Sharing an album with South Asian legends

The ever smiling, always vibrant Armeen Musa started her musical journey in 2008 with her debut album, "Aye Ghum Bhangai". She soared to popularity right out of high school, with the hit track "Bhromor Koio," a remake of Radha Raman's classic song.

Recently, her song "Jaago Piya" has been featured in celebrated global Indian music collective Berklee Indian Ensemble's debut album, "Shuruaat".

"Jaago Piya" is featured in the same album as AR Rahman, Shankar Mahadevan and Ustad Zakir Hussain. It must feel great as an artiste.

If I have to describe my feelings in one word, I would say that it was surreal. I was involved with Berklee Indian Ensemble in its first three years. They have worked with some of the finest musicians in the world. When they informed me they will also include the original songs in their album, I was quite overwhelmed. They have selected 10 songs out of so many masterpieces, which represent the overall essence of this ensemble -- and one them is mine. 

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Armeen Musa in the same album as Ustad Zakir Hossain, Shankar Mahadevan

What was the inspiration behind this song?

I was a student there, when it all started. In the second year, Berklee told us that students can compose their original songs for the Indian Ensemble. The fun part is, I got scared after listening to the compositions of my talented classmates, and I did not submit any that year.

In my last year at Berklee, finally got the courage and sang the first verse of "Jaago Piya" to my teacher – I hadn't even fully composed it. To my surprise, she absolutely loved it. This composition reminds me of my roots and culture, which came from my mother. So, when I was looking for the perfect words for this composition, the only person that came to my mind—is my mother (Dr Nashid Kamal). She wrote the lyrics for me in just an hour.

You grew up in an illustrious musical family. How much pressure did you feel, if any at all, to shoulder the legacy?

They never gave me any pressure about my music, because they didn't want me to take it as a profession. Rather, they were very serious about my studies, and wanted me to choose another career. When I chose music as my profession, they gave me the freedom to choose my own path. I gave up a lot to become a musician.

Are you planning to release another solo album soon?

I did a concert recently in Sydney with an amazing musician David Reaston. I release my EP "Being in Love with the King of The World: Live in Sydney," yesterday. The audience will have a live experience of this concert after listening to the album. Recently, I also did a shoot for a music video of my next studio album in Malta. Hopefully, the album will be released soon.

Recently, you have uploaded your poetry recitations on your YouTube channel. Do you have plans to write a poetry book?

I do have a plan to publish my poetry book. I used to livestream poetry recitations during the Covid-19 lockdown. If I really publish a book on my poetry, it'll be an audio book for sure.