HOW THE COVID-19-HIT YEAR BECAME A ROLLERCOASTER RIDE FOR ARTISTS
by ASJAD NAZIR
NOISE generated by the Covid-19 pandemic and cancellations caused by the subsequent lockdown turned 2020 into a rollercoaster ride for the music industry.
There were melodic highs, magical moments, musical misfires, low points and unexpected song-related surprises.
Eastern Eye went back through the past 12 months to present a musical A to Z of 2020.
A is for AR Rahman: The Oscar winner had an interesting year that included a winning soundtrack for Dil Bechara and getting superstar actor Dhanush in the studio to record a song. He also generated headlines after alleging dark forces had been blocking him from Bollywood by spreading false rumours about him.
B is for Bollywood: Covid-19 cancelling most film releases and halting shooting meant it was a relatively quiet year for Bollywood music. One bright spark was action-thriller Khuda Haafiz, which had arguably the best soundtrack of the year and standout numbers, including the title track.
C is for Crowdfunding: British singer Bhavik Haria successfully crowd-funded a bhajan album and his fundraiser was so effective that he exceeded his target, managing to raise money to also promote it. The versatile performer took on the challenge of crowd-funding his album to keep bhajans alive and connected to a new generation.
D is for Dhol: Midlands-based music maestro Aman Singh initiated a Drop The Knife Pick Up The Dhol initiative, which aims to give youngsters a musical alternative to weapons and crime. It was announced that the UK’s first female dhol player Parv Kaur will be having a movie made about her life.
E is for Events: From a massive live tribute to celebrate Pandit Ravi Shankar’s 100th birth anniversary to blockbuster concerts, featuring Arijit Singh, Shreya Ghoshal, Satinder Sartaaj, Diljit Dosanjh and Neha Kakkar, lots of major musical events were cancelled in the UK due to Covid-19. Most of the major concerts have been rescheduled for 2021.
F is for Fun: The lockdown led British singer-songwriter Geeta Jhala to create Cheebu World, which are fun animal-led animated songs for kids. The first of these was a super catchy number Roar Roar Roary and it was followed by Lango On The Tree.
G is for Ghazal: A big highlight of British backed drama serial A Suitable Boy was that the ghazals were composed and sung by Kavita Seth. She used real classical instruments to capture the atmosphere of the 1950s and experience the true flavour of each of the ghazals, which led to renewed interest in the genre.
H is for Hip hop: In terms of independent artists, hip hop remained one of the most path-breaking commercial genres with artists using it to break musical boundaries. Two of the most interesting independent artists were the UK talent Premz and USA-based Adi, who delivered solid songs offering something new.
I is for Inspired: The number of British Asian albums dramatically decreasing in recent years is why London-based duo Shaan and Verinder had a standout moment with their 12-track release Inspired. The awesome album released during lockdown featured diverse commercial music styles and world-class singing talents, including Roshan Prince, Gunjan, Benny Dhaliwal, Manjit Pappu, Saini Surinder and Miss Pooja.
J is for Jay Sean: The chart-topping British singer launched his own podcast in 2020 and delivered some interesting musical collaborations. He teamed up with singer Guru Randhawa for the mega-hit Surma Surma and reunited with Rishi Rich for the song Nakhre.
K is for Kitchen Sink: One album that took everyone by surprise was Kitchen Sink by Nadine Shah, which released during lockdown and struck a chord with music fans. Her fourth studio album received massive critical acclaim and will likely be a frontrunner at awards in 2021.
L is for Lockdown: The lockdown halted music acts all over the world and many adapted to the situation by delivering concerts, streamed through multiple mediums, including social media. The UK-based musician Kay Kay Chauhan and his singers were some of the most hardworking, and helped ease the stress of self-isolation with a massive number of free shows.
M is for Malik: Crown prince of Bollywood Armaan Malik didn’t let the restrictions of 2020 stop him from delivering an impressive body of work, which ranged from film songs to standout pop releases. He also delivered hit English language song Control and spread positivity among his massive growing army of fans. Special mention to his super talented brother Amaal Mallik, who also had a prolific year composing huge hits.
N is for Newcomers: There were a lot of talented new singers, who announced themselves and showed that the future of commercial music is bright. Talented newcomers included Jagtar, Joelle Charan, Zainab Haya Pasha and Usman Ali Raees.
O is for Obituary: We sadly lost music talents in 2020 and the most high-profile of these was SP Balasubrahmanyam. One of the most prolific singers in music history passed away in a Chennai hospital after a brave battle with Covid-19. He is thought to have sung over 40,000 songs and received well-deserved tributes from around the world.
P is for PSL: The Pakistani Super League’s (PSL) official 2020 anthem Tayyar Hain received a negative response, despite featuring popular singers Ali Azmat, Haroon, Asim Azhar and Arif Lohar. It was so bad that the public pushed Ali Zafar into releasing an alternative anthem for the cricket league, which proved to be far more popular.
Q is for Queen: Pop queen Charli XCX showed once again why she is music royalty by recording an entire pop album during lockdown and getting fan input, each step of the way. Her self-isolation album How I'm Feeling Now is arguably the finest of 2020 and was described as a moment in time.
R is for Rocqawali: Acclaimed Danish-Pakistani rock band Rocqawali found the hallowed middle ground between commercial and artistic music with their third album Kalam, which took sounds rooted in over 800 years of Sufi tradition and combined them with explosive contemporary beats. They were representative of many acts who used cross-cultural influences effectively.
S is for Sayonee: There were also plenty of musical misfires, which resulted in awful releases and one of the most heavily criticised was Arijit Singh’s cover version of Junoon classic Sayonee.
T is for Tribute: A standout moment was students of late sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar coming together to record a musical tribute to celebrate his 100th birth anniversary. Led by Anoushka Shankar, each recorded a performance indoors, and it was expertly edited together into one big performance and music video.
U is for Universe Boss: Big hitting batsman Chris Gayle, also known as Universe Boss, teamed up with Avina Shah for the dance number Groove, which got everyone dancing.
V is for Videos: There was an interesting array of music videos released and some of the most popular featured Bigg Boss 13 contestants. There was also a video controversy when Bilal Saeed and Sama Qamar were criticised for shooting a music video in a mosque. There was further controversy when allegations emerged artists in India were buying fake views for their music videos.
W is for Wedding: Superstar singer Neha Kakkar, 32, surprised everyone by marrying struggling reality TV star Rohanpreet Singh, seven years her junior, after a whirlwind romance. Another wedding that took everyone by surprise was Pakistani pop star Haroon, 47, marrying a woman who is thought to be in her twenties.
X is for X Factor: One singer that just had a magic X Factor about him was Diljit Dosanjh, who received worldwide acclaim for his monster hit album G.O.A.T, which was so good that it got him a major breakthrough in the western mainstream.
Y is for YouTube: Young 22-year-old Indian singer Dhvani Bhanushali became the youngest Indian to cross a billion views on YouTube.
Z is for Zayn Malik: Pop superstar Zayn Malik released the song Better, which serves as the lead single from his upcoming third studio album. His single wasn’t the only reason to celebrate because he also became a father after his partner Gigi Hadid gave birth to a baby girl.
BTS star Jungkook has issued a public apology after sparking backlash for wearing a cap with the phrase “Make Tokyo Great Again” during a rehearsal for J-Hope’s concert. The phrase, seen as politically loaded, upset many fans in South Korea, with some calling it offensive and thoughtless.
The singer, who recently completed his mandatory military service, said he was unaware of the slogan’s sensitive background and admitted that he should have been more cautious.
Jungkook of K-pop supergroup BTS at an outdoor sporting facility in Yeoncheon Getty Images
Slogan draws backlash over political and cultural sensitivity
Jungkook was seen in an all-black outfit and the now-controversial cap during rehearsals for the Hope on the Stage concert on Friday in Goyang. The slogan on the cap, “Make Tokyo Great Again,” echoed political phrases linked to Japanese nationalism and was previously used by Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko. Some South Korean fans were quick to point out that the phrase has been associated with anti-Korean sentiments and accused the singer of being “careless.”
The similarity to Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” also added fuel to the fire, as netizens debated the political undertones and the potential implications of a global star wearing such a phrase publicly. Social media lit up with disappointment, with many questioning how Jungkook could overlook such a sensitive issue, especially given the historical tensions between South Korea and Japan.
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Jungkook responds: “No excuse for my carelessness”
The 27-year-old singer responded quickly to the criticism through a heartfelt message on Weverse. “I sincerely apologise for the disappointment and inconvenience caused by the hat I wore during rehearsals. I didn’t realise the historical and political context behind the phrase,” he wrote. “There’s no excuse. I was careless. I’ll make sure to be more thoughtful from now on.”
He also confirmed that the cap was discarded immediately and acknowledged that he had hurt many of his fans unintentionally. The apology was met with mixed reactions. While some appreciated his honesty, others felt the damage had already been done.
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This incident comes just days after Jungkook completed his 18-month military service alongside Jimin. The Hope on the Stage concert marked his return to the spotlight, with all seven BTS members reuniting on stage, drawing cheers from fans. Jungkook had recently released Never Let Go, a song dedicated to fans during BTS’s 11th anniversary.
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With a voice that echoes both the glamour and grit of a bygone era, British singer Aisha Khan is set to take centre stage at London’s legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club on June 29.
Performing with her acclaimed band The Rajahs, Khan will present a rich cocktail of 1940s and 1950s American roots music, jazz and rhythm and blues – blending timeless classics with her own original songs. Known for her evocative vocals, magnetic stage presence and deep reverence for the great female vocalists of the past, Khan promises a night filled with toe-tapping rhythm and heartfelt emotion.
Ahead of the show, she spoke to Eastern Eye about her lifelong love affair with vintage sounds, the power of live performance, and her inspirations and musical heroes.
What first connected you to music?
There was not just one thing. As a little girl, I was always singing and had no idea why – I just could not help it. I did not come from a musical family. My mum had a couple of Bollywood LPs with Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar, and my dad listened to Andy Williams and The Carpenters in the car. Apart from that, there was not much music at home. I watched Top of the Pops as a teenager, but I fell in love with Elvis Presley when I was 13 – that is where my passion for vintage music began.
How would you describe your brand of music? Mostly, I perform authentic 1940s and 1950s American music – blues, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll. I sing cover versions, but I also write a lot of original songs in the same style. I have also been developing a new Americana/country project, so the music keeps coming.
What does live performance mean to you? At its best, it means pure connection with the audience – almost a transcendental experience. It does not always happen like that, but subconsciously, I think that is what I am always striving for. I go on stage with songs I love and musicians who are great and always have my back. With that secure foundation, I try to see where the music can take me, and I bring the audience along with me. I love being close to the audience and drawing them into the live experience. It can bring so much energy and joy.
How much are you looking forward to performing at the iconic Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club? We performed our first sell-out show upstairs there last year, but this is our first gig in the main room downstairs. I cannot express what an honour and privilege it is to appear at such a legendary venue. To think we will be on the same stage as so many iconic performers – from Ella Fitzgerald to Miles Davis – is mind-blowing.
What can we expect from the show? We will perform some of our most loved original songs, as well as several from our latest album Seven Shades of Blue, released this spring. We also have the honour of introducing Haylen, an incredible artist from Paris, as our special guest. There will be a lot of toe-tapping and happy vibes.
What do you hope people will take away from your performance – musically or emotionally? I hope they leave with a range of emotions. I want them to feel moved, but also to walk out feeling joyous and uplifted.
What do you most love about the jazz and rhythm and blues of the 1940s and 1950s? There are so many things I love about the music of that era. The musicianship, the danceability – how you just cannot help but move to it. I love the lyrics, the humour and the storytelling. When I was younger, I learned a lot of jazz standards and loved them. But it was only after living life – experiencing love, loss and heartbreak, having children, going through disappointment and great happiness – that I truly connected with those songs. Many of them now bring tears to my eyes, or even ecstasy when I sing or hear them. These are songs that truly stand the test of time.
Do you remember the first time you heard a song from that era that truly moved you? It was when I began listening to jazz in my teens. I idolised Sarah Vaughan and her craft. Then, as I discovered more popular music from the 1940s and 1950s and started dancing, I began to feel it not only emotionally but physically too.
Aisha Khan
Who is your own music hero from that bygone era? Sarah Vaughan, definitely. I also loved Billie Holiday.
If you could duet with any artist from the 1940s or 1950s, who would it be? It would have to be one of the great rhythm and blues vocalists – Wynonie Harris, Louis Jordan or Joe Turner. That would be so much fun.
Which classic songs do you most enjoy performing live? I love rhythm and blues by the many powerful female vocalists of that era – songs like Voodoo Voodoo by LaVern Baker, They Call Me Big Mama by Big Mama Thornton, or Pretty Good Love by Big Maybelle.
What inspires you as an artist? A life lived. Everything I have experienced – from having children to feminism. People, places, books – you never know where inspiration will come from. I also love collaborating with other musicians and singers; you never know what kind of magic might be created.
Why do you love music? The same reason I breathe. It is part of all of us – from the rhythms in nature to the cadence of the languages we learn as children. It can tell great stories and express deep emotions. It has the power to change lives – to comfort those in pain and bring joy to those open to it. I believe it is one of the purest art forms and forms of self-expression. I feel incredibly fortunate to have done this for so many years, and I hope to continue for the rest of my life.
Aisha Khan and The Rajahs at Ronnie Scott’s, 47 Frith Street, London W1D 4HT on Sunday, June 29. www.ronniescotts.co.uk
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Lewis Hamilton served as co-producer and advisor for F1, guiding everything from story to technical racing details
Brad Pitt’s upcoming Formula One film, titled F1, owes much of its realism and racing soul to none other than seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. According to director Joseph Kosinski, the film wouldn’t exist in its current form without Hamilton’s hands-on involvement, from the first pitch to the final details.
Kosinski, best known for Top Gun: Maverick, shared that Hamilton was the first person he contacted when the project was just an idea. An email led to a partnership, and Hamilton came on board not only as an executive producer but as a consultant whose lived experience shaped everything from the screenplay to on-track movements.
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Every detail came from someone who’s lived it
Set for global release on 25 June (27 June in North America), F1 was filmed across real Grand Prix weekends with full support from Formula One’s organisers. Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a seasoned driver making a surprise return to the circuit, while Damson Idris stars as his rookie teammate.
Hamilton’s role, however, extended far beyond a name on the credits. He worked closely with the filmmakers to ensure the racing looked and felt accurate, including giving track-specific advice. For instance, he told Kosinski that if Pitt’s character were to pull aside under a blue flag, turn six in Hungary would be the most realistic spot to do so. That level of detail could only come from someone who knows the sport inside out.
Brad Pitt stars as a veteran driver, with scenes shot during actual race weekends for authenticityGetty Images
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer added that Hamilton even corrected gear shifts in the audio during a Silverstone scene, pointing out the sound didn’t match the gear a driver would realistically use in that corner. His obsession with accuracy gave the film its edge.
Beyond the racetrack, Hamilton’s spirit fuels the story
The racing scenes are just one part of the film’s core. Hamilton’s insights also inspired character development. One pivotal moment, where Pitt’s character reflects on the deeper meaning behind his love for racing, was drawn from a real-life conversation with Hamilton about the emotional and spiritual connection drivers have with the sport.
Brad Pitt, Director Joseph Kosinski, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon and Producer Jeremy Kleiner at the fan event for "F1: The Movie" Getty Images
As Formula One looks to expand its global fanbase, especially in the US, F1 aims to build on the success of Netflix’s Drive to Survive. But unlike the docuseries, this film brings together Hollywood storytelling with Hamilton-approved authenticity. And without him, the filmmakers say, this story simply couldn’t be told.
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SRH’s Kavya Maran and Anirudh Ravichander spark fresh buzz
A new rumour is doing the rounds in celebrity and cricket circles. Sunrisers Hyderabad CEO Kavya Maran is reportedly set to marry top music composer and singer Anirudh Ravichander. Though there’s been no official word from either camp, talk of the duo planning a wedding has picked up serious steam online.
Anirudh Ravichander performing live Getty Images
A Reddit rumour, a Las Vegas spotting, and a Rajinikanth connection
Whispers of a romance between Kavya and Anirudh first surfaced in early 2024, with a Reddit post claiming the two were dating. The same post claimed that superstar Rajinikanth, who is Anirudh’s uncle by marriage, had spoken to Kavya’s father, media tycoon Kalanithi Maran, about the match. A few netizens also claimed to have seen the two holidaying together in Las Vegas. Despite public denials from Anirudh’s team back then, the buzz never quite died down.
Now, fresh reports claim the couple may have been quietly preparing for a wedding. Online users have once again begun speculating, especially after noticing the two being spotted together more frequently. With Anirudh’s packed music schedule and Kavya’s strong presence during this year’s IPL season, the timing seems curious and perfect for a soft launch into public acceptance.
Who they are: power, legacy, and a lot of fan following
Anirudh Ravichander shot to fame with Why This Kolaveri Di in 2012 and has since become one of Indian cinema’s most bankable composers. From Jawan to Vikram, his music dominates charts across languages. He comes from a family with strong roots in the arts. His father is actor Ravi Raghavendra, his mother a classical dancer, and his aunt is married to Rajinikanth. His great-grandfather was filmmaker K. Subramanyam.
Kavya Maran is the CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad and daughter of Kalanithi Maran, the powerful head of Sun Group. Over the last few years, she has become a fan favourite for her viral expressions during SRH matches. She also handles key parts of Sun Network’s broadcast and music divisions.
Kavya Maran caught on camera smiling in the SRH standsNortheast News
Whether the wedding actually happens remains to be seen. But if true, this high-profile alliance would bring together cricket, cinema, and a whole lot of corporate power, and fans seem more than ready to celebrate.
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Jungkook, RM, and V return from military service as BTS shifts focus from solo journeys to full-group comeback
It’s a moment fans around the world have been waiting for! BTS, the global K-pop sensation, is almost whole again. Six out of seven members of the South Korean boy band have now completed their mandatory military service, setting the stage for what could be the biggest music comeback in recent years.
Thousands of fans from across the globe have already descended on Seoul this week, many attending BTS Festa, an annual celebration marking the group’s anniversary. This year is extra special, as it coincides with the near-completion of the band’s military duties. The final member, SUGA, is set to be discharged on 21 June.
K-pop band BTS's members salute after being discharged from a mandatory military service Getty Images
Fans gather with hope as BTS nears full return
The group hasn’t performed together since their last concert in Busan in 2022. Since then, each member has embarked on solo projects while also fulfilling national duties. Jin and J-Hope were the first to complete their service last year. This week, Jungkook and Jimin exited their base in Yeoncheon to cheering crowds. RM and V followed shortly after, with RM even serenading fans on a saxophone and V promising that the reunion was just around the corner.
HYBE’s headquarters in Seoul is now wrapped in a massive banner reading “WE ARE BACK”, reflecting the excitement around the group’s 12th anniversary and the anticipation of their long-awaited comeback. Fans, like Karla Linan from Mexico and Ayla O’Ryan from Scotland, have travelled far just to be part of the celebration, hoping to catch even a glimpse of the stars.
Fans from around the world gather in Seoul for BTS Festa celebrationsGetty Images
India’s BTS ARMY ready for a concert of a lifetime
Back in India, the ARMY is equally thrilled. The country was originally included in BTS' 2020 tour plans, which were shelved due to the pandemic. But fans haven’t stopped streaming, supporting, and waiting. With India now ranked among BTS’ top international markets, the buzz around a possible tour date is growing louder.
The success of Coldplay’s India tour in 2025 proved the massive scale and impact a global act can have. Coldplay’s Ahmedabad leg alone brought in over £37 million (₹392 crore) to the local economy. Industry insiders believe that BTS, arguably an even bigger draw, could surpass those figures if they announce an Indian date.
J-Hope, Jin, and other BTS members gear up for reunion, as solo eras give way to group plansGetty Images
With new music and a world tour expected in 2026, the stage is being set. For fans across the world and especially in India, BTS isn’t just returning. They’re about to make history again.