It is not often that a foreign artiste goes out of his way to dedicate a song for India. But Malaysian reggae sensation Sasi the Don goes further than a song and dedicates an entire album to the country in Hello India . What makes the record even more interesting is the popular entertainer makes his international debut under the Universal Music banner venturing into the global music circuit with an album that draws a lot of attention to India.
Having produced reggae for over 13 years now, Sasi is easily the pioneer of reggae and dancehall music in Asia creating his own signature Asian reggae that has paved way for him to collaborate with some of the world’s biggest names in reggae and dance music. His close relationship with India and the rich experiences he had during his visit here resulted in the 14-track Hello India .
Kicking off with the title track, the album launches into an affirmative tribute to the country with the signature auto honk and cycle bell. The groovy beat mixes the cultural diversity of India with a funky tune and the lyrical prowess by Malaysian singer Chaman Jassal makes the listener fall in love with India all over again.
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One of the prominent hits in the album is ‘Allaghi’ meaning gorgeous that offers sunny sonic bliss evoking a dance vibe. The other catchy multi-language infused compositions include ‘Yardy Gal’ feat. Rabbit Mac and ‘Kadhal Sanghiye’ feat. Harish Raghavendra. Exuding a party atmosphere blended with elements of off-beat reggae cushioned with finger-snapping rhythms the songs are reminiscent of a soundscape that is Indian yet, global.
You cannot ignore the obvious Indian touches Sasi ingeniously carves into Hello India .
From the Hindustani grooves in ‘Music In Me’ feat. Dr. Alban and the triumphant intensities of ‘Hold Up’ feat. Apache Indian to the ‘tapang rap’ dance beats in ‘Friendz’ feat. Darkkey and Hervin, and the classical chant mix of ‘Giving Thanks to Jah’, the album is steeped in music so Indian that you will have a hard time believing Sasi is not from the country.
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The album is also full of collaborations, with each artiste throwing in a significant contribution making it a one-of-its-kind mashup of sounds diverse in tone, yet blended perfectly together.
The reggae soul master Maxi Priest teams up with Sasi in ‘Island Queen’ and the album turns full circle as the track switches to dance mix. ‘Giving Thanks to Jah’ returns in a rasta chant mix making the already groove-infused song more fun to listen to. Album closer ‘Hey General’ is a Bombay point mix that is rampant with bhangra beats and rap loops that make the perfect climax to an on-your-feet sing-along dance music collection.
Two instrumental bonus tracks re-cast ‘Hello India’ and ‘Friendz’ that make for ideal line-ups for parties.
Pick up your copy of Hello India . It will have you hooked onto an India you didn’t know!