Some DJs may be overrated, particularly those who became one overnight merely relying on sync button and that cool attitude that makes them appear like true musicians even if in truth they can’t carry a tune or play any instrument.
Indian DJ Akbar Sami, who recently gigged at the trendy House Manila, is one deserving of the applause reserved for legitimate talents who have turned this kind of expression into a career. For one, he is credited for having pioneered the DJ music scene in his country, with his critically acclaimed remix albums ensuring his status as one of the most influential DJs in Asia.
“All these equipment make DJ-ing very easy while a lot of them who have nothing to do with music are becoming DJs, which is a bad thing,” argued Akbar who has already toured the US playing in VIP clubs and whose background includes going to London in the early ‘90s to learn the craft straight from the westerners.
By that indication alone, one can sense that our Indian fellow is not one ordinary spinner. In fact, he can professionally sing, too.
Akbar’s long career is now locked with a new mix after he remade a classic Bollywood ditty called “Kabhi Kabhi,” (Sometimes, Sometimes) which he describes as “a poetry with a lot of love and romance.” By accident he ended up singing the track after the one scheduled to sing the track failed to appear. The record producer felt he had “done justice to the song.”
“It may have helped that I am used to teaching vocal parts of songs during recordings,” he humbly mused.
This international act is hailed for “artistically spinning together various musical genres such as rap, jazz, rock, and folk, all beautifully infused with Bollywood flavor.
“For this year,” he said, “Singing will go along with the kind of music I do when I play.”
DJ Akbar Sami, who started as a dancer in Bollywood movies, is collaborating with Dream Events & Entertainment headed by its President/CEO Sumeet Ramchandani and Vice President Sanjay Bhatia, with Kris Mago serving as VP for Philippines. Dream, which brought him to Manila, also operates in India, United Arab Emirates, and the US.
When asked of the extent of the partnership, the reply bordered on “very good plans” and “a lot of new things coming up.”
Being his first visit in the Philippines, the multi-talented dude expressed the positive vibes welcoming him prior to his show at Resorts World Manila where the said party house is located.
“It’s my first time in Manila and the people are nice,” he observed. “It’s a fabulous experience and I hope to do a lot of work here in the future.”
His valuable piece of advice for DJ-wannabes: “I am a perfectionist and want to do things the way it should be done. Be dedicated and keep listening. Pick six to play out of 100 songs.”