SHAHIN BADAR

Shahin Badar is an Award winning and leading British Asian Singer/Songwriter  who is well known internationally through some of her breathtaking collabrations. A consummate professional, role model and inspiration to many young and mature people. She is certainly one of the UK based female South Asian front runners of innovative musical collaborations with her blend of powerful Arabic/Indian vocal resonance in music in its various genres which blends nicely within the mainstream and Asian music fields.

Born in Colchester ,England to parents of the indian subcontinent , Shahin had shown strong vocal ability and, encouraged by her mother and teachers  she took classical lessons.  Having spent 12 years in Kuwait Shahin’s musical horizons broadened and Arabic influences were added to her already powerful Indian vocals.The genre is reflected in her music today.

Shahin scored chart success with the Prodigy’s ‘Smack My Bitch Up’, which featured her unique spine tingling  chant on their multi-selling ‘Fat Of The Land’ album.  Shahin, along with the Prodigy earned number 1 chart positions on both sides of the Atlantic and a double plantinum award.  Their ‘Fat Of The Land’ album also reached number 1 in 19 further countries.

Her collaborations include the likes of AR Rahman, Indian Ropeman, Jah Wobble,Tim Deluxe, Twista and Juliet Lewis.  Her vocals have already featured in more than 30 Hollywood and Bollywood films including Academy, BAFTA and Golden Globe Award nominated Closer and Academy Award nominated Charlie’s Angels; US sitcoms North Shore and Kevin Hill as well as Shyam Bengal’s Zubeidaa.A Dynamic and spiritual artist shahin badar captivates the audience with her unique presence on stage.

One of Shahin’s greatest achievements includes supporting US rapper 50 Cent when his tour took in Lebanon with award winning producer Guy Manoukian at the Biel in the presence of a 20 thousand strong audience.  She was then invited to perform with chart topping Turkish artist Mercan Dede in Germany and worked with director Ang Lee on The Hulk (Eric Bana).

Shahin badar is a unique artist who has headlined many festivals and launched special events, endorsed charitable causes and was described by one mainstream magazine as " one of the most original artistes around"

Shahin has already won MTV Video Music Award – Best Breakthrough Video Award (Prodigy / Smack My Bitch Up); Muzik Magazine Dance Awards – Best Video Award (Prodigy / Smack My Bitch up); Best Female Vocalist at the Asian Pop Awards; Grammy Award nomination for The Fat of the Land / Prodigy; Ethnic Multicultural Media Award – Best New Comer.  Other nominations include Ivor Novello nomination for soundtrack ‘Second Generation (film); Asian Woman of Achievement Awards – Arts & Culture; Muslem News Alhamra Award for Excellence and Channel 5’s prestigious Community Award – Glory of India;

On a personal level, Shahin, having returned from recording vocals for The Hulk (Erica Bana) in Hollywood with composer Michael Dannah was informed by her mother that her father made the decision to embark on the Hajj pilgrimage (translation “to set out for peace”) to Mecca.  It is the largest annual pilgrimage in the world.

Still exhausted by her LA flight, within moments of stepping through her front door and upon hearing this news Shahin went to her room to pray.  She then informed her mother of her decision to join her father on this epic and momentous trip.

Unfortunately, during that trip her father took ill however it became clear to Shahin why Allah gave her the directive to go with him.  She had to look after him, but the whole experience was life affirming to her and provided the inspiration for one of her most spiritual songs to date: “Light At The End Of The Tunnel”.

Shahin was to find her faith tested once again.  On a trip to India she collapsed and passed out.  Taken to hospital it was discovered that Shahin was diagnosed with a serious illness  thus forcing her to take time out of her very hectic music career.  It has now been two years and Shahin has been given the all clear.  She is delighted that interest in her debut album ‘Laila’ has been very positive and she’s eager to return to performing live, on stage.

Without a Doubt Shahin has emerged as one of the most accomplished crossover/commercial female Asian vocalists in the UK mainstream and Asian music scene!

Her fantastic Eclectic  Album 'LAILA' can be purchased from zavvi/ i-Tunes!

www.shahinbadar.com