Shahin Badar is without a doubt one of the most talented British-Bangladeshi singer/songwriters. She has won many accolades for her work and has teamed up with famous artistes including Liam Howlett, AR Rahman, Tim Deluxe, Dope Buzz, Indian Ropeman and many others.
Aside from collaborating with renowned artistes, her vocals have been featured in Hollywood and Bollywood films including Academy Award, BAFTA and Golden Globe Award nominated Closer, Academy Award nominated Charlie’s Angels and Shyam Bengal’s Zubeidaa. US TV shows North Shore and Kevin Hill are also on the list. Shahin is visiting friends and family in Bangladesh at present and Dhaka Tribune caught up with the versatile songstress in a one to one:
Are you going to perform here in Bangladesh this time?
I would love to perform in Bangladesh as I am aware how much love teenagers hold for electronic dance music. It definitely would give one a buzz to perform in their own country. The Bangali community have always welcomed me with open arms and I hold them very dear to my heart. I am fascinated by the richness the country exhales in poetry, literature and art. This time, I have come to visit my family and friends in Dhaka and Sylhet. I loved my grandma and I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to her. Life is short and I wanted to spend some quality with my uncle, nieces and nephews and the people of our community both young and old.
Do you follow Bangladeshi music?
I have been brought up listening to all genres of music and I did listen to Rabindra Sangeet. Bengali music is very rich. I don’t follow it as much now because my genre of music is electronica dance, trance, fusion and sufi. I have however written a Bangla track and I hope to release it soon.
Are you interested in singing Bangla songs or work with Bangladeshi musicians or playback in Bangladeshi films?
I would love to work with Bangladeshi musicians and of course if an offer comes for Bangla playback work, why not? Music has no barrier, it opens many doors internationally and it is always wonderful to collaborate with artistes of all genres.
Having an Asian background, how challenging was it for you to enter the International music scene?
I guess life itself is a big challenge - being an Asian works to my credibility and I achieved respect from both Asian’s and non-Asians alike. I never really thought about differences. I headlined many festivals in London and the producers were thrilled to see my performance. It attracted endless mainstream producers. It took me a while to get acquainted with everything. In the beginning, I was experimenting but later I created my own niche in the market. Sometimes artists have to expose themselves completely to reach the height of success, I refused to take that path and my faith. I was always very strong headed and would not compromise. I never needed to.
Mainstream producers have always respected my thoughts, achievements and my voice till date. I did not have much time to think of the challenges. I believe in delivering quality work and projects that inspire me to write and sing. I find competition tiring and I switch off. I have received love from my fans and naturally reciprocate.
Asian record companies till today do not understand certain genres of music and will not want to invest on artistes. They expect artistes to perform for free, while they bank through their events. Artistes are left stranded in such situations and I feel for them. They work very hard for the love of music but are not financially secure. If you let go of all your fears you can do what you want. Challenges are when those who don’t understand art criticise it and do not wish to expand with an artiste. It develops friction in communication which we can do without.
Artistes are spiritual and it is not easy for them to combine both but the best message I have, especially for women artistes is to stay strong and to keep their faith (Iman) and naturally with patience, their path will be blessed if they believe! Many will try and oppose and cause barriers for no reason whatsoever but an artiste needs to stay focused.
Tell us about your achievements.
My Indo-Arabic Alaap chants that featured on The Prodigy’s smash hit single Smack My Bitch Up was a phenomenal success. The album Fat of the Land entered the Guinness Book of Records for the fastest selling album in the world and held the No 1 spot in over 24 countries selling over 10 million copies.
Recently I received a quadruple platinum disc for my contributions.
My club stomper single Mundaya with Tim Deluxe was BBC Radio 1’s tune of the week, charted No 4 in the buzz charts. I have performed alongside 50 cent in Lebanon, Shah Rukh Khan in London, headlined many festivals in Europe, launched charity events, took part in the NSPCC campaign, was nominated for various awards and was one of the judges for Great Britain Miss Universe pageant.
What are the keys to stand out in the crowd of musicians all over the world?
Many keys, but the strongest of all is determination and patience.
What do you consider is the best reward as a musician?
Reward of talent, love for all of Almighty’s creations!
Tell us about your new projects.
My last three featured singles are Revolver (Dope Buzz), Is It Love ( Zak Moya), Supafly (Happiness), Take It (Noise Control).
I have signed with Skint Records for a single deal, they have artistes like Fat Boy Slim. My current collaboration is with Dj Bobina, Russian trance dj - a single is due for release this year Insha’Allah.
All my works are available on iTunes.
