Devika Chawla & Zohaib Kazi – Bijuri (Music Video)

‘Bijrui’ by Devika & Zohaib

Audio Mastering: Bilal Iftikhar
Directors of Photography: Nick Myggen (for Devika’s footage/San Fransisco) & Bilal Khan (for Zohaib’s footage/Karachi)
Video Editing: Bilal Habib
Music Composition: Traditional – derived from Rag Miyan Ki Malhaar (Hindustani Classical Music)
Lyrics: Traditional
Vocals: Devika
Music Production: Zohaib Kazi

INDIAN AND PAKISTANI MUSICIANS COLLABORATE OVER THE INTERNET TO PRODUCE FUSION MUSIC

January 22, 2011, San Francisco based Indian vocalist Devika Chawla & Pakistani music producer Zohaib Kazi announce the release of their groundbreaking collaborative single titled ‘Bijuri’ that was conceived, produced and recorded completely through their remote collaboration over the Internet and Social Media Platforms. “Bijuri” is a contemporary & improvised presentation of a composition derived from “Raag Miya Ki Malhaar”, belonging to Hindustani Classical music, fused with ambient electronica music.

What makes this track unique is the fact that both artists have been able to musically collaborate despite never having met each other and residing in different continents. All interactions were over Internet email & Skype chat/calls. The draft music & videos were shared over email and web spaces such as YouTube. Even the video was conceptualized in a way so as to be able to merge two sources of video footage (one shot in San Francisco and the other in Karachi) to create one video with a uniform look and feel.

Devika & Zohaib are able to preserve and showcase their respective styles and expertise in this track and create something that represents their shared passion for eclectic music. Despite factors against them collaborating easily including long distances and perceived differences between countries of their origin, the final product is unique, and celebrates how music can bring together diverse cultures beautifully, and how the internet is becoming the universal platform for global collaboration.

“Bijuri” is available for paid download on iTunes and the track will be showcased through radio, television and new media/internet promotional platforms.

Devika & Zohaib are currently working on additional tracks that will be released through 2011.

About Devika:

San Francisco based Indian vocalist Devika Chawla, who has released two solo albums in the past, is known for her distinct vocals and ability to adapt her Hindustani classical training to contemporary music. Her second album ‘Saari Raat‘ that was produced by former Vital Signs bassist Shahi Hasan reached the top of the pop music charts in India (courtesy Rhythmhouse Mumbai) & top of the Pop music charts in Pakistan (courtesy Laraib Music). Her most popular tracks include ‘Kehnde Ne Naina’ from her album titled ‘Devika’ and ‘Barkha Bahaar’ from Saari Raat. Her music has been licensed for several Sufi compilations including Sony Music’s ‘Teri Deewani’, ‘Sufiaana’, ‘Judaaiyaan’ and Saregama’s ‘Colours — Sufi Ke Anek Rang’. She has also collaborated with several other musicians including Punjabi Rapper Bohemia on his top selling hip hop tracks ‘Ek Tera Pyar’ and ‘Dil’ released by Universal Music India. Her track ‘Kothay Uttay’ was also remixed and licensed for the movie ‘Spanish Beauty‘ with Barbara Mori. For more information on Devika’s music, visit her official website at http://www.devikasmusic.com/

About Zohaib:

Karachi based Pakistani music producer Zohaib Kazi is a progressive visionary who works with a self- invented genre he calls ‘Ambient South Asia’. With a wealth of knowledge in music and expertise from his current role as Assistant Producer at Coke Studio, Kazi is passionately involved in designing and managing all aspects of his music. So far he has released three singles and two videos including ‘Maan Lo‘ with Zara Madani and Nad-e- Ali, which went on to top most music charts in Pakistan. His current projects include several collaborations with other artists and work on his own album titled ‘Ismail Ka Urdu Sheher’ based on a novel he is writing. For more information on Zohaib’s work, visit http://www.zohaibkazi.com/

©Copyright Devika Chawla & Zohaib Kazi. All Rights Reserved.