FUSION music perhaps played one of the biggest parts in shaping British Asian culture and one of the early pioneers was Najma Akhtar.
Blending south Asian music rooted in centuries of rich culture with modern western contemporary sounds and performing on the biggest global stages enabled the path-breaking singer to inspire a generation to follow in her giant footsteps. She opened doors into the western mainstream for other artists, but also laid the foundation for exciting new genres and helped bridge a significant cultural divide.
The popular singer is still delighting audiences on the live scene and delivering music like her captivating Five Rivers album that continues to cross new creative horizons.
That strong body of work recently resulted in her receiving an Eastern Eye ACTA award for music. The iconic star discussed her history-making journey, ahead of a hotly anticipated central London show at Crazy Coqs in Brasserie Zédel on June 21. She also spoke about music, singing, her forthcoming show, fabulous Five Rivers project and inspirations.
How do you reflect on and describe your music journey?
My journey has been one of discovery, opportunity, refection and joy. I’m always truly thankful to the support I received from my family, Mohammed Ayyub of OSA, Iain Scott and Bunt Stafford-Clark of Triple Earth, Womad, classic press and magazines. Also, all the southeast Asian artists for helping, giving opportunities, encouraging, and teaching me the ways of music. There are so many names that I would need a separate page to list them all. That is one of my main reflections, as it all went hand in hand.
What keeps your passion for singing alive after all these years?
No matter what artistic talent one has, once an art is embedded in the psyche of your body, heart and mind, it’s there forever and never really leaves. So, my love to explore new collaborations and create new challenging and diverse music that goes beyond the norm keeps me going too.
When you first started, did you imagine being such a path-breaking artist, who would open so many doors for others?
In reflection and looking back now, I can see the results of the long-term influence I have had on British-based, southeast Asian artists.
Honestly, at the time, being caught up in the hard work and adrenaline, I couldn’t see that I was actually making such huge waves, breaking both musical and cultural barriers. I had no idea that what I did musically at that time would mushroom into such a legacy, catapulting me into ‘iconic’ status.
How do you feel about the fact that so many artists have been inspired by you?
It’s extremely humbling to know that artists have taken inspiration from my music, style, performance, instrumentation, and experiences. Sharing my music lights me up, and make me happy.
Which of your many songs holds the closest place to your heart?
That’s a tough one. Each song has a special story behind its conception. I keep thinking that one day I will talk about them individually on my YouTube channel. Inshallah, I will definitely share my full story on YouTube at some point (or even a book). So, watch out for it.
How much do you love live performance?
Live performances are like magic dust for all artists. Even though rehearsed, I love the fact that at any given time, arrangements within a fixed parameter may change on stage. This high musicianship and understanding between musicians allows a great degree of impromptu and spontaneous creativity and improvisation. The critical part of any final performances are always the sound checks and I am always in stress mode for that Read More….
Comments