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CONTENTS 06 18 10 05
MUSIC & VIDEO INTERVIEW
HAVOC MATHAN ROSHAN JAMROCK SHAILA NAIR ARVIND RAJ REVIEW
ANBALEY SERTHA KOOTTAM OUTLAW MIXTAPE VOL 1
DOWN & FAR
RAMSES RAO & WO SHI JAY
NEWS
JAGAT-KABALI TRIVIA INSPIRATIONAL USHA PUTTHARASAN SHANE X’TREME
NEWS
PRINCETEN CHARLES INNO GENGA 2
editor bliss proof elezabeth vashini contributors navinn rajendran prav bala ara vetha (thamarai) layout bliss cover photo vrp shots publicity navinn rajendran raja suryah online raja suryah kokiladevi
Hello readers! Welcome to the third edition of Diaspora magazine. A digital magazine fully dedicated to the Tamil independent entertainment scene. In this edition, we have an exclusive interview with the one and only Roshan Jamrock. Check out his honest interview as he talks about his latest projects and his experience working with Santosh Narayanan for Superstar Rajinikanth’s starrer Kabali. Also, we are introducing Down & Far, a column focusing on upcoming talents. Spearheaded by Navinn Rajendran, the column highlights designer Ramses Rao and rap artist Wo Shi Jay of Aathititiyanz. We also teamed up with Thamarai to produce this month’s edition. Expect more collaborations in the coming months. Also, we are looking for people to join us. If you are passionate about the Tamil entertainment scene, call us or email us! We would love to work or collaborate with you. We are looking for potential business owners to purchase our ad spaces to keep us going in this journey. Looking forward for your continuous support and encouragement!
CONTACT mytrootz@gmail.com PR & Ads | Navinn Rajendran | +66 93 187 2961 Content | Prav Bala | +60 16 590 6861 COVER IMAGE Talent: ROSHAN JAMROCK Photography: VINOTH RAJ PILLAI https://www.facebook.com/vrpsshots 3
MUSIC & VIDEO havoc brothers nanbanukaghe Havoc Mathan’s latest song is an emotional song on friendship and brotherhood. Titled Nanbanukagha, the song is a tribute to Vigneaswara Rao, who tragically passed away last year. Composed and penned by Havoc Mathan himself, the song is without a doubt one of his better releases this year. Arvind Raj and Coruz Hooks also worked on the technical aspects on this track. Non-Sync Studios and VJ Cinematic worked on the music video, a simple lyric video for your viewing pleasure.
shaila nair shines in yenguthey Having been a notable name in the Malaysian entertainment scene, Shaila Nair has not only excelled in films but also in music. Having been heavily involved in music, she has been making heavy waves and here we have Yenguthey for the movie Maama Machan. Melodiously sung under the composition of RMS Sara, the singer-actress has pulled it off very well and has gained 10,332 views and counting on Youtube. We are looking forward for more songs and more collaboration from Shaila Nair.
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EPA - D7’S BRAINCHILD Saresh D7 who first blew into the Tamil independent music scene with SLY Squad’s debut album Ithu Chumma Trailer in 2012 is all set for greater heights with his recent release – Ethirpaarathe Alai music video.
Archana Ganesan who played the lead female role does a justifiable job, while D7 shows he has a knack for acting. The production team has done a tremendous job in the visuals, the ingenious cinematography and smooth editing makes Ethirpaarathe Alai one of the best music videos to emerge this year. The video, however, leans towards a short film, rather than a typical music video. In recent times, many Tamil music videos have taken this path.
The music video is the biggest project released by the popular singer, whose previous projects after Ithu Chumma Trailer include Ninaithu, Ennulle Uraiyaadum, Thamizha Naanum Inainthomey and more.
It is safe to say Ethirpaarathe Alai is D7’s baby as the singer-songwriter worked extensively on the music video – from building the story concept and writing the screenplay. Shanker Indra once again shows why he is good at what he does with his colouring and editing. One heart-touching moment captured in this video is at the end when one of the kids tries to cheer up D7. The kids featured in the music video are from Pertubuhan Kebajikan Rumah Anak Yatim Sri Sai Selangor.
Gearing up for SLY Squad’s second music album which is set to be released this 1st of October, the release of Ethirpaarathe Alai comes in perfect timing as the Selayang boys prepare for their next big venture. A melodious composition and arrangement by Boy Radge, D7 without a doubt impresses the audience once again with both his vocal prowess and on-screen presence. Shedding his boyish and youthtful image, judging from the music video – D7 has definitely matured in terms of appearance over the years. Donning a longer hair and a thick beard in-between the scenes, the romantic video revolves around the love of two couples, with the girl suffering from terminal illness.
Overall, Ethirpaarathe Alai is definitely one the bigger success for D7 and we hope the album launch will surpass all our expectations and be the gamechanger the Tamil independent music scene desperately needs.
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sooli penne
a cumulative tamil diaspora effort
Sooli Penne is the latest music video to grace the growing Tamil independent music scene. Composed, arranged and produced by Deyo, Sooli Penne is a melodious love song, which is sung by Stephen Zechariah and written by debutant Sri Lankan lyricist Pradas S Agnya.
young Tamil talents is evident through the visuals and music.Award-winning European-based Tamil editor Denojan worked on the music video, which stars upcoming actor Laveen Sinnarajah and DanishTamil actress Narvinidery. Also starring in the crafty music video are Mr and Mrs Sinnarajah, Suthan and Anusha. Music producer Deyo and singer Stephen Zechariah also features in the music video with Suria directing their portions in Singapore.
The music video which was released recently is a testament to the growth of the creative Tamil independent scene. As independent talents continue to push for breakthroughs, Sooli Penne is a highlight of how far we have come together. The entire Tamil diaspora has worked on this project with Deyo, currently based in Australia, alongside Singaporeans – singer Stephen, Suria, Aran Hari, Sri Lanka’s Pradas as the lyricist and Europeans – Denojan and Laveen (Swiss), Narvini (Denmark) all joining hands for this love song. The cumulative effort from these
Laveen Sinnarajah and Narvinidery impressive on-screen presence is something to look forward in the music video. While, Denojan continues to work wonders with his amazing cuts and visuals, providing a sense of wonderment through the sublime music.
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Special thank to Hideout. After so long I have found someone to play hide and seek. Sheezay’s mic and stool was there but he just came for his verse and ran away. I got to find him again. And yes Malaysia, Arvind Raj is back with his second episode. He has kept his promise to keep coming back so please keep your darn promise to support him. Cover was excellent. Don’t forget to view it on Youtube as much as you can before you download it, convert to MP3 and store in your MP3/MP4 players. Instead of rapping, Sheezay went on with a mellow singing feel which was very subtle and soothing. It’s great to see you after Sheezay in action after some time. To Potyphera anne, Terima Kasih bang. Kita 1Malaysia. Arvind Raj again at his best with his unique smooth husky vocal (*engeya irunthe ithene naala). Second episode makes us all to look forward for the third episode. Drona Films, great shots, great location, great editing, and you are just sempoilah. And yeah Arvind Raj, are you Hip Hop Thamizha’s fan? Kiri Kanan ko cover lagu dia. 8
Tamil music producer awarded a Gold plate by Sony Denmark
originally published by Thamarai written by Ara Vetha
His talent has not gone unnoticed in the mainstream either. With the success of his artist Jamaika, he was awarded a Gold plate from Sony Denmark to mark the landmark for “Blodskudt� released through Force One Music / Sony Music Entertainment Denmark.
Hamburg based composer and musician Charles Princeten is one of the most sort names in the independent Tamil music scene. His production can be heard in one of our favourites Drop by Mc Sai, right through to tracks by Vinno Russo, an artist on his own label, ForceOneMusic.
Congratulations to Princeten & the ForceOneMusic team from everyone at Thamarai and trootz.com! 9
DOWN & FAR
He has been making a name for himself in the Malaysian design entertainment world with his colouful and trademark design. Ramses Rao, a name which is now firm in the Malaysian Indian entertainment landscape has slowly been carving a name for himself. Hence, we at trootz. com decided to touchbase with the up-and-coming and young designer.
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Which fascinates you most, photography or designing? Photography and designing both are my passion since young. When I was young I had no proper camera or computer so learning that was not easy. I’m still learning to do well in both fields. Photography and designing both are important for me. What is your breakthrough or ground-breaking project? Rabbit Mac’s Sempoi (Lyrical Video) was ground breaking project for me. This project was given to me last minute. I had to work 24/7 to complete the project within 3days. Many people in the industry got to know me thru this project. Each and every project I do has its own memorable moments. You have been a mainstream name lately when it comes to creative content. Which project has been memorable to you? To be honest I never felt that I have been a mainstream name in this industry. There are many talented designers in Malaysia from whom I always learn and get inspired. I’ve just completed Cd album and promotional design for MC Sai’s album Thula. There are few cooperate jobs im currently working on. I’m also working on short teaser for Pyscho Unit(PU4LYF). There is a high chance I will be editing for a movie but its still not confirmed yet. Where do you see yourself in 2 years time? Firstly I would like to talk about my team (MIDAS THE INDUSTRY) without them I wont be here doing this stuff. Tharaneetharan , Arasan, Eugene, Kumaresh, June, Arun and Yuvabalan. This is our team currently but we have a dream to expand this bigger. In 2years time I would like see myself to be a better designer and editor. I will be focusing more on editing and vfx in these coming years. I want to have a team of best vfx, animation and creative people around me.
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DOWN & FAR
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#TaikoKabali has been going viral. How did the cover happen? Growing up, I’ve always been a huge fan of Superstar Rajni. I admire his sense of style, his acting skills and of course, his dialogue delivery. So, when Kabali screened in cinemas all across the world, I thought, as a fan I would do a tribute to my idol. Since Kabali movie songs were launched in Malay as well as Tamil, I decided to do a cover in Mandarin to reflect the three different races in our country. Which will you focus next, Thamizh or Chinese rap? Right now, I’m keeping my focus on both Tamil and Mandarin. Mainly, in Tamil as my group, Aathitiyanz are working on completing our first album. If I do get more solo projects, I would definitely rap in Mandarin. Who has been your biggest inspiration in music? We are nobody without our parents so definitely my father has been my greatest inspiration. He introduced me to music as he used to be a stage performer. As I grew older and starting liking rap, I idolized Dr Burn for his fluency in Tamil especially the flow in his lyrics. And now, of course I’m following the footsteps of my guru, Stylomannavan. Not forgetting, Illaiya Hustlaz one of the finest hip hop group in Malaysian Tamil Industry. Tell us about your next release. As a group, after the success of Unnai Thedi Varuvein, Aathitiyanz will be releasing our next single soon. The date for the release will be announced shortly. Our album is all lined up to be release next year. As a solo performer, I am working on my first single in Mandarin and it will be released soon.
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REVIEW
anbaley serntha koottAM REVIEW BY NAVINN RAJENDRAN
Kavinyar Kannadasan could only write because he consumed alcohol. He used to ask M.S.V where they should start off first, meter or matter. That’s how this MV starts off with. Written and directed by Kash Villanz, it portrays a flashback incident and a current state of how a duo who lives on the coast of a settlement controls their vicinity with love and fear. And as usual a villain is present who goes all out to destroy the duo and hence the ones that survive lives on to tell the tale. The musical style definitely reflects Kash Villanz. Lyrically and musically strong, especially providing a kuttu feel. I shall leave it to the listeners to check this track out further. We at trootz.com would like to extend our memories and love to Uncle Vicraman and Brother Pheartab. We carry forward from where you left. *I just hope the fish Kash Villanz was having over his shoulders were made into some tasty grilled fish topped with sambal belacan best dipped in asam sauce.
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REVIEW
outlaw mixtape vol. 1
Outlaw Malaysia recently released their first mixtape, Outlaw Malaysia Mixtape Vol.1. Compromising 5 tracks, the whole mixtape resolves around women and love in particular. Not to forget, it also features Outlaw’s idol - Illaya Thalapathi Vijay. Let’s get to the tracks right away.
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En Anbe Nee Enge Lyrics by Outlaw Malaysia and the track was mixed and mastered by Neroshan. The song resolves around an individual feeling lonely due to the absence of his love. The chorus is very soothing and the track has got a good blend of language and vocal tone.
Elavu (Official Outlaw Remix) Originally composed by Simon, India for ‘555’ Soundtrack. Vocals mixed by Minista of ReBeat.Unit. Track mainly focuses on girls cheating boys in the name of love. On the overall it sounded like a fun track and fun tracks can’t be taken seriously and however the track sounds it’s just for a certain group of people to listen and be entertained.
Unnakaaghe Naan Iruppen Another love song that resolves around love as the boy wishes the girl to be around when he is. A soothing song. Basically the ones in love can layan kaw kaw.
Poodi feat. Darkkey This is one the track I enjoyed most particularly listening to Darkkey anne. Out rightly this is my most favourite track in the mixtape. Mixed and mastered by Neroshan Thanaseharan and lyrics by Outlaw Malaysia.
Puli ft. Outlaw This has been the one track that introduced us to Outlaw and the whole crew. A tribute track for Actor Ilayathalapathy Vijay. This track opened many doors for them and apparently they even visited the actor and got some encouragement. On an overall review, this Mixtape is worth picking up wherever its available. Good job by Outlaw Malaysia. Looking forward for a full-fledged album in the near future. Holla them at +601126960884 to purchase the mixtape. #supportgoodmusic
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British Tamil artist Inno Genga features on Anirudh Ravichander latest project
originally published by Thamarai written by Ara Vetha
British Tamilian Inno Genga has been spending some time in Chennai recently. Today it was announced that the popular, London based independent artist has featured on Anirudh Ravichander latest project. A collaboration between Inno & the Chennai based music producer has been anticipated for a while, especially after Inno performed at a string of Anirudh’s concerts in Malaysia, Toronto & Dubai.
It has been revealed that a week after the release of the Tamil version, the producers will release through MTV an English version featuring Inno Genga. This is wonderful news for the independent Tamil music scene and its artists, especially as Inno Genga will be in the music video. This is not the first time Anirudh has worked with a British Tamil independent artist. In 2013 he featured popular rnb fusion singer Arjun Coomaraswmany on Oh Penne’, a song from the Tamil film Vanakkam Chennai. The song went onto be a success in South India & the diapsora. Arjuns English vocals were used on the official Tamil version & the international (English) version. It marked the beginning of Anirudhs collaborations with independent artists in the diaspora. Congratulations to Inno Genga on this wonderful milestone. We wish him many more in Kollywood.
Inno Genga features on Sirikkadhey, the second song to be released from the upcoming Tamil film ‘Remo’ which stars Sivakarthikeyan. Anirudh is the film’s music producer. Indiaglitz have reported that the exclusive promotional music video for Sirikkadhey is set to release on the 18th August at 6pm on Sony Music’s offical youtube page. The song features Anirudh, Arjun kanungo, Srinidhi Venkatesh, Inno Genga, Maria, Shashank Vijay & Keba Jeremiah. 17
He recently was awarded the VIMA Thank You For Existing Award, which is the highest honour VIMA bestows upon nominees annually for being the most innovative and creative acts. Adding another feather to the cap, Roshan Jamrock, the Kajang-bred music artist, also worked extensively on Superstar Rajini’s Kabali in the music department. Gearing up for K Town Clan’s second album, we touched base with Roshan Jamrock to know about his latest work and some insights into his craft.
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Photo Credit | Vinoth Raj Pillai of VRP’s Shots
Who were your main early influences? My parents exposed me to different kinds of music as a child. Deep Purple, Santana, Gypsy Kings, Lynard Skynard, Bob Marley, Goria Estafan and so many more. Later on my cousins who were studying in America introduced me to Snow, Snoop Dogg, 2pac, 2live Crew & 69 Boyz. My girl cousins introduced me to Diana King, Boyz2Men and Colour Me Badd. In school, I fell in love with Poetic Ammo, Too Phat, Darkkey, Kashmir Stones, Da Joint, Cypress Hill, Limp Bizkit, Rage Against The Machine, DMX, Ludacris and Korn, to name a few. Later on the whole crunk sound came along by Lil Jon, Yin Yang Twinz, Pitbull, Pastor Troy and so one.
K Town Clan pioneered the crunk scene in Malaysia, how was the reception during the early stages? The masses were so supportive. I mean 3 boys who came out of nowhere winning a national talent competition. The people had our back. The hip hop scene at the time (apart from a few individuals) were assholes. Put us down cause they claim we were not lyrical and shit. Same assholes are now using 808’s and rapping like Drake or Migo’s. In Kajang, we call these type of people “Cock Fellas”.
You have performed in different parts of the world. What was your journey like venturing out and becoming a professional musician, playing gigs, releasing CDs, etc.? Do you feel you’ve reached your goals? I truly feel blessed. Grateful that by the grace of God we have achieved so many things. Not many have done what we have done and most importantly lasted this long. In terms of goals, I’ve got too many, ticked many off my list and still many more to go. All in good time.
You have released tonnes of music over the years. Any favorite tracks? If you’re reading this and are not familiar with my productions, go on youtube and type. Give Em The Ughh!!! - K-town Clan, Lets Get Mary’d - Gila Monstarz, Beautiful Life - K-town Clan, Cari Makan - Young Ruff, Jingy - Young Ruff, Tamilan Anthem - Young Ruff & The Boss - Roshan Jamrock
Q: Where do you find your inspiration for song ideas? One word, Life. 19
Photo Credit | www.therakyatpost.com
How did you get involved in Kabali? Well, I wrote and performed on 2 official songs for the movie. Prior to this I have been to India about 4 times already. Handing out my demos and meeting well known music producers. But nothing really worked out. Just as I wanted to give up, a very close friend Vicram called me and said that my favorite music producer, Santosh Narayanan is the music director for an upcoming movie “Kabali” starring Rajinikanth and he told me to send him my demo. I gave it one last shot only because I loved Santosh previous work and of course, it’s Rajinikanth. Next thing I know Santosh calls me from India and the rest is history.
Was it intimidating working with Santosh Narayanan? In the beginning it was but after so many conversations on the phone, our relationship grew. He is a joy to work with and most importantly he gives me the creative freedom to do what I want on his songs. To me, its a blessing in disguise that nothing worked out the first four times i went to India. Its a blessing those things that didn’t happen lead me to doing one of the biggest things a “rapper” could ever do in the Indian Market, A Santosh Narayanan production for a Superstar movie. What else could I ask for?
When it came to the Malay-version of Kabali, you were the one incharge of the compositions - did you feel a huge responsibility over your shoulders? Indeed. I had big shoes to fill and i had to maintain the integrity of 4 amazing songs composed by one of my favourite music producers in India. Who wouldn’t feel the pressure? But Santosh told me to just do my thing and “feel it”. “You’ll do good, as you always do, Roshan” he told me. After that i felt better and did the job i was appointed to do. Hope you guys like it. The comments section in youtube are filled with mixed feedback. Some good, bad and ugly. Some music guys (or sound like musically inclined guys), drop comments like they could’ve done a better job. But at the end of the day i got the green light from a super producer with an amazing body of work, no need to pay attention to “cock fellaz” who blow their own trumpets. 20
Photo Credit | Vinoth Raj Pillai of VRP’s Shots 21
For these 2 questions, I would to answer in terms of Malaysian Music as a whole. Not Malaysian Tamil, Malaysian Chinese, Malaysian Malay but MALAYSIAN. Where do you see the Malaysian Tamil music heading in the next few years? I see it going very far, we have Yuna, Zee Avi, Shiela Hamzah, Balan Kashmir, Sri Rascol and many other Chinese artist making it abroad. We need to keep working at our craft and staying focused on our goals. We need to help one another come up and put the “Nande kathey” aside. I had a conversation with a very prominent businessman in the country and we came to an agreement that Malaysia & Singapore are the only two countries in the world (we may be wrong), that do not put their homegrown talent first. We tend to put “International Artist” on a pedestal and not pay attention on our homegrown talent. This needs to change. We need to ask ourselves why? Is it because we are so divided? Is it because we are not up to par with “international musicians”? I beg to differ. We need to start putting our homegirls and homeboys first!. If a famous India singer comes down for a show, the local guys who are performing for the same show should be paid handsomely and treated with the same “vip” treatment. But no, all locals, get chucked in a tent together and paid some pocket money with the lure of “platform”. Thats a bunch of horse shit to me and that needs to be changed. I can go on and on but it all starts with changing our mindset. Put Malaysia first. Be Malaysian First!
Q: What is lacking in the Malaysian Tamil music scene? People who are serious about music. People who are consistent. People who are all about music and not about the fame. People who take a beat and record right away and not take dog years to record 1 song. People who are humble and that realize that they have so much more to do. People who are hungry. People who focus on music 100%. People who dont post opinions on facebook and hit the studio instead. People who are willing to save and spend money on their music instead of their smartphone, vape or car skirting/sound system. I could go on, but i would have pissed off a lotta people by now and that’s ok with me, because the truth hurts. God bless each an everyone of you. #Magizhchi :)
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Currently, you are recording in Chennai - can you please describe that experience? To be honest, its about the same. Except the “barang” is more high end and I record on the same mic Dr.Dre uses ;) Why i say its the same is because Santosh makes me feel at home. Heck he even goes through his lights and makes me choose which mood of lighting I feel comfortable recording in. Also, I get to write my rhymes on the roof top, which is a beautiful thing.
Where’s the best place people can find more information about you? My official facebook page : www.facebook. com/jamrock.blk. My instagram @iamroshanjamrock K-town Clan’s official facebook page : www.facebook.com/ktcworldwide . These pages are constantly updated with everything and anything to do with my music. You also get to connect with me on a personal level because I share or post things that are close to my heart.
One international artist and one homegrown artist that you’d love to work with. International Artist : Timbaland or Diplo Homegrown Artist : Malique or Yogi B
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Photo Credit | Vinoth Raj Pillai of VRP’s Shots
news
the jagat-kabali connection
Somewhere around October 2015 Director Pa. Ranjith (Kabali) visited Malaysia and met Director Shanjhey Kumar Perumal (Jagat) to get some input about the anthropology of gangs in Malaysia (the culture, history, current scenario etc). Director Shanjhey shared his views on how gangsterism born, rooted & evolved among Indian Malaysians. The meet was arranged by Mr. Navin Manogaran (Vallinam Malaysia). It is learnt that Mr. Navin Manogaran has recommended Director Pa. Ranjith to watch ‘Jagat Shortfilm’ which was made in the year 2010 by Director Shanjhey. (Funded by BMW Shorties) ‘Jagat Shortfilm’ revolves around a conversation between an aged gangster with a young & upcoming gangster. In the course of conversation, the aged gangster recalls events of his past life on how he rise to become a big time gangster from being a mere fisherman at Pangkor Island, Malaysia. The young gangster will kill the aged gangster in order to gain power in the end of the short film. We are not sure how much ‘Jagat Shortfilm’ & input given during conversation with Director Pa. Ranjith has been inspired in the creation of ‘Kabali’. If it does in any ways, we are happy about it. We believe an artist from a part of the world can be an inspiration to another artist at another part of the world.
- SHANJEY KUMAR PERUMAL 24
inspirational usha puttharasan
On a recent post on Facebook by Usha Puttharasan, the transformation she went through had been remarkable and truly inspirational. The change she went through has been tremendous. It definitely takes a lot of courage and kudos for coming out strong. Not liking the way she was and thinking that she would not change for the rest of her life was a big turn around for her. “I took much effort, practiced a well disciplined life to change my body size. I had to push myself hard and sacrifice a lot of things in life to get to where I stand today. As I said, I did multitasking all the time. When I saw positive changes on my body, I began to like what I see. It was pure hard earned work by going to the gym, working out and practicing proper well balanced diet plans. My school friends who knew the old Usha were shocked to see my body transformation. My grandmother was one of the main person besides my family members who motivated me to lose weight and proof to people who insulted, bullied me for being an obese person.” said Usha. Her message is simple. Nothing is Impossible in Life.
shane x’treme says he is back
It’s been awhile since I heard from the genre-bending music composer Shane X’treme. And as soon as I got in touch with him, the very first first words he uttered was “I’m Back Navinn”. It made my day. The man behind many hits and successful groups is set to make another wave back in the Tamil indepdennt music scene. The very first time I recorded my vocal was with Shane X’treme and I have to say that it definitely had been a memorable one. All we have to do is wait till the magic makes it way back to our stereos. Talents can definitely engage with SCII Studio’s services through their page at https://www.facebook. com/ShaneXztreme. Once again, WELCOME BACK. 25
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