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SIMPLY SPELLBOUND By Shama Audio CD (July 2004) Label: DK Promotions Catalogue Number: 5060014971647 Our Price: £5.49 Redhotcurry Rating: (4 flames!) Click here to buy this CD today!

TRACK LISTING
1. Sun Toh Zara
2. Aankhonse Peene De
3. Dheere Dheere
4. Jaanu Na Main
5. Do Dil Do Badan
6. Tu Meri Jaan
7. Dilbar Habibi
8. Shehri Babu

REDHOTCURRY REVIEW
Redhotcurry Rating: (4 flames!)

Shama has a beautiful voice, ideally suited to Bollywood film music. I was somewhat surprised, therefore, at the depth, range and tonality she displays in 'Spellbound' where the tunes vary from latino dance to Arabic folk music! This is a classic album, offering something for everyone.

ABOUT SPELLBOUND

Spellbound, the eight-track album journeys through universals of the heart including a hesitant invitation to love, unrequited desires, covert seduction and even an effervescent dance track in the form of Dilbar Habibi, which has Arabic influence reverberated in the percussions. Aankonse Peene De is a seductive number that leads on to Dheere Dheere, which has already become popular with DJs for filling the floor. Do Dil Do Badan, the signature tune of Shama's previous album, Forever Yours, has been revamped into an upbeat tune with rap and chat by BK while Tu Meri Jaan promises to become a 'first dance' number for newly weds.

The leading track 'Sun Toh Zara', a song that has been getting heavy airplay from several radio stations and various Asian T.V. channels, has an experimental Latino lilt and is accompanied by a video shot entirely on location in India.

ABOUT SHAMA

Of Indian origin and born in Libya (hence the Arabic name), Shama's childhood was spent in Kenya. Shama first challenged traditions by starting a band at the age of 10 and performing live on VOK (Voice Of Kenya Television). Her move to London in 1984 led her into freelance singing with various bands, during which time she picked up several tips before forming her own band at the top-end of the circuit and becoming a success.

For over ten years, Shama has pumped energy with great finesse and versatility into the Asian music scene in the UK with her band Shama & Friends. Now, this elegant diva releases an extraordinary album, Spellbound, which weaves her dulcet tones with a striking blend of expressive lyrics and beautifully crafted melodies. Released under the Tip Top Entertainment label, the album has been produced by Dhiren Raichura, someone who is no stranger to evolving styles and blending Asian music with western vibes.

Along with her band, Shama has set high standards and attracted a number of international bookings from the Caribbean, Chile, Germany, Spain, Canary Islands, Portugal, West Africa, Dubai amongst others, while breaking down access barriers that have held UK bands back. They have captivated audiences with their blend of Hindi Film, Pop, Punjabi and Bollywood styles. Shama's understated ambition and determination continues as she tests the labelling of music by launching 'Spellbound', an album that fuses distinct world music with the essence of Hindi lyrics that wouldn't be out of place in a classy Bollywood film.

Shama's coveted band recently supported Bollywood playback singers Abhijeet, Jaspinder Narula and Babul Supriyo for their UK concerts and the band is now set for future collaborations with more Bollywood artists. Shama & Friends also performed at the Bade Miya Chhote Miya launch, in the presence of Amitabh Bachchan, and Govinda.

Shama's dreams have required considerable hard work and industry know-how. Shama has trained in light and semi-classical singing with Swati Natekar who hails from a well-respected and reputed classical family.

Click here to buy this CD today!