Seems like the Indian music scene is struck by 'Punjabi' bug! Yes, hip hop and rap are also making their presence known, but Punjabi songs top the charts of music goers. And joining the Punjabi squad of popular names like Badshah, Honey Singh and Guru Randhawa etc. is a new Punjabi singer, Wasim Sheikh, whose singing and style has brought him in the limelight in spite of being just three-song old. On the occasion of release of his third single, Nachke Dikha De, Wasim talks about his song, association with T-Series Punjab, inspiration in music and how he can fluently sing Punjabi songs in spite of not being ‘Punjabi’.

Let's talk about your third song ‘Nachke Dikha De’, which is receiving a raving response.

Although people have loved my previous songs that are equally important for me, my third song, Nachke Dikha De is extra special. The best thing is people are also loving and praising it a lot and can’t express this feeling in words.

Watch song here

Tell us about your association with T-Series Apna Punjab?

This is my second song with the label T-series Apna Punjab. My song Woofer-Woofer was also under the same banner. It has been a great association with T-series And we are coming with many projects as well. Inshallah it will be out soon.

Which other labels have you have worked with?

My first song, Daddy Bole was released by Sony Music Company while other two tracks, Nachke Dikha De and Woofer Woofer marked my association with T-Series Apna Punjab.

You are not Punjabi, but you sing Punjabi songs that went on to become hits!

As my home town is Delhi, I love to sing Punjabi songs since my childhood in spite of not being Punjabi or Sikh. I have worked really hard to sing Punjabi songs with correct accent and to be very honest, I took a risk of stepping in the music industry as a Punjabi singer. But I am very glad to see the love and support from the Punjabi people. It really means a lot to me.

When did the bug of music bite you?

When I was in 10th standard, I used to sing in the class. One day, my music teacher gave me a chance to perform in an annual function; I got amazing complements from the audience and teachers about my singing. This incident made me realise that I can become a good singer.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

My inspiration is my father who was also a great Sufi singer. I also like to listen to Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s song.

Have you taken professional training?

I have done my training in ‘Bhav Sangeet’ (Bollywood) and for the last three to four years, I have been taking professional training in Hindustani Classical Sangeet from Sahaswan Gharana under Sheetal Pandit Guruji.

Tell us about your journey so far?  

My journey has been filled with lot of struggle. But one thing that I have learnt is to believe in your talent and hard work. If today I am something, it’s only because of my hard work and we should never let our passion die and should not give up in any condition or situation because "always a bright morning comes after the each dark night".

Which are your favourite genres?

Although, I like all the genres of music, sufi and urban are my favourite.

Are you in plans to sing for Punjabi and Bollywood films also?

Right now, I don't have project from the Bollywood, but I am always ready to give my best if I get a chance to sing in Bollywood.

Who is your favourite Indian and International singer?

My favourite Indian singer is Rahat Fateh Ali Khan while Justin Bieber is my favourite international singer.

Any comments on the current indie music scene in India?  

Songs of various are being sung in India, which is the beauty of Indian music, but indie music is managing to make a big space in industry as people are loving it a lot.

How do you stand out amid the crowd of singers, both, famous and newbies?

I am a professional classical, hip hop and urban singer. My fore-fathers belong to a Sufi Gharana. So singing is in my blood. From childhood, I have believed on my hard work and my sincerity, dedication, determination is my chief assets.

What are your upcoming projects?

We are working on some attractive and beautiful tracks, whose updates we will give soon to the people.