Bravura Artist » Sheena Melwani

A Fresh Take on South Asian Music

Tirusha — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 05:30:16 +0000

When I sat to write this piece, honestly, it was agonizing; I was given a task – pick eight stand-out artists from the South Asian music scene and at the same time, not seem bias – trust me, it was a very difficult task! From the USA, into Canada, to the UK, and dipping into India, I narrowed my list down to eight contenders, who have proved they are “the best of the best.” We have singers, rappers, and producers – all who allow their forte to shine the brightest in today’s South Asian music scene.

We start our journey in Orlando, Florida, where rapper Ajaxxx is on a mission to release four CDs in one year – a feat which many artists have tried, but failed at. He’s is one of the most intense MCs we have in today’s Desi music scene and definitely has ‘something to prove’ to all his listeners! Ajaxxx has three internationally-released CDs: “It’s About Time,” “Something to Prove Promo,” and “The Set-Up.” With three more CDs in the works, Ajaxxx is determined to make his music known to the rest of the world. However, CDs and TV commercials aren’t the only thing which is bringing Ajaxxx to the top. He’s also been featured in internationally published magazines, and I don’t mean Canada – international meaning Hong Kong and India! It’s also important to note that Ajaxxx was one of ten finalists, in a recent “Rap Against Violence” contest – and the only South Asian winner. His song, “Walk With You” was featured on a non-profit CD and played on the top hip-hop radio stations across the state of Florida. Keeping that in mind, how many artists can you name who’ve had a TV commercial air…

Catching Up With Sheena Melwani!

Tirusha — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 03:59:45 +0000

A few months ago, we brought you face-to-face with our very own “sangeet ki rani,” Sheena Melwani! She’s become an international icon because of her powerful voice, and a little help of the Internet as well! She’s close to reaching 7 MILLION views on her YouTube page and is still singing and putting out one amazing video after the other!

We recently caught up with Sheena after she performed in Boston during Fashion Week and it went a little something like this…

Sheena, you’ve created quite the stir for all music lovers out there because of your melodic voice and YouTube videos! Unfortunately, there are those poor, sad souls, who have no idea who you are! In one line, tell us who you are and what you do?
Just one line? No pressure, right? Okay, well in one line I’m just a girl who loves to sing and is living her dream of sharing her music with the world.

What triggered the singer inside of you and made you want to pursue singing?
I’ve wanted to sing for as long as I can remember. I’ve been singing since I was a little girl, with my first concert in a preschool musical. Now, more than 20 years later, I am even more passionate about music and can’t really imagine life without it.

How supportive were your family and friends when you said that this is something that you’d consider pursing, even as a career?
My family is amazing and I really cannot ask for any more encouragement from them. I often feel like the family is more excited than even I am about new songs, new events & new videos. This has been a team effort from the very beginning and the support from friends and family is why I am where I am…

Sheena Melwani’s Musical Salvation

Tirusha — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:40:45 +0000

Let’s face it. Most of us are creatures of habit who like the comfort of our surroundings. We get nervous when we have to start a new job, we don’t really like changing apartments, and definitely would rather not move from city to city on a regular basis. However, this is the reality for most ex-pat women living in Japan, who often not only leave behind family and friends, but also have to face the obstacles of a very distinct culture, and of learning a new language. Though this can all be very overwhelming, many rise to the challenge, and in fact flourish in the new environment. Meet Sheena Melwani, a singer/songwriter who is quickly becoming a “digital age” phenomenon.

Just like many other expat-women, Sheena faced the language barrier as well as the culture clash that comes with moving to Tokyo without any prior visits to Japan. Having moved to Japan because of her husband’s career, Sheena took about two months to get to know the city, playing tourist and visiting different places found in her guidebook. Every day she picked a new place and got comfortable on the trains by traveling to these locations. In order to branch out into the culture and assimilate with the people around her, Sheena also started taking Japanese lessons. Though this kept her busy, she still didn’t feel like she was at “home”. Something was missing. And, it was then that she realized what was missing all along – her music. Having always had a piano at home, Sheena didn’t fully appreciate the role music played in her life. However, after a few months in Japan without an instrument to assist with her writing, she purchased a keyboard and starting expressing her emotions…