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Hunter and his prey
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British Asian singer and producer HunterZ tells NANDINI NAIR how to get the world tapping
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Photo: Sandeep Saxena
IN FORM HunterZ flashes his signature victory sign
He’s dressed like a rock star but speaks like a gentleman. HunterZ, the British Asian singer and producer, is now out with his latest album “Masterpiece” with Sa Re Ga Ma. Having worked with bands like UB40, Jazzy B and Richie Rich, he released his own vocal debut album in 2003, with the bhangra album “Most Wanted.” Obliging the camera, he flashes his signature V sign. What does it mean? “It’s a sign of victory,” he explains, “music didn’t come easily. It’s been a struggle. My grandmother moved from Kenya to the UK after her husband died. She had to sing to feed her six children.”
With an early training in Indian classical music from the Patiala gharana, HunterZ has spent a life devoted to music. But born and brought up in the UK, he joined private music schools to learn the guitar and keyboard. Not easily classifiable, HunterZ raps and sings in English, Hindi and Punjabi in his albums. It is this versatility that he cherishes, having worked intensively on each aspect.
Well connected in the industry, he never did the UK club scene, and instead went straight to the shows, performing for the first time at age 25. He quickly made a name for himself, producing albums for some of the biggest names.
Big tie-ups
His most recent tie-ups include Apache Indian and Richie Rich. Apache India wants HunterZ to sing and produce his next album, after having just heard “Tere Bin” from “Masterpiece.” An undiluted fan of Apache Indian, HunterZ is still abuzz with happiness. He says, “Apache for me is a fantastic performer. He was the first to create songs like “Boom shaka laka,”… and that was done 15 years ago. Whoever comes next can’t be compared with him.”
While HunterZ is a familiar name in the UK, and especially with the non-resident Indians, he is yet to perform in India. His most memorable performance he recalls was at Bob Geldof’s Live 8 performance. He performed on the same stage with UB40 and got a chance to meet Paul McCartney and David Beckham.
With his own career well under control, he is now concentrating on the careers of his brothers, Vee and Isheis. While his brothers have collaborated on “Masterpiece”, he is hoping to soon release an album with just them. HunterZ will soon also be heard in an item number with Sunidhi Chauhan. He adds, “I would love to do more work for Bollywood. But I wouldn’t do something cheesy or over the top. I have to keep my style.”
He might enjoy live shows, but HunterZ’s first love remains production and studio. He says, “I do like the studio more. That’s where I’m at home. Going to a show is just celebrating. It’s a party. All the creativity, all the work…that happens in a studio.”
Having just slept for an hour, it’s time to hit the studio again.
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Metro Plus
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