Sean loves Indian folk

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Looks like the music gods have been appeased and they are showering the country with world-class acts. Come Sunday, and Grammy award-winning artiste Sean Paul will rock the crowds. He will be performing in Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru to promote his new album Tomahawk Technique.

After delivering a string of hits like Get Busy, Temperature and We Be Burnin’, it’s time to embrace new sounds and style. “I did everything I could on the genre dancehall. Not to brag, but yeah! I was amongst the best. It’s time I expanded in style and sound. I have worked with new artistes like Star Gate, Benny Blanco, Rico Love and DJ Ammo. This is cutting edge in music, and lyrics are sharp.”
Born as Sean A Paul Ryan Francis Henriques, this 39-year-old was actually a national level water polo player. “I was following the footsteps of my father and grandpa, who were water polo players as well. I switched to music when producer Jeremy Harding heard about me bearing resemblance to popular Dancehall DJ Super Cat,” reveals Sean.
This transient shift worked in his favour, as he produced five studio albums including Trinity and Imperial Blaze, which were amongst the biggest. With his fifth album up for release, the rapper is pretty kicked about performing in India. “From Lady Gaga to Enrique, Swedish House Mafia and others, India has become the hot destination. This country has always been welcoming and Indians have appreciated international music. This is what brings us here to perform. What else does an artiste crave for? Indians have a good taste for music and we love India! I’m more than happy to be performing for my Indian fans!”
Not many know that Sean is a big fan of Indian music, especially the folklore that accompanies our tunes. “I may not understand Hindi but I am certainly aware of Indian music. I am amazed how every different state has beautiful folk compositions and musical instruments. Someday, I would want to go on a tour and learn about the folk music. I am aware of Mr AR Rahman, and would like to work with him some day.”
With his concert scheduled in New Delhi on Friday, Mumbai on Saturday and Bengaluru on Sunday, fans can expect a ‘dazzling’ performance.
“The organisers told me how they want to blend my concert with Diwali, the festival of lights and wanted to set the stage up using mirrors, lights, crystals, I already get the feel of being in India with my Indian fans! Not to forget I’ll be getting along a fleet of exotic Jamaican women to set the stage on fire. The concerts shall be full of surprises. I am here to make my fans groove to all my favourite songs from my albums.” Having collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry like Beyonce Knowles, Jay Sean and Pitbull to name a few, Sean says it’s almost impossible to pick out a favourite. But he loves listening to Wiz Khalifa, Tyler the Creator, Bruno Mars, Roscoe Dash and Rick Ross.
Fans might be getting excited to see Sean but what is he craving to see? “The Taj Mahal! How can I not see one of the Seven Wonders of the World? I want to take souvenirs back home.” Sean is also a big fan of spices and cannot wait to sample the desi tadka. “I am a big foodie, and have been doing research on Indian food. I must take home some spices and food with me, for my family back in Jamaica.”
Spare time is not a luxury he particularly enjoys but Sean isn’t complaining. “Music is my escape. Even when I am not on stage or in some recording studio, I am on my iPad making new sound compositions. I love travelling, swimming with sharks and stingrays and being at far-off places.”