Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Roaring into the world of music for children

SINGER GEETA JHALA HAS BIG PLANS FOR HER NEW PROJECT

by ASJAD NAZIR


THE record-breaking Baby Shark being viewed on YouTube well over 10 billion times shows the immense popularity of children’s music globally and that is why a change in musical direction from Geeta Jhala is interesting.

The British-Asian singer has toured globally and delivered a wide array of contemporary commercial songs in various languages, but during lockdown, she has created something unique for the younger generation. She has assembled a top team for Cheebu World, which has animal characters and children’s songs associated with them.

The first of these is super catchy number Roar Roar Roary, which has been met with a positive response and is already clocking up big numbers on You Tube. Geeta composed, wrote and sang the song, which will lead to her developing the children’s brand further.

With more big plans on the way, she hasn’t disconnected herself from commercial music. Eastern Eye caught up with Geeta Jhala to find out more about her various projects.

What led you towards your latest musical project Cheebu World?

So in June I flew back home to London from India because of the worsening coronavirus situation there and was quarantined upon arrival. I had two weeks to restrategise my musical plans because I knew it would take a while for projects to begin again. My two-year-old niece watched a lot of YouTube and the content she saw really inspired me to start creating kids music.

Tell us about the project and newly released video?

So the first song that has been released is titled Roar Roar Roary, based on my first and focal character of Cheebu World, the tiger Roary. It’s really just a fun, original song for kids with a very colourful and interesting animated visual.

What was the biggest challenge of putting it together?

To be honest, it’s probably just the fact that it has all been coordinated with my team in India, while I’ve been here in the UK. Obviously not being able to travel or be in India with the lockdown situations everywhere has meant that it’s all been really created using technology only.

How does doing children’s songs compare to other stuff you have done?

To be honest, I thought it would be really challenging initially when I thought of doing it. But funnily enough it came quite easily to me as I started. I created eight original characters and in turn wrote, composed and sang eight songs for them in about a month.

Who are you hoping will connect to these songs?

I mean primarily children, of course. However I have tried to make the songs pretty catchy for us adults too. They aren’t exactly nursery rhymes, more just catchy upbeat tunes for all ages to enjoy.

Have you learned anything new while doing this project?

I’ve learnt that anything is possible at any point in life. For me the lockdown began to get really gloomy and negative, and I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be able to creatively conceive an entire project in that frame of mind. But I did and it has been a blessing of positivity and hope for me.

What has the response been like so far?

The response, touch wood, has been phenomenal. I haven’t done too much advertising or promoting and it actually organically already has crossed 150,000 views. I didn’t expect such a response and that really makes it worthwhile.

What is the future plan for this Cheebu World project?

So I do plan to expand into books in the next few months, and also a range of character clothing. In terms of the music itself, like I said, there are another eight songs to follow Roary’s, which I am super excited about.

You have crossed a new frontier with this project. Is there anything else that you wanna do in music, but haven’t accomplished yet?

Yes, I would say this has ticked off another box in my musical wish list, but there is still so much I want to do. I hope to be releasing a lot more urban Gujarati music through my platform Agnifly Music, which is something that is very close to my heart. I plan to start releasing these in the next few months. My ultimate aim with this project, though, is to make a motion picture one day.

What else do you have on the way?

In terms of Cheebu World, the next song will be that of my monkey character, Lango, which will be released next month. In terms of my personal music, it’s an urban Gujarati project with the pioneer and maestro Rishi Rich.

What music is dominating your own personal play list at the moment?

I’ve recently been enjoying a lot of mellow love songs. It is something that’s usually my go-to during hectic times, which has been most days recently with Cheebu World in full flow.

You have been on a lot of musical adventures in the past decade, but which has been the most memorable?

I really couldn’t choose one, to be honest. I am just extremely thankful and grateful that I have gained so much experience in the past decade and musically have had a blast. My kid’s project Cheebu World is one I am currently really enjoying.

Today what inspires you?

Everything really. I can get inspired by absolutely anything anywhere. I feel that’s my secret weapon and again it is something I’m grateful for. My two-year-old niece Aahana has been my inspiration recently because of whom Cheebu World has come about.

You are composing, writing and singing, but if you could learn something new in music what would it be?

I would love to learn how to play an instrument. I’ve always wanted to, but have never really got around to doing so properly.

Finally why should we all find out more about your new project?

Because it’s going to be super fun. Cheebu World will not only be a creative and fun musical channel, it has also been developed to be educational, teaching children to be more environmentally conscious and aware of protecting our natural world. Expect catchy music, clothing, arts and crafts, cartoons, books and much more.

Visit Instagram, Facebook and Twitter on @cheebuworld and www.cheebuworld.com for more information

More For You

Human brain continues forming neurons

Neurogenesis, the process by which new neurons form in the brain

iStock

Human brain continues forming neurons well into old age, study finds

Key points

  • New neurons continue forming in the brain’s hippocampus into old age
  • Study confirms presence of neural progenitor cells in adults
  • DNA carbon dating and single-nucleus RNA sequencing were used
  • Research shows variation in neuron production between individuals
  • Findings could aid treatments for neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders

Human brain shows ongoing neuron formation into older age

A new study has confirmed that the human brain continues to produce new nerve cells well into late adulthood, challenging previous assumptions about age-related decline in neurogenesis. The findings, published in the journal Science, provide fresh insight into how adaptable the brain remains over a lifetime.

Neurogenesis, the process by which new neurons form in the brain, is known to occur in the hippocampus — a region involved in memory. While previous research has suggested that this process continues throughout life, there has been limited concrete evidence of the presence of neural progenitor cells in the adult brain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kent County Show 2025

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, who grew up in Brenchley

Getty Images

Kent County Show opens with royal visit from Duchess of Edinburgh

Key points:

  • Day one of the Kent County Show begins at Detling Showground near Maidstone
  • The Duchess of Edinburgh visits the event for the first time in 16 years
  • Organisers expect up to 70,000 visitors over the weekend
  • Farming and rural life are at the centre of the three-day programme
  • Highlights include live camel racing, equine sports, livestock displays and more

Kent County Show opens with royal visit

The Kent County Show returned to Detling near Maidstone on Friday, marking the start of a major three-day celebration of farming, food, and rural living. The event opened with a special visit from the Duchess of Edinburgh, who is attending for the first time in 16 years.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, who grew up in Brenchley near Tunbridge Wells and serves as patron of the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO), met with farmers, equine exhibitors, and local businesses on her tour of the showground.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sri Aurobindo

Heehs’s biography is grounded in extensive archival research across France, England, India and Israel

AMG

Sri Aurobindo and the rise of the Asian century

Dinesh Sharma

My friend and colleague, the American historian Peter Heehs, who has lived in Pondicherry, India, for decades, recently published a compelling new biography, The Mother: A Life of Sri Aurobindo’s Collaborator (2025). Heehs previously authored The Lives of Sri Aurobindo (2008), which remains one of the most balanced and scholarly accounts of Aurobindo’s life.

According to Heehs, most previous biographies of the Mother were written for devotees and relied on secondary sources, often presenting her as a divine incarnation without critical engagement. “Such biographies are fine for those who see the Mother as a divine being,” Heehs said, “but they can be off-putting for readers who simply want to understand her life – as an artist, writer, spiritual teacher, and founder of the Ashram and Auroville.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Black women cancer risk

Serious public health challenges in the decades ahead

iStock

Study warns of rising uterine cancer rates, with Black women hardest hit

Key points

  • Uterine cancer cases and deaths are projected to rise significantly in the US by 2050.
  • Black women are expected to experience the highest increase in incidence-based mortality.
  • A new model predicts incidence rising to 86.9 cases per 100,000 for Black women and 74.2 for White women.
  • Researchers stress the urgent need for improved prevention and early detection strategies.

Sharp increase in uterine cancer predicted over next three decades

Uterine cancer, currently the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States, is projected to see a substantial rise in both cases and deaths by 2050, particularly among Black women. A new study led by researchers at Columbia University warns of worsening racial disparities in outcomes if preventative measures are not introduced.

This year alone, around 69,120 new cases of uterine cancer and nearly 14,000 deaths are expected in the United States. However, projections by the Columbia University research team, published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, indicate a significant increase in both incidence and mortality over the next 30 years.

Keep ReadingShow less
Tesco Scotch Egg recall

Tesco has issued an urgent product recall for two batches of Wall’s Scotch Eggs

Tesco

Tesco recalls Wall’s Scotch Eggs over salmonella contamination

Key points

  • Tesco and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) have issued an urgent recall for Wall’s Scotch Eggs.
  • Salmonella contamination has been confirmed in two batches with a use-by date of July 2, 2025.
  • Customers are advised not to eat the affected items and return them to any Tesco store for a full refund.
  • No other Wall’s products are affected by this recall.

Wall’s Scotch Eggs recalled due to salmonella risk

Tesco has issued an urgent product recall for two batches of Wall’s Scotch Eggs after salmonella contamination was confirmed. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) supported the decision and has advised customers to check their kitchens and dispose of or return the products immediately.

The recall applies specifically to Wall’s 2 Classic Scotch Eggs 226g and Wall’s The Classic Scotch Egg 113g, both with a use-by date of 2 July 2025. Customers who purchased either product are urged not to consume them due to the potential health risk.

Keep ReadingShow less