Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Soulful Asian sounds of a Scandinavian music star

Soulful Asian sounds of a Scandinavian music star

NORWAY-BASED SINGER SYED ALI DISCUSSES HIS UNIQUE MODERN-CLASSICAL STYLE

NORWAY is famously associated with fantastic fjords, mountains, skiing, phenomenal footballers, and winning loads of medals at the winter Olympics, but it also has a talented singer connected to his south Asian roots, who is producing popular songs.


Syed Ali learned classical music from a young age before making a name for himself on the local live circuit. This led to his debut song Hum Tere Dewane and subsequent single releases. He is currently working on new projects, including upcoming song Tu Jahan Mera, which is a duet with popular singer Gunjan Singh.

Eastern Eye caught up with the Norway-based singer to discuss his close connection to music, inspirations, and future plans.

What first connected you to music?

I listened to Bollywood songs and ghazals at an early age. I was fascinated by the amazing compositions of RD Burman, OP Nayyar, Naushadji and Shayyam sahib. I used to be amazed by the wonderful singing of Mohammad Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar. For some years, my family drove between towns to make a living and my father listened to Mehdi Hassan, Ghulam Ali Khan, Jagjit Singh and Pankaj Udhas, which developed my taste for ghazals and Urdu/ Hindi poetry.

What led towards you learning classical Indian music?

When I was around 11 years old, I accidently stumbled on records of classical singers like Bhimsen Joshi, Girja Devi and Bade Ghulam Ali Khan. That is when I started taking classes at the only school with Indian music courses in Norway, Oslo School of Music and Arts. There I was fortunate enough to meet my guru, Shri Lal Sahajpal, and have been learning music from him ever since.

Who were your biggest influences growing up?

I have always been inspired by classical singers like Bhimsen Joshi and Girja Devi. The way they control their voice and do their magic is out of this world. I have got much inspiration from Mohammad Rafi sahib. His voice and style of singing touched my heart at an early age. I also love more devotional type of music by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and am part of a qawwali group in Norway, RagaNor, performing and playing for local audiences.

Which of your song releases have been closest to you heart?

My first release Hum Tere Dewane will always be close to my heart, even though I have strived towards improving with each song. It is a passionate romantic song, and the music video perfectly represents that feeling.

How would you describe your music?

My music is inspired by modern urban hip hop mixed with classical elements from more traditional desi music. We love to experiment and have recently been using live instruments like flute, sarangi, violin, tabla, harmonium, etc. Our aim is to make modern hip hop and trap music with lyrics and composition that appeal to not just the younger generation, but also to those who are used to listening to more 1980s and 90s type of Bollywood music.

What can we expect next from you?

With the support of the Norwegian Art Council, we are working on some great songs with known artists like Gunjan Singh and Naseebo Lal. We are also planning to get more famous artists onboard. My upcoming music is going to vary from more hip hop based production to orchestral music mixed with urban sounds. We are making some unique compositions for diverse audiences.

Which of your unreleased songs are you most excited about?

Upcoming song Tu Jahan is the most exciting project. We have used several live instruments and collaborated with the fabulous voice of Gunjan Singh. Anyone that has listened to Bally Sagoo will remember her cover song Aja Re and many more hits she has sung. We are honoured to have her onboard. The track is almost finished and will release soon.

Who would you love to collaborate with?

I would love to work with singers like Jonita Gandhi, Neha Kakkar, Shreya Ghoshal and Sunidhi Chauhan. I would also love to collaborate with UK and USA based artists like the PropheC, Jay Sean, Raxstar, Imran Khan and many more. I am already working with upcoming talents and recently dropped two cover songs with Ritu Rawat and Neeti B. Basically, I am looking for anyone with talent.

What music dominates your own personal playlist?

I listen to various genres and styles, from traditional classical songs to more recent trap and hip hop music. I enjoy qawwali by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and the smooth voice of Lucky Ali, it all depends on the mood. Mostly, I listen to live music, stage performances with more improvised music. It gives me new ideas and inspiration.

If you could master something new in music, what would it be?

I would love to learn tabla. I have been listening to legends like Ustad Zakir Hussain, Ustad Shaukat Khan and Ustad Tari Khan for a long time and have performed live, accompanied by tabla players. The control and deep understanding that a percussionist requires, is amazing. I am also interested in learning sound design, mixing and mastering sounds.

What inspires you?

New ideas inspire me. I love to compose, write, experiment and make something new and unique. Normally, when my producer and I work on new beats, I start writing lyrics to an initial composition. If the composition is good, we proceed and make a song. Sometimes it can take days, and other times it takes a few hours and the whole song structure is set. All the sounds, my feelings and state of mind inspire me to make the music. Sometimes, I just get the urge to make something new on my own.

Why do you love music?

Music is a way for me to express myself. It’s a world where I can invent and improvise without any limitations. Music gives me strength and hope, especially in difficult times. It helps me focus and I truly believe that it is a universal language. It unites people from different backgrounds and cultures to find a common platform. Sometimes life seems to be this repeating circle and music gives me the variation I need in my life.

Instagram & Facebook: @SyedAliMusic and www.syedalimusic.com

More For You

Wireless Festival 2025

The 2025 event made headlines after it was announced that Canadian rapper Drake

Getty Images

Wireless Festival 2025 confirms new acts for Finsbury Park

Key points

 
     
  • Wireless Festival 2025 runs from 11–13 July in Finsbury Park, London
  •  
  • Drake to headline all three nights of the sold-out event
  •  
  • New acts include ODUMODUBLVCK, SahBabii, Darkoo and Uncle Waffles
  •  
  • Up to 150,000 attendees expected across the weekend
  •  
 

Final line-up revealed ahead of 20th anniversary festival

 

Further acts have been confirmed for the 2025 edition of Wireless Festival, as Finsbury Park prepares to host the three-day music event from Friday 11 July to Sunday 13 July. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the UK’s biggest urban music festival, which has evolved into a major platform for rap, R&B, afrobeats and grime.

The 2025 event made headlines after it was announced that Canadian rapper Drake would headline all three nights — a first for the festival — sparking record-breaking ticket sales. The festival sold out within minutes.

Keep ReadingShow less
Superman

This film marks the first cinematic release under the new unified DC Universe banner

X/ ErikDavis

Superman early reactions praise James Gunn’s reboot as “a terrific start”

Key points

  • First reactions to Superman (2025) praise its action, humour and emotional tone
  • Directed by James Gunn and starring David Corenswet as Superman
  • Premiered in Los Angeles ahead of 11 July theatrical release
  • Fans and critics call it a strong launch for the new DC Studios era

Superman early reviews call it “exciting” and “hopeful”

Following its premiere in Los Angeles on Monday night, the first social media reactions to Superman have begun to emerge — and they are largely positive. Though full reviews will be published closer to the 11 July release date, critics, journalists and early viewers have shared their first impressions online.

 

What fans and critics are saying

“A terrific start for the new DC Studios,” – Erik Davis, Fandango
Film journalist Erik Davis praised Superman as a promising launchpad for DC Studios under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran.

Keep ReadingShow less
Neena Gupta

The brand’s use of a traditional Indian design without acknowledgement

Getty Images

Neena Gupta joins Kareena Kapoor in calling out Prada over Kolhapuri chappals

Key points

  • Neena Gupta posts a video wearing Kolhapuri chappals gifted by late actor Laxmikant Berde
  • Joins Kareena Kapoor in highlighting resemblance to a Prada sandal design
  • Luxury brand showcased similar footwear at Milan Fashion Week without reference to Indian origins
  • Both actresses emphasised the value of original handmade designs

Neena Gupta backs Kolhapuri chappals after Prada controversy

Veteran Indian actress Neena Gupta has weighed in on the ongoing conversation around Prada’s recent footwear collection after actress Kareena Kapoor earlier pointed out the brand’s use of a traditional Indian design without acknowledgement.

In a video shared on Instagram, Gupta showcased a pair of handmade Kolhapuri chappals gifted to her by the late actor Laxmikant Berde. Sharing the story behind the slippers, she said, “So, these Kolhapur slippers are in great demand these days. Once I did something with Laxmikant Berde—I don't remember what it was—so I asked him, can you get me these slippers from Kolhapur? He said yes. So he got them for me. This is the most beautiful slippers I have ever had. Most beautiful and handmade. I love them. Thank you, Laxmikant. You are not there anymore, but love you.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Katy Perry seen in black bikini on Capri yacht after Orlando Bloom split
Katy Perry relaxes on deck in a black bikini as she chats with friends
Twitter/info katy perry

Katy Perry seen in black bikini on Capri yacht after Orlando Bloom split

Quick highlights:

  • Katy Perry seen for the first time since confirming split with Orlando Bloom.
  • The singer relaxed on a yacht in Capri with daughter Daisy and close friends.
  • Representatives say the couple has shifted focus to co-parenting after months of changes.
  • Bloom shared cryptic quotes on loneliness while Perry broke down on stage in Australia.

Katy Perry appears to be embracing single life with warmth and grace after confirming her split from actor Orlando Bloom. Just days after their breakup statement, the pop star was seen enjoying a yacht holiday in Capri with her daughter Daisy and longtime friends.

Perry looked composed and at ease as she spent time on the water, marking her first public appearance since the relationship announcement. Dressed in a black bikini, with her hair tied back in a sleek bun, the singer was photographed laughing, hugging friends, and sharing moments with her 4½-year-old daughter.

Keep ReadingShow less
The Beckham family

Mia Regan, Romeo Beckham, Cruz Beckham, Harper Beckham, David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, Brooklyn Peltz Beckham and Nicola Peltz Beckham attend the Netflix 'Beckham' UK Premiere

Getty Images

Brooklyn Beckham’s absence looms over Harper’s birthday as family rift deepens

Quick highlights:

  • Brooklyn Beckham is unlikely to attend Harper’s 14th birthday amid ongoing family tensions.
  • He recently skipped David Beckham’s 50th celebration to attend Nicola Peltz’s father’s birthday in the US.
  • Insiders say Harper is especially hurt as she shares a close bond with Brooklyn.
  • Brooklyn reportedly feels distant from the Beckham family and more connected to Nicola’s side.

The Beckham family is preparing to mark Harper’s 14th birthday this week, but the occasion is expected to be bittersweet. Brooklyn Beckham is not expected to join the celebrations, sparking concerns about a deepening rift between him and the rest of his family.

Once a close-knit unit, tensions reportedly began brewing after Brooklyn married American heiress and actress Nicola Peltz in 2022. Since then, his growing bond with Nicola’s family and increasing distance from his own has been a source of strain, insiders claim.

Keep ReadingShow less