Bollywood music apart, the music scores, bands and albums from young Asians artists have been resounding across Britain. The new year promises to add to the "super musical notes" created in the 2004. Leading the list is the 26-year-old Deeyah.
Deeyah
Singer
Norway born, of Asian descent
Forthcoming album: Plan Of My Own
Enigmatic, intelligent and sexy to boot, Deeyah is a truly international artist with global star appeal. Born and raised in Norway, of Asian descent Deeyah jet sets between the UK and the US where she has been working with the cream of US producers in Atlanta including Darin Prindle of Destiny's Child, Madonna and TLC fame.
Critics agree that her forthcoming new album is a testament to Deeyah's determination, artistic commitment and talent. A gifted singer and songwriter, Deeyah co-writes and co-produces all tracks on the new album.
Her forthcoming album Plan My Own video dominated music charts in December and will lead the way to the release of the single this month.
She says: “The songs on the album are really about empowerment and taking control” says Deeyah, “The lyrics are definitely personal, but the message is universal and I hope everyone can relate to it.”
{{/usCountry}}She says: “The songs on the album are really about empowerment and taking control” says Deeyah, “The lyrics are definitely personal, but the message is universal and I hope everyone can relate to it.”
{{/usCountry}}Recalling her association with Prindle, she said: "I felt very privileged and excited to get a chance to work with someone like Darin, because of his track record and past success working with artists like TLC, Boyz II Men, Usher, Madonna and Destiny's Child especially since these are all artists I grew up loving and admiring."Deeyah trained within the Indian classical vocal tradition for more than fourteen years and had the rare privilege of being the only female ever to be trained by Ustad Fateh Ali Khan and one of very few females to be trained by Ustad Sultan Khan in classical Indian singing.
In her native Norway, Deeyah has already released two critically acclaimed albums under her birth name Deepika.
According to Prindle: "Deeyah’s classical training gives her a unique vocal ability that I have never heard before in pop music.
"She is a star in every sense of the word. She has talent, drive, beauty and most of all, intelligence which you must have in order to stay at the top once you get there."
Way to go, girl!