

IIFA Rocks is one of the most highly anticipated events of the Videocon d2H IIFA Weekend, which is comprised of the IIFA World Premiere, IIFA Rocks presented by The Bay, The IIFA Film Festival, FICCI-IIFA Global Business Forum, a variety of community and cultural events and culminates with the Floriana IIFA Awards which is broadcast to nearly 700 million people worldwide.

This article first appeared HERE.

Jay Sean's New Video: "Like This, Like That" Feat. Birdman

Jay Sean returns with another single off of his new album Freeze Time, which is due in stores next month. The single is called "Like This, Like That" and features Cash Money CEO & Artist Birdman.

The song follows Jay Sean as he spots a lucky lady in the club, which he would like to pursue and floods her with complements, hoping that she will go home with him. Birdman drops by midway through the tune to assist Jay Sean, while holding down the Cash Money Camp.

The video was directed by David Rousseau, notable for directing the video for Pitbull’s latest song “Give Me Everything”, which is currently heating up the charts.

This is Jay Sean’s third single to be released from Freeze Time, following "Hit The Lights" Featuring Lil Wayne and last year’s "2012" Featuring Nicki Minaj.

According to Artist Direct, Jay Sean describes Freeze Time as a point of growth in his career and his ability to show his development as a singer. Even though it will be his fourth album, it will be considered his second in North America, due to the popularity he received with his previous effort All or Nothing (boasting such hit songs like "Down" and "Do You Remember").

Freeze Time is slated to drop on Tuesday, July 5^th, 2011 and will also feature a collaboration with the Queen of Hip Hop Soul and R&B, Mary J. Blige.

Check Out the Video Below: 

 

-Naveet Nanwa

Toronto Celebrated 5 Years of desiFEST

Canada’s largest South Asian music concert desiFEST (presented by Rogers) celebrated a milestone 5-year anniversary on Saturday, May 28, 2011 with record numbers of fans at Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto, Ontario.

Over 35,000 visitors danced and enjoyed live entertainment over 12 hours.  Canadian and International artists came together with host SatsB to celebrate five years of desiFEST.  It is the only festival in North America that provides a platform to showcase South Asian music and its best to mainstream audiences. 

Taz and Stereo Nation closed the evening with an electrifying performance with the crowd singing along word for word.  Special guest, Toronto’s very own Roach Killa, returned after his own performance to sing with the band.

Navin Kundra made his 2^nd debut, wowing the crowd with a remix of Bruno Mars “Nothin’ on You”. As the organizing team always has surprises, the crowd was shocked by Anita Lerche, a Caucasian lady from Denmark singing in Punjabi. This was her very first appearance in Toronto and desiFEST.

Canadian artists' performances included: Swaras, Prita Chhabra, Raju Johal, Kateyez, Indy Sagu, Rebecca Nazz, Parichay, and The Bilz & Kashif to name a few. Checkout www.desifest.ca for full the line-up.

MyBindi.com was a proud sponsor of this event.

Panjabi MC Takes Lady Gaga to India with Remix of "Judas"

Lady Gaga continues to enlist some of the biggest South Asian musical acts to provide different approaches towards her music, with the latest being a remix of her hit “Judas” (her second single off her number one album Born This Way) featuring Desi hit-maker Panjabi MC.

Panjabi MC provides a new take to “Judas”, which has potential to not only see success in India, but all over the world as well. The remix, which was released at the end of May, has been gaining quite the buzz online and has also made its way to the Wall Street Journal; as it was used as an example of Gaga’s popularity in India, during her interview with the publication. 

Check out the remix below:

 

This remix definitely adds to the impressive catalog Panjabi MC has laid out for himself. One of my personal favourite remixes by him has to be his version of  Dil Se’s Chaiyya Chaiyya, which he had dubbed  “Bollywood Joint” for the 2006 Spike Lee film Inside Man. Not only did he provide his own lyrics to the popular Hindi song, he also recruited hip hop legend DJ Premier to add scratches to the tune, giving it a more urban appeal.

Check out the remix below:

 

Apart from his remixes, Panjabi MC is also seeing success with his current album called The Raj as its single “Morni” has just recently won a Punjabi Music Award for Best Sound Recording.

With all of these impressive collaborations and accolades, it looks like "The Raj" himself will contine to reign supreme.  

 - Naveet Nanwa

Enrique Iglesias, Akon and others collaborate with some of India’s Biggest Artists

Since A.R. Rahman’s stellar soundtrack from the Academy Award winning film “Slumdog Millionaire”, there seems to be an abundance of collaborations between artists from India and Pop acts from around the world.   

Whether it be Bollywood films such as “Blue” (Sonu Nigam and singer Kylie Minogue) and “Breakaway” (Akshay Kumar & rapper Ludacris) and Hollywood films like “127 Hours” (A.R. Rahman & singer Dido); these fusions are becoming increasingly popular in today’s music and films.

Just recently, a collaboration that’s been gaining a lot of attention has been between pop star Enrique Iglesias and Hindi singer Sunidhi Chauhan, with the song “Heartbeat”, featured on Iglesias’s current album “Euphoria”.

The song (an Indian-inspired remix to the collaboration between Iglesias and Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger) is an upbeat romantic ballad, with Chauhan’s beautiful vocals providing a Bollywood flavor to the overall sound.  The record was co-produced by acclaimed composer Shamir Tandon (Traffic Signal, 99) and has also been performing well on the Indian music charts.

Another collaboration making news but in film , features R&B artist Akon and Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan in the upcoming “Ra 1” directed by Anubhav Sinha. The film, which is set to release in October of this year, made big news this past weekend, as a song by the name of Chammak Chulo featuring Akon singing in Hindi, leaked onto the internet.

This situation caused Eros Entertainment to remove the song from YouTube and other Bollywood sites, as the song was not supposed to have been released. The song featured Akon singing in both English and Hindi, over an instrumental which combines elements of Bollywood and Pop music.  

With the Akon-Bollywood song scheduled for a proper release soon, it is safe to say that these kinds of fusions will continue to make noise in the future.

- Naveet Nanwa

Check out the music video for the Enrique Iglesias - Sunidhi Chauhan collaboration below: