Music is universal - it has no language. That is exactly what music these days has been portraying. It includes peace anthems, songs in multi languages and international collaborations. Once such track and movement is called 'Have a Toast'. Multi-platinum and Grammy nominated Atlanta artist, Dj UNK who has mega-hits such as 'Walk it Out' and '2 Step' to his name has collaborated with artists from across the globe for his latest single – 'Have a Toast'.

DJ-UNK-HAVE-A-TOAST-ARTWORK

"'Have a Toast' is a toast of celebration - a celebration of people coming together," Dj UNK tell us. His latest single features international collaborations with heavyweight Urban Punjabi Producer Dj Sanj (UK), Taz-Stereo Nation (UK) who is considered to be one of the few people who introduced Pop Fusion, award winning DJ and radio jockey from UK-BBC1, Dj Nihal and Dirty Mob from Australia. All these artists toasted their celebration in New York City at an exclusive concert event in Long Island, New York. The event was held at Antuns by Minar in Hicksville and organized by Nick Rajsikha, EEG Entertainment and IndyaOne.

UrbanAsian host Monty(@montyislive) caught up with Dj UNK, Dj NIhal, Dj Sanj and Taz during the event - find out what the celebration is all about in the interview below!

Sowmya Raoh, one of Bollywood's foremost female singers has signed with EEG Talent as her exclusive North American management agency. EEG Talent is North America's fastest growing management company focusing on crossing over South Asian artists into the mainstream American market.

Last year, EEG Talent's parent company Music is Nirvana was responsible for creating a groundbreaking merchandising deal for Music Icon Sonu Niigaam with American Agency Cinsay.

This exclusive management deal with EEG Talent will see Sowmya working with producers based in N. America and releasing fusion music geared towards today's "new digital generation". EEG Talent will be responsible for overseeing Sowmya Rao's publishing deals, digital distribution bookings, shows, publishing deals, and will assist in providing collaborations with American Artists.

Speaking about the deal, Sowmya Raoh said that the possibilities with the new digital and mobile mediums in today's internet based young Asian consumers' remains indivisible and it's no shock that music continues to be an important part of their daily lives. Sowmya Raoh added that the possibilities created for me by entering North America via EEG Talent are "infinite". She also added: "The pattern in today's music world and music business has changed and as an artist and an entrepreneur I have to change and keep up with the changes. South Asian artists like me now have a medium through which our music can reach fans worldwide. Sonu Niigaam has created awareness by releasing mainstream music in America and now it's time to capitalize on the awareness created by Sonu Niigaam and move forward with current times."

Sowmya Raoh is scheduled to release a new single in the next quarter, a single that will show case Sowmya's R&B and English singing and composing skill. In keeping with the current trend, Sowmya plans to release the single on a worldwide digital platform.

Despite the new deal, Sowmya plans to have a strong presence in the Bollywood market.

Nick Rajsakha , President of EEG Talent added that "This is a great time for Indian music and entertainment in the US. Thanks to the success of talented stars such as Sonu Niigaam and films like SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, Indian music is seeing mainstream acceptance. We are pleased to be associated with Sowmya Rao to help bring her talent to her fans in North America."

Sowmya hails from Bangalore and is the daughter of the reputed playback, folk and devotional singer BK Sumitra and Sudhakar. Her playback career began while she was in Bangalore in 1993 following which she sang for films in Kannada, Telugu and Tamil. She has sung for the Telugu version of MAST, the Tamil version of RUN, KHUSHI, and more.

The title of the "Hottest Singer" was bestowed on Sowmya after the Telugu hit "Greekuveerudu" from the film NINNA PELLADATA starring Tabu and Nagarjuna. The track ran for 20 consecutive weeks in the box office charts at No.1. However, Sowmya wanted to take up the challenge of singing for Bollywood and so she decided to move to Mumbai. Credited with almost 200 songs down south, Sowmya Raoh has sung for well-known Music Directors such as A R Rahman, Ilayaraja, Deva, Vidyasagar, Hamsalekha, Harris Jeyaraj and others in the South.

Sowmya made her singing foray into Bollywood in the film JUNGLE . Since JUNGLE (Aiyyo Aiyyo Rama), she has sung for various films including PYAAR TUNE KYA KIYA (Rhounde Hai...), COMPANY (Aankhon Mein Rahon), DUM (Jeena, Dil Hi Dil Mein), BOLLYWOOD HOLLYWOOD (Sooni Hawa), EK AUR EK GYAARAH , SAMAY (Laila Laila, Zindagi), BUNTY AUR BABLI (Nach Baliye), and FAMILY (Katra Katra). She has also lent her voice to Bollywood Films such as Guru (Shauq Hai), Tara Rum Pum (Nach LeVe), the hit title track of Akshay Kumar Starrer- WELCOME- , KRAZZY 4 and many others.

Sowmya Raoh won the STARDUST AWARD in 2003 as the Best New Singer for "Laila Laila" from SAMAY.

As a performer, Sowmya has the capacity of mesmerizing her audience. Her range and versatility give her the ability to perform and render songs of any genre whether it be soft ballads or hard-core mass appeal Bollywood songs. Sowmya Raoh has had the privilege of singing in Sonu Niigaam concerts for more than 3 years. She has performed all over India, and also in more than 30 countries in America, Australia, Europe, Africa and Asia.

On September 20th, 2013 the media witnessed the first play release of multiplatinum artist Dj Unk’s single “Have a Toast“. Present at the vip media event was also Dj Sanj a multi-talented producer and dj from the U.K. and Taz – Stereo Nation also from the U.K. Speaking about the international collaboration was Nick Rajsakha and Robert Thorn ( EEG Talent and Nimbus Universal Records ). Nick described the collaboration as- A true collaboration, bringing together not only a diversity of talent, but also culture and genre’s in music. dj-unk-have-a-toast-cover Recognizing the growing and dominating presence between mainstream artists and South Asian artists, Nick also commented about the recent crowning of Miss America being of Indian heritage; Unk is publicly requesting a collaboration with Miss America Nina Davuluri to appear in his next music video. The press conference centred around 6 re-created and collaborated versions of Unk’s; Have a Toast hit single ( Dj Sanj, Taz-StereoNation, Dirty Mobb, Lost Stories and Dj Nihal ). Each version showcasing the universal power and common language to music. dj-unk-have-a-toast-cover-1 Unk spoke of his humble appreciation for the life he is and is about to lead today. ” A second chance at life” – Unk.Having suffered a heart attack a few years ago, Unk slowed his life down to focus more on his family. Unk explains; The definition of ‘Have a Toast‘ “is to celebrate life, it is not a statement of partying or drinking to enjoy life”. Engineered by Nick and Robert ( co – managers and record label executives ), Unk recognised the collaboration as a chance for to re-emerge into the market, with the right people. Guided by Nick and Robert and tapping into the South Asian market is the perfect playground to begin his re-birth into the scene. The press conference heard the announcement of future projects for Unk; including collaborations with Sonu Nigam, and signing to one of America’s power talent management companies CEG Talent.

Ameet Gaurr to host Bollywood Fashion and Music Awards at Trump Taj Mahal Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey -NOV 17, 2007 Ameet Gaurr, a super model, stunning actor and now Host of the prestigious Bollywood Music and Fashion Awards Ameet Gaurr, EEG Talent client , has been picked by the committee of the renowned Bollywood Group in New York as one of the hosts for the Bollywood Music and Fashion Awards to be held in New Jersey at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey on Nov 17, 2007. Ameet Gaurr who has gone from being a super model to being an actor on the silver screen as the lead in Vikram Bhatt's Fear has caused quiet a stir in the US. Kamal Dandona, Chairman of Bollywood Group was quoted as saying " Ameet Gaur has been a regular participant at the Bollywood awards and has also won an award . Ameet has a history with the Bollywood Awards and he is the right choice as the host for the Fashion and Music Awards. He's a dynamic young man and Bollywood Group had recognized this young man's talent and were the first ones to honor him. We are very glad that he's making the transition into movies and hope to see him achieve great things" . Preparations have begun for the Bollywood Music Awards where prominent Indian composers and singers will be honored for their work in 2006/07.Performers from India,Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Caribbean are expected to perform at the event to be held Nov 17 at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey. The musical and fashion extravaganza is expected to draw thousands of people from all over the U.S. Canada, and the Caribbean where the audience can see their favorite stars in flesh, as well as enjoy live performances. Bollywood Awards is the largest South Asian event management company outside of South Asia. The company holds three marquee events: the Bollywood Movie, Music and Fashion Awards. The three Award ceremonies can be likened respectively to the People's Choice Awards, Grammy Awards and the VH1 Vogue Fashion Awards. The distinguished Bollywood Group of Companies has played host to hundreds of members of the Indian film industry, business tycoons, socialites, as well as mainstream American personalities such as Michael Jackson, Richard Gere, Sharon Stone, Michael Bolton, Tyra Banks, Harvey Weinstein, Diane Von Furstenberg, Nikki Hilton to name a diverse few. Over the years, the Awards ceremonies have often enjoyed a vast viewing television audience of over 250 million in South Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North America, South Africa, Russia as well as the former Soviet Republics Ameet Gaurr is a multi-talented Model, Pilot and Actor. Ameet Gaurr, who made his debut in Vikram Bhatt's forthcoming thriller Fear has to his credit campaigns for Santro, Garnier, Pantaloons, Sheetal, Roopam and Boro Plus with Kareena Kapoor.As a model Ameet has worked with Bollywood heavyweights such Rocky.S, Vikram Phadnis, Neeta Lulla and other leading designers in the country before his leap into Bollywood Films. Bollywood offers were plenty but Ameet decided to work with Vikram Bhatt because he believed that the lead role in Fear was the right one for him to showcase his talent. Currently Ameet has a couple of film projects that he is working on in the USA. He's most excited about his opportunity to work with Romain Kapadia a New York Based Designer who is a celebrity designer to names like Ricky Martin, Jared Leto, David Bowie and Brandon Routh.

Amit Gaur, a newly signed EEG Client is a multi-talented  Model, Pilot and Actor. Amit Gaur, who makes his debut in Vikram Bhatt's forthcoming thriller Fear has to his credit   campaigns for Santro, Garnier, Pantaloons, Sheetal, Roopam  and Boro Plus with Kareena Kapoor. Even before Amit made the transition into Bollywood Films he was awarded Best Male model by The Prestigious Bollywood Awards based in New York. As a model Amit has worked with Bollywood heavyweights such Rocky.S, Vikram Phadnis, Neeta Lulla and other leading designers in the country before his leap into Bollywood Films. Bollywood offers were plenty  but  Amit decided to work with Vikram Bhatt because he believed that the lead role in Fear was the right one for him to showcase his talent.  Amit  describes his forthcoming film Fear, as an edge-of-the-seat thriller, which  as we all know is Vikram Bhatt's strong suit. Amit also has a couple of  film projects that he is working on in the USA. He's most excited about his opportunity to walk the Ramp for Romain Kapadia a New York Based Designer who is a celebrity designer to names like Ricky Martin, Jared Leto, David Bowie and Brandon Routh. Amit Gaur's international looks also give him great potential as an actor and he has the greatest potential of being discovered in Hollywood or breaking into the international market but  as Amit would quote "You never know what the future brings" .    The future looks bright for Amit Gaur, one of the more humble of the current crop of youngsters, keeping his nose fairly clean while landing a lead role with Vikram Bhatt. Amit Gaur's humility and hard work gives him a chance of long term success from the new crop of actors within the prime. Be sure to watch Amit as the lead in 'Fear" slated to be released soon.

Sowmya Raoh, Bollywood playback singer to releases first Digital R&B Single Worldwide with New York's EEG Talent. Sowmya Raoh, one of Bollywood's leading singing talents, has teamed up with Mix Man Shawn, a South Asian music producer based in California and who has worked with the likes of mainstream Hip Hop Legend Snoop Dogg, Chamilionaire and South Asian Artitsts such as DJ Sanj, Bally Sagoo, Bohemia, Jasmine Sandals, Rakhi Sawant, Ishq Bector & New York based EEG Talent to produce and release Raoh on a new R&B single that will showcase her R&B English singing and composing skills. In keeping with the current trend, Sowmya Raoh plans to release the single on a worldwide digital platform on December 31, 2010 in USA. Sowmya Rao will be releasing the single titled Paradise which will be geared towards the new digital generation, Speaking about the single Sowmya Raoh said I am excited to see how the new sound of mine is received, the pattern in today's music world and music business has changed and as an artist and an entrepreneur I have to change and keep up with so I decided to compose and write in a totally new direction. EEG Talent, which is among North America's fastest growing talent management companies focusing on South Asian artists, will be responsible for overseeing Raoh's publishing deals, digital distribution bookings and shows, also assisting in providing collaborations with American Artists. Last year, EEG Talent 's parent company, Music Is Nirvana, headed by CEO Nick Rajsakha and Sanjay Chitale was also responsible for creating a groundbreaking merchandising deal for Music Icon Sonu Niigaam with American Agency Cinsay. Nick Rajsakha, President of EEG Talent, said, This is a great time for Indian music and entertainment in the US, thanks to the success of talented stars such as Sonu Niigaam and films like "Slumdog Millionaire," Indian music is seeing mainstream acceptance. We are pleased to be associated with Sowmya Raoh to help bring her talent to her fans in North America.

July 28, 2009: Sonu Nigam, Bollywood’s leading singing talent, has joined forces with Cinsay, one of the world’s fastest growing media and software companies, in a unique collaboration to bring the star closer to the millions of fans and consumers in the US. The collaboration’s formal announcement was made at a well-attended press conference in New York City on July 28, 2009. In attendance were Sonu Nigam, Cinsay executive director Morgan Lang and Nick Rajsakha, CEO of Music Is Nivana. The star singer patiently interacted with over 60 South Asian journalists for almost five hours, giving media interviews at the plush Pranna restaurant in mid-town Manhattan. The evening culminated with a press conference and reception. The New York media event with Sonu Nigam was created and managed by Anhad, Music Is Nirvana’s exclusive media and marketing agency for North America. Photo courtesy: Gunjesh Desai

EEG Talent Artist DJ SANJ aka JNASs quest for domination on the Bhangra Charts continues with his release of the video track Apple Bottom Jeans from his album American Desi . American Desi was released by the Asian Power house, Movie Box based in UK. American Desi tracks Sanj have dominated the charts worldwide since its release. Apple Bottom Jeans introduces Dj Sanj and EEG Talent's newest Artist, the young, talented singer and song-writer Avtar Rai. Apple Bottom Jeans has been a chart topper on the world top 100 Itunes charts in N. America. This is the third video to the World-Wide Smash hit album American Desi by DJ SANJ.

NEW YORK: Sowmya Raoh, one of Bollywood's leading singing talents, has signed up with New York-based EEG Talent as her North American management agency. The exclusive management deal with EEG Talent will see Raoh working with producers in North America, releasing fusion music geared towards the 'new digital generation.' EEG Talent, which is among North America's fastest growing talent management companies focusing on South Asian artists, will be responsible for overseeing Raoh's publishing deals, digital distribution bookings and shows, also assisting in providing collaborations with American Artists. Last year, EEG Talent 's parent company, Music Is Nirvana, headed by CEO Nick Rajsakha was also responsible for creating a groundbreaking merchandising deal for Music Icon Sonu Niigaam with American Agency Cinsay. Speaking about the deal, Sowmya Raoh said the possibilities with the new digital and mobile mediums in today's Internet-based young Asian consumers' remains indivisible and it's no surprise that music continues to be an important part of their daily lives. 'The pattern in today's music world and music business has changed and as an artist and an entrepreneur I have to change and keep up with it. South Asian Artists like me now have a medium through which our music can reach fans world-wide,' she added. Raoh is scheduled to release a new single in the next quarter; a single that will showcase her R&B and English singing and composing skills. In keeping with the current trend, Sowmya Raoh plans to release the single on a worldwide digital platform. Despite the new deal with EEG Talent, Raoh plans to have a strong presence in Bollywood. Nick Rajsakha, President of EEG Talent, said, 'This is a great time for Indian music and entertainment in the US, thanks to the success of talented stars such as Sonu Niigaam and films like 'Slumdog Millionaire,' Indian music is seeing mainstream acceptance. We are pleased to be associated with Sowmya Raoh to help bring her talent to her fans in North America.' About Sowmya Raoh Sowmya hails from Bangalore and is the daughter of reputed playback, folk and devotional singer BK Sumitra and Sudhakar. As she puts it, singing was in her genes and at a young age of 7, Raoh began to sing on stage. Her playback career began while she was in Bangalore in 1993 following which she sang for films in Kannada, Telugu & Tamil. She has sung for the Telugu version of MAST, the Tamil version of RUN, KHUSHI and so forth. The title of the "Hottest Singer" was bestowed on Raoh after the Telugu hit "Greekuveerudu" from the film "Ninna Pelladata" starring Tabu & Nagarjuna. The track ran for 20 consecutive weeks in the box office charts at No.1. However, Raoh wanted to take up the challenge of singing for Bollywood and so she decided to move to Mumbai. Credited with almost 200 songs down South, Raohh has sung for well-known music directors, such as A R Rahman, Ilayaraja, Deva, Vidyasagar, Hamsalekha and Harris Jeyaraj in the South. Raoh made her singing foray into Bollywood in the film JUNGLE. Since JUNGLE (Aiyyo Aiyyo Rama) she has sung for various films including PYAAR TUNE KYA KIYA (Rhounde Hai), COMPANY (Aankhon Mein Rahon), DUM (Jeena, Dil Hi Dil Mein), BOLLYWOOD HOLLYWOOD (Sooni Hawa), EK AUR EK GYAARAH , SAMAY (Laila Laila, Zindagi), BUNTY AUR BABLI (Nach aliye), FAMILY (Katra Katra). She has also lent her voice to Bollywood Films such as Guru (Shauq Hai), Tara Rum Pum (Nach LeVe), the hit title track of Akshay Kumar Starrer- Welcome- , Krazzy 4 and many others. Sowmya Raohh has also won the STARDUST AWARD in 2003 as the Best New Singer for "Laila Laila" from SAMAY. As a performer, Raoh has the capacity of mesmerizing her audience. Her range and versatility give her the ability to perform and render songs of any genre, from soft ballads to hardcore mass appeal Bollywood songs. Sowmya Raoh has had the privilege of singing in Sonu Nigam concerts for more than 3 years. She has performed all over India, and also in more than 30 countries in America, Australia, Europe, Africa and Asia. About EEG Talent EEG Talent is a multifaceted management company, representing artists and producers in all genres of music, film and fashion. EEG Talent's focus is management, booking, production management, and marketing. EEG Talent's network in the mainstream market allows us access to American artists and through our combined skills of management and marketing techniques, we implement direct marketing programs that are highly targeted and effective in crossing over South Asian talent into mainstream. EEG Talent combines key aspects of management, marketing and booking in providing a unique and powerful array of services that attain results. Through our strategic alliance with Anhad Inc., a New York based marketing and PR firm, EEG Talent provides clients with marketing and public relations small enough to be a client's personal communications partner and experienced enough to bring advanced hands-on capabilities in strategic planning, media relations, corporate writing, product promotion and brand building. We bring immediate access to the best and brightest talent in the business on need basis.

EEG, the North American Management Agency has decided to sign Sowmya Raoh, a leading Bollywood singer. EEG is a well established management company in America. They have helped South Asian artists to enter into American market and show their talent. Sowmya made her debut in Bollywood with the film Jungle. Since Jungle (Aiyyo Aiyyo Rama), she has sung for various films including Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya (Rhounde Hai...), Company (Aankhon Mein Rahon), Dum (Jeena, Dil Hi Dil Mein), Bollywood Hollywood (Sooni Hawa), Ek Aur Ek Gyaarah, Samay (Laila Laila, Zindagi), Bunty Aur Babli (Nach Baliye), and Family (Katra Katra). She has also lent her voice to Bollywood Films such as Guru (Shauq Hai), KRAZZY 4, Ta Ra Rum Pum (Nach LeVe), the hit title track of Akshay Kumar Starrer Welcome, and many others. Last year, 'Music is Nirvana" who is the parental company of EEG signed a deal between Sonu Nigam and American Agency Cinsay which proved to be a ground-breaking deal. Now, they want Sowmya to work with various producers based in North America. They would like to release songs which has fusion of Indian and western music depending on choice of current generation. EEG has taken the responsibility of publishing deals, shows, digital distribution and also providing help of merging up with celebrities of America with clients. According to source, Sowmya informed that today"s generation has become choosy about music. As we all know music has taken important part in everybody"s life today, that"s why she has to flow the crowd. She has to really work hard and learn new techniques of impressing audiences through her voice. She is well versed with today"s pattern of business and music and that"s why she wants to keep up with the change. She is thankful to Sonu Nigam for creating awareness for releasing music in America. She is influenced by this move and wants everybody to take it further from there. Sownya will be releasing a new single within three months, which will prove to her test for capabilities of composing song and singing in English. Sowmya would like the single to be released worldwide. None-the-less, she will still love to stick with Bollywood market despite of signing the deal with EEG. President of EEG Nick Rajsakha informed that they are pleased to associate their company with Sowmya Raoh and will extend all the support she will need to explore her talent in the American industry. He attributed Sonu Nigam and Slumdog Millionaire for their success in U.S market that Indian music is finding its way across the globe.

DJ SANJ/ aka JNAS Producer, DJ extraordinaire, EEG Talent artist who was busy working in Bollywood has made a huge comeback to the Bhangra scene, his song with Master Saleem (famed Bollywood Singer) Teray Husan De Mare is now battling for the Top Spot on the ITUNES World Charts. DJ Sanj's album American Desi album has been a major success with tracks on the Album consistently being featured on the top downloads for ITUNES World charts. He is poised to take over the number 1 spot from Over the Rainbow a pop song.

DJ SANJ/ aka JNAS Producer, DJ extraordinaire, EEG Talent artist who was busy working in Bollywood has made a huge comeback to the Bhangra scene, his song with Master Saleem (famed Bollywood Singer) Teray Husan De Mare is now battling for the Top Spot on the ITUNES World Charts. DJ Sanj's album American Desi album has been a major success with tracks on the Album consistently being featured on the top downloads for ITUNES World charts. He is poised to take over the number 1 spot from Over the Rainbow a pop song.

In a press conference in New York City on July 28, leading Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam announced he had joined forces with Cinsay, a leading media and software company, in order to bring the singer closer to fans in the US. The partnership will allow Cinsay to bring exclusive videos and merchandise to his fans. In collaboration with Music is Nirvana, the newly-designed merchandise was available at Nigam’s recent US concert tour “Explosion 2009.” Nick Rajsakha, CEO of Music Is Nivana said, “We are very committed to promoting South Asian talent on various platforms across America. With our partnership with Cinsay, we are very excited to promote Sonu’s merchandise and content and plan to sign on more leading artists.” The behind-thescenes video footage and the merchandise line will be available at www.cinsay.com/sonu.

The Indian Students Association at the University of Miami (UM-ISA) and Phulorida Bhangra have announced their concert lineup for this year's competition being held on February 18, 2006. Headlining this year's events are legendary DJ and Music Producer JNAS/Dj SANJ of Envy Roma from the UK and DJ Karma from New York. South Beach Bhangra is the largest South Asian dance competition in the southeastern United States. Critically acclaimed for his music and strides that he has made in the Asian R&B and hip hop world, Sanj/JNAS has created a new genre of Asian R&B. He will be releasing his first mainstream Asian R&B album at the end of January 2006 appropriately titled 'J-NAS Asian R&B' which features some of the most talented Asian R&B, Hip Hop, and mainstream artists, such as Thara-The bombshell from Desert Storm Records , The Legendary Rob Bass, Sir Punj , DEEP DA1 and many more. South Beach Bhangra will be his first concert after the release of his album. The audience will be able to hear exclusive tracks and mixes from this album at the event. SANJ/JNAS still keeps the crowds "IN THE MIX" and is currently spinning at some of London's hottest nightclubs 7 nights a week. The audience and participants of South Beach Bhangra will also be treated to the legendary DJ Karma of New York. DJ Karma is an entertainer and a showman when it comes to the turntables and CD decks. After being one of the resident DJ's at New York's infamous nightclub, China Club, KARMA still continues to be a crowd pleaser at some of the most recognized nightclubs today in New York. South Beach Bhangra is organized by The Indian Students Association at the University of Miami (UM-ISA) and Phulorida Bhangra Inc. South Beach Bhangra, an international collegiate South Asian dance competition, features Bhangra, a high energy style of dance from northern India. The backdrop of such an enormous event is a beautiful venue near the beach - the Jackie Gleason Theatre. Last March, South Beach Bhangra surpassed the expectations of everyone involved. Teams traveled from all over the country to compete at this event. With the introduction of the competition, UM-ISA hosted the largest South Asian competition not only in Florida, but in the southeastern United States.

DJ SANJ requires little introduction. An innovative and dedicated musician and producer, he continuously changes the face of the South Asian music scene in the U.S., U.K., Canada and India, topping his talent only by his acute charm and enticing way of speech. The man often referred to as the Indian Timbaland recently spoke to NEEM Magazine about his upcoming projects with Sonu Nigam, his decision to release an R&B album under the J-NAS persona, and his search for new South Asian talent. NEEM: Can you please tell us who DJ SANJ is and where are you from? DJ SANJ: Everywhere – I’ve lived in Canada, America, England, and India. Take your pick. DJ SANJ is someone who likes music a lot. It’s who I am. NEEM: Having lived in so many places, which have you most appreciated? DJ SANJ: (speaking over the noise in India) India. I would say that India is the most happening place in the world right now. The country is advancing very quickly. It’s a very cool place to be right now. NEEM: You are multi-coastal. How hard is it on your business life, your personal life and your family life? DJ SANJ: (laughs) My work is my life so my business and personal life Intermingle. Its not so difficult because I'm always working. NEEM: When did you first start realizing your talents as a professional DJ? DJ SANJ: I don’t think I ever did, I think it evolved through music. I’m more of a music producer, not really a DJ. NEEM: What is the most difficult struggle you faced in your pursuit of music? DJ SANJ: Trying to pay the bills. As a South Asian, when you tell your parents you want to do Bhangra music for a living, it’s not an easy to pill to swallow. So with that, I traveled and it was hard to pay the bills. But even when I was traveling a lot it was hard but I loved the whole journey - producing fresh music, meeting new people. NEEM: What kept you going in this unconventional career despite the struggles? DJ SANJ: I'm very stubborn. (laughs) It’s more of a personality thing. Once I decide to do something I just do it. I don’t like to talk without the ‘do.’ Once I said I was going to reach the top, that was it. And that's what I'm doing. NEEM: So stubbornness is the key? DJ SANJ: (laughs again) But there is also perseverance - which I think is very important. NEEM: If you could go back and do it all over again, would you still choose music? DJ SANJ: I wouldn’t change a thing in the past. I've had a wonderful life. NEEM: How do you feel you stand out from other South Asian DJs? You know, describe the DJ SANJ quality. DJ SANJ: I didn’t have a part time job at IBM or anything like that, music was my hobby and I stuck with it. My hobby was my job. Other guys work and have jobs that provide security and then moonlight as a DJ, and I didn't do that. I think as an artist you should pay your dues. Do the job as a whole, struggle – it’s a character building experience and all artists should go through it. NEEM: You've worked with mainstream artists before - such as David Banner and DJ Clue. What were those experiences like? DJ SANJ: Artists are artists. Tamil, Hindi, English or whichever. Language does not change the type of interaction one has. Each one was a nurturing experience. English or Hindi does not matter. It's always a great experience and you can learn a lot from it. NEEM: Tell us about some of your recent projects and what you hoped to achieve from them. DJ SANJ: I’m working with a lot of different labels right now. I’m currently in India working on developing quality acts and bands here. They haven’t quite grasped the idea of quality bands here just yet. Further, the downloading and piracy has hit the market hard and has hurt the artists. So I’m working on developing importance of quality music and quality acts - live shows and sponsorships geared towards helping artists make money. I've got my own band starting up in 2008 under J-NAS. And of course I’m working on Skribble's album which is coming up. NEEM: Out of all your projects - which is the closest to you? DJ SANJ: They all are. They are all me. So I can't say one is closest than another. NEEM: I know this is something that everyone asks you but why release an album under J-NAS and not DJ SANJ? DJ SANJ: DJ SANJ has a Punjabi/Bhangra following. They want SANJ doing Punjabi and they aren’t interested in hearing him sing in English or R&B. So J-NAS i is there for that. But, they are both me. NEEM: So we hear you're producing Sonu Nigam's first ever English album - how did you land this? How is different from the other albums you've done? DJ SANJ: Actually, Nick [Rajsakha of EEG Talent] had a lot to do with it and helped put together the collaboration. It’s a challenging project, but in a good way. Working with [Sonu Nigam] is great. Everyone is excited about it, I think it will be great. The album will be a worldwide release. NEEM: Outside the studio - what do you find yourself most interested in? DJ SANJ: The property business. It’s interesting as a side thing. (laughs) I use a hobby my as my career, and other's career as a hobby. NEEM: If you could change one thing about the South Asian music scene, what would it be and why? DJ SANJ: Don’t download. Most people don’t realize that it has killed the UK industry. Remixing and bootlegging - go for it as a DJ, but consumers should support the artists and buy their music instead of downloading it. In India they’ll pay for television but they won’t pay for an artist they like. The mentality should change. NEEM: What advice do you have for upcoming South Asian artists? DJ SANJ: If you’re going to do it, do it full time, not as a side gig. It is not easy, learn your game, take the punishment. If you don’t like a bloody nose, it won't stick. NEEM: And of course - this is a necessary question - are you single? DJ SANJ: (laughing) Yes very single. And very well enjoying it. NEEM: Well since you are single, what are the three qualities that catch your eye in a woman? DJ SANJ: A smile. Definitely a beautiful smile. Nice legs. A great personality. And whether she’s taller than me. NEEM: You want someone taller than you? DJ SANJ: Yes. I love it.

Sanj is back and this time he brings you an album for the masses, a Bollywood themed POP album appropriately named BOLLYWOOD PUNK. If you thought you heard and witnessed a revolution with JNAS/SANJ's ASIAN R&B album then you will be in for a total surprise with Bollywood Punk. Sanj/JNAS Brings you his masterpiece Bollywood themed album which had been in the works for 2 years BOLLYWOOD PUNK. With SANJ/JNAS's ground breaking ASIAN R&B SANJ brought you THARA, now Sanj brings you the KING OF ASIAN POP SONU NIGAM crossing over to the west singing his first ever English POP R&B and Sanj also brings you the NEW Queen of Indian R&B POP SOMYAH RAO with DJ SANJ on Bollywood Punk. Desi-Box.com caught up with the busy man DJ Sanj check what went down below: This interview is a EXCLUSIVE to Desi-Box.com worldwide! 01. Umar DB: About your name, you have two different names, J-Nas and Sanj (Both being the other spelt backwards). Which name do you use when and where? Sanj: You caught that backwards thing eh? J I prefer to use JNAS for the mainstream and hip hop work DJ SANJ for the DESI stuff. 02. Umar DB: What made you want to produce a Bollywood themed album? Sanj: Everyone from the UK is doing bhangra and I like going against the trend and doing something different. I wanted to experiment with Bollywood music and see how I could change it. 03. Umar DB: What sounds and music can we expect you to bring, infused with Bollywood, in your new album? Sanj: As I told you I like to experiment (smiling) you will hear some crazy dance stuff and even some Ballads. It' a sound that fuses my upbringing in N.America and UK and after being in MUMBAI for a while I have taken the Indian/Bollywood sounds and fused them all together to create a funky album. 04. Umar DB: It's been long in the making, two whole years. Why did it take so long to be completed? Sanj: Well besides the Indian scene I was busy working on other projects in N America. I also wanted to make sure that I get to know "Bollywood" before I release this album. I am also a perfectionist and wanted to release something that would be above and beyond any exceptions and therefore took my time with the artists and music. 05.Umar DB: Could you tell us about the tracks that are going to be on the album? Sanj: All I can tell you is that you will be pleasantly surprised (smiling) and you will find something for everyone on this album. There are some amazing Singers on the album singing Tracks that you would never imagine them singing. 06. Umar DB: About the lead track 'Hum Tum' why do you expect it to do so well? Also what other tracks from the album are you hoping are going to do well? Sanj: HUM TUM is one of those tracks will do well because it's a track that you can dance to with a catchy beat and has the perfect blend of English, Hindi and bit of Punjabi at the same time has a good melody that you can hum along to. The singer Shayn has a vocalic it well. It's a different track but the old and young will be able to associate with it and enjoy it. The other tracks, I would like to say the whole album (laughs) but I strongly believe "Hey Baby Girl" with Sonu Nigam will be massive hit. 07. Umar DB: How was it working with Sonu Nigam, one of the biggest Indian singers, and how did you get into contact with him and why did you want him? Sanj: It was amazing experience and we gelled well together. He's one of the most down to earth guys and his Talent knows no bounds, he's the most versatile and varied singer I have ever worked with. He can sing a tune bang on in any language and make it sound like poetry in motion. I met Sonu in New York through my management EEG . Who doesn't want to work with Sonu? He's somebody who I have listened to and always believed that hisvoice has the ability to do more than just Bollywood Tracks . I wanted to do something different with him and let the world know that Sonu is not just about Hindi or Punjabi songs. The sound and track I had in mind were created specifically for his voice and settling for anyone other than Sonu was not an option 08. Umar DB: Could you tell us more about Sonu Nigam's first ever English POP R&B track and how enthusiastic was he about the whole process (singing in English and R&B)? Sanj: Its a pop track that has a varied element and languages with Sonu adding his unique ragas which makes it a scorching hot track, you will have to wait to hear it (smiles). Sonu was excited because just like I like to experiment Sonu also loves to experiment with his voice and do different things with his voice. He actually co wrote the English Song and the lyrics in Hindi with Shayn and also made a few suggestions for the music that I gladly accepted. Many people look at Sonu as a Singer with an amazing voice but in working with him I realized that he's also a music producer and is a "TRUE MUSICIAN". 09. Umar DB: You also have the "new Queen of Indian R&B POP" Somyah Rao, what tracks did she feature in and how was it working with her? Sanj: It was cool because we are really good friends and she also has amazing talent and we get along really well so it was great experience. She is featured on JEENA and DIL ROOBA, I specially like her in voice in DIL ROOBA and believe that her part and vocals make the track. 10. Umar DB: Could you tell us the names of the other artists also featuring in your album? Sanj: Shayn, DJ KENZ, Vinod Rathod, DEEP AND KP, ZEESHAAN a new singer we are promoting whose from India, KOBRA KHAN a Canadian RAPPER who is also a great new talent and has worked with SNO and MASTER P. 11. Umar DB: There are a lot of Bollywood themed albums already out on the market what makes your album any different from the rest? Sanj: You are right there are a lot Bollywood albums but they are remixes. This is different as it has original compositions with talented singers. 12. Umar DB: Could you tell us about any planned music videos for the album (such as settings), when can we expect one to hit our screens and for what tracks are you planning to make one for? Sanj: You have seen the video for the track HUM TUME and if not then go to youtube for the video. Yes we do have 2 other videos planned. One with Sonu Nigam and the other is yet to be determined. We will be shooting all videos in LA with a director who has credits such as IRONMAN and Spiderman under his belt. Things are different and just as music the videos are also going to be very different and trendy. 13. Umar DB: What have you got planned next after the release of this album? Sanj: I will be releasing a Punjabi album AMERICAN DESI. 14. Umar DB: What advise can you give to upcoming DJ's who want to make it in the music industry? Sanj: Learn the inner workings of the industry, don't just know the music, know the business and DARE TO BE DIFFERENT. 15. Umar DB: What would you like to say to all your fans on Desi-Box? Sanj: Thanks for all the support and keep visiting DESI-BOX.com for upcoming news from me. Also buy the album BOLLYWOOD PUNK , coming out in 2 weeks. Respect to Desi-BOX.com for keeping the scene alive via this site. Umar DB: Thanks for your time and all the success on your new album!

A colossal music collaboration engineered by EEG Talent is bringing together accomplished musicians from India and USA. Singers such as the accomplished and legendary Bollywood and Pop Icon from India Sonu Nigam, The ingenious Deejay and Producer from UK AND USA JNAS/DJ SANJ, The renowned Producer and DJ, DJ SKRIBBLES Formerly of MTV- NY, A Ground Breaking Hip Hop Band from New York, Almost Famous Band and Hip Hop Legend Rob Bass from NY. This collaboration will have a major impact on crossover music and Sonu Nigam was quoted as saying, "Indian music has changed drastically over the past few years and there never has been a true crossover Indian artist. This crossover collaboration will give Indian music the true recognition it deserves in the American music scene." The result of this collaboration will be a truly a global production - banding together different artists, styles, recording & production capabilities from two continents which are worlds apart. SONU NIGAM, DJ SANJ/JNAS, DJ SKRIBBLES, ROB BASS and ALMOST FAMOUS BAND have all inspired each other to reach far beyond what any of them have done previously. Taken together, their influence covers the entire spectrum of modern music. The music scene worldwide is eagerly awaiting the single, which is expected to launch by the end of this year.