Shahin Badar

Last updated

Shahin Badar
Born (1974-06-17) 17 June 1974 (age 49)
Colchester, Essex, England
Origin Gants Hill, Ilford, Redbridge, London, England
Genres
Occupation(s)singer, songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals
Years active1996–present
Labels
  • Keda
  • Series 8
  • Imprint
  • SB

Shahin Badar (born 17 June 1974) is an English singer-songwriter who is best known in Europe and North America for her vocals on The Prodigy's single "Smack My Bitch Up" (1997). It earned her a Double Platinum award.

Contents

Early life

Badar was born in Colchester, Essex, England to a Bangladeshi father and Indian mother. She spent her formative years growing up in Kuwait and United Arab Emirates. [1]

Inspired by her mother, Zohra Ahmed, who is a classical singer and encouraged by her teachers, Badar developed a blend of Arabic and Indian vocals. [2] She sings in English, Arabic, Bengali and Indian languages. [1]

Badar returned to England to continue her schooling at Gilbert Grammar School. Upon leaving she took up a position in Customs and Excise. [1]

Career

Recording

In 1996, Badar's first album Destiny was released, produced by British music producer Kuljit Bhamra. In 2010, her second album Laila was released. [2] [3]

Badar's vocal contributions feature in over 50 international film and TV soundtracks. Her vocals have also featured on shows such as the UK Music Hall of Fame, Bollywood films Yuva and Zubeidaa , the theatrical trailer for Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life , Charlie's Angels , Scary Movie 2 , Dhai Akshar Prem Ke , Closer , US sitcoms North Shore and Kevin Hill , and Sky News broadcasts. [1] [2] [4] [5] [6] [7]

She has worked with musicians and producers such as A. R. Rahman, Liam Howlett, Tim Deluxe, Fraser T Smith, Indian Ropeman, Jah Wobble, Twista, Juliette Lewis, Bobina. She supported 50 Cent and worked with director Ang Lee on the film The Hulk . [2] [6] [7] [8]

Several of Badar's collaborations have charted in the UK Charts top ten singles, Independent, Dance, Radio and Bhangra charts with inclusions on three The Prodigy UK No.1 albums: The Fat of the Land , Always Outnumbered Never Outgunned , and Their Law: The Singles 1990-2005 . [8] Her most notable hit is "Smack My Bitch Up", released in 1997, [2] in 2013, [7] she received a quadruple platinum disc for her contributions. [5]

Her vocal and written work has featured in adverts for Scottish Widows, Tongues on Fire and Zee Cine Awards. [4]

She has also appeared as a judge for Brit Asia Talent show and one of the judges for Miss Universe Great Britain. [4]

Performances

Badar has headlined various UK festivals, performed live with 50 Cent, and has performed in countries such as Switzerland, Singapore, Sweden, France, Belgium, Norway, Russia, Ireland, India, and at events such as Radio One Live, Creamfields, Oxegen, Glastonbury Festival, Ibiza Rocks, Global Gathering, World of Music, Arts and Dance (WOMAD), Respect Festival, Essentials Festival, and Mystery Land in the Netherlands. [4]

She was the face of the Bradford International Festival in 2002 and headlined the Luton International Carnival in 2000. [4]

Achievements

Badar has received recognition of her work from various awarding bodies through short-listings and nominations, in addition to this her performance and written work is also included in projects that have secured major awards(*).

1996

1997

2005

2004

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryResult
1997 Mercury Music Prize Nominated
1998Asian Pop and Media AwardsBest FemaleNominated
1999 Ethnic Multicultural Media Award Best NewcomerNominated
Asian Women of Achievement AwardsNominated finalist
2000Asian Pop AwardsBest Female vocalistWon
NetAsiaShortlisted nomination
2002Alhamra Muslim NewsAward for ExcellenceShortlisted finalist
Asian Women of Achievement AwardsArts & CultureShortlisted finalist
2005 Desi Xpress Artiste of the WeekWon
Asian Achievers AwardShortlisted
2006Nominated
Channel S Community AwardMusic CategoryWon
2007 India International Friendship Society Glory of India awardWon
2010 UK Asian Music Awards Best Female Alternative ActNominated

Discography

Singles

YearSingleChart positionsLabel
1996"Jind Meriyeh"
 UK Bhangra charts Peak at no.4
1999"Jouleh Jouleh" EMI Records
2010"Andheri Raat"Imprint Records
2011"Leley Mera Dil"Keda Records

Albums

TitleAlbum detailsPeak chart positions Certifications
Destiny
  • Released: 1996
  • Label: Keda Records
  • Formats: CD
Laila
  • Released: 5 October 2008
  • Label: Series 8
  • Formats: CD, Digital Download
Laila Remix's
  • Released: 2009
  • Label: Imprint Records
  • Formats: CD, Digital Download

Collaborations

YearTitlePerformed byWritten byLabel
1997"Smack My Bitch Up" The Prodigy and Shahin BadarThe Prodigy (Alaap chant vocalled by Shahin Badar XL Recordings, Maverick Records
1999 "66 Meters" 66 Meters
 Indian Ropeman & Shahin Badar
 Skint Records 
2002"Hayati" Jah Wobble Featuring | Shahin Badar30 Hertz Records
2004"Mundaya" (The Boy)Tim DeluxeFeaturing Shahin BadarUnderwater Records
"Get Up Get Off"The ProdigyShadin Badar, Twista and Juliette Lewis XL Recordings, Maverick Records, Warner Bros. Records, Sony Music
2010"Take it"Noise Control and Shahin BadarN.C. Recordings
"Ummah Oum" featuring Shahin Badar Kaya Project Mariko Music Publishing LtdHappiness
Supafly Featuring Shahin Badar
2020"Sapphire" featuring Shahin BadarDee MonteroDee MonteroFuturescope

See also

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References

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