ENTERTAINMENT
No. 29. 6th - 12th December 2011 www.theafronews.eu
17
Afika Nx teams up with HarLene to create Hindi-Urban Music “IMA 10” is a potent bass-heavy, club-ready, mega-hit An Indian-Australian singer, an Indian-British urban producer and a South African-American rapper have worked together on a potent bass-heavy, club-ready mega-hit called “IMA 10”. The brand new single “IMA 10” is the collaborative effort of the amazingly talented Hindi/Punjabi/Urban singer HarLene, super-producer Shayal, and powerhouse artist Afika Nx. The three have manufactured an entirely new genre of music. Shayal’s credits include the hit single “Baby” featuring Ginuwine. He has also worked with Jagged Edge and created the official remix of the super hit “Down” for Jay Sean. Commenting on the collaboration, Shayal said: “Really the goal was to fill in the gaps in the Asian market. My experience in Asian-urban music gave me a good idea of what the market needed, and what the future of Asian music is.” With a humble chuckle he added: “I couldn’t have asked for a better studio session.” One listen of “IMA 10” will show you exactly where Shayal‘s satisfaction comes from. HarLene’s velvety timbre flows so effortlessly and beautifully over the booming kick and crisp snares of the danceready beat that one almost doesn’t even
HarLene’s Links www.twitter.com/ HarLeneofficial www.facebook.com/HarLene
From left to right: Powerhouse artist Afika Nx, Hindi/Punjabi/Urban singer HarLene and super-producer Shayal notice the singer is bilingual. After being mesmerized by the devastatingly catchy hook, Afika Nx’s growling punchlineheavy rhymes remind you what the heavy beat was made for. The Hindi-Urban track is the first of its kind: Western urban pop with both Hindi and English lyrics written by HarLene and with American-style rap relevance. With so much going on in one track, the immediate fear may be that the project sounds too contrived, but the team has managed to make a true international hit, showcasing the talents and backgrounds of all three artists and joining the ranks of other international pop acts like The Black Eyed Peas, Madonna and Jennifer Lopez. The bubbly and confident Aussie, HarLene, is a versatile singer who sings a
mix of Hindi, English and Punjabi, and has been singing ever since she could talk. When she was little she often used to say: “I can sing sing sing because I’m HarLene Singh!” HarLene has been performing in Australia since 2008, taking her unique style to cultural, club and university events in Brisbane. There is no doubt in her mind that she wants to pursue her singing dreams and make it her career. Commenting on her debut single, she said: “Meeting Shayal was the catalyst for this track. He completely understood where I was coming from and allowed me to create a track that uses all my inspirations and skills – I love singing in English and Hindi – it’s who I am, but adding the rap with Afika Nx, to make it so contemporary was
genius! I’m delighted with the end product.” From the other side of the world comes South-African born American rapper Afika Nx, who hails from Greensboro, North Carolina and is tipped to be one of the hottest hip-hop artists of 2012. He said: “If you’d told me six months ago that I’d be on a track with Hindi music I’d have laughed at the thought. But actually it’s inspired – HarLene’s vocals and mine are at opposite ends of the spectrum but they say opposites attract. I had a blast doing it and making the video. I know that UK and international audiences are really going to feel the spirit of the track. It’s a 10!” “IMA 10” is available to download from iTunes.
Misha B defeated, or isn’t she? Yes, it did finally happen. It’s been predicted by many, and feared by Misha B herself. Many would say hers was the best act in the competition – pain, joy, strength, weakness, all in there in the right proportion. Not everyone will agree with her ways, but the “X-factor” – there’s no question she has it. The girl is an exceptional performer, but she is out. And beyond that, the show will go on after the “Misha B” chapter is closed. The question is though – has she been defeated, or is she a win-
ner still? Misha B was hungry for the “crown” just like all the other contestants (probably much more than some). Still, as the verdict became clear she did not lose her composure. Instead, the smile on her face seems to have said: “I did not lose”. She’s out, no doubt. Yet, she left with dignity. Having said “thank you” to whoever she believed “thank yous” were due she waved to the camera and came off the platform quite graciously. What is going to happen next to Lady Misha B no one knows exactly. Though, not winning the X-factor won’t probably make too much of a difference to her singing career. The voice is there, whether in or out of this talent competition. For sure, hungry agents are queuing already to have her as their “own little treasure.” That’s just the way it goes when something as powerful as her voice gets exposed. What one can do now instead of voting is to pray that Miss Misha B will be, and won’t become a victim of showbiz like so many
others before her. Whatever the future shows – for now she did not lose…, or did she? By Monika Ribeiro
Check out
the latest entertainment news on:
http://www.theafronews.eu/entertainment/blog