SEAN PAUL: I LOVE INDIA FOR THE SCENERY
G rammy Awardwinning Jamaican rapper Sean Paul is waiting for Bollywood to come knocking at his door, and help him dive into India’s rich culture, which he adores for many reasons.
“Beautiful women, amazing food and the scenery are the things that continue to stay with me after my tryst with India. When I look at the countryside while driving or flying, it is natural beauty to me. Even though there is pollution, there are places that are just beautiful and amazing,” says the 48-yearold, who’s enjoying the success of his latest single, Only Fanz. Paul’s Indian affair started on a musical note, when he visited India for a tour in 2012 and since then, the Get Busy, Temperature and Cheap Thrills hitmaker has wanted to meet Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and collaborate with a Punjabi rapper. But his wish is yet to come true. “There’s so much to love about Indian music, which is very similar to dancehall (a Jamaican
popular music genre). A lot of people are doing the same type of moves and that’s pretty cool. We, in dancehall, have utilised some drum (beats) from India, and in many other songs,” says Paul, adding, “I always feel closeness when I hear songs from India. I haven’t got to work with an Indian artiste properly so far. But I am looking forward to that. I think I can make a good contribution to the genre.”
Over the years, Paul has brought the spotlight on dancehall, characterised by fast rhythms, while exploring
EDM as well as pop genres to maintain his global presence. Now, he is also using music to stir conversations, for instance, Only Fans, also featuring Ty Dolla $ign, is an ode to women.
“The song was created when we were talking about how the Internet has changed certain things. And how, in the 1970s and 1980s, women didn’t have the freedom to earn money. So, it’s a kind of warning to dudes, about women who’re, at this point, not ready to settle down. And an ode to the independent ladies,” says Paul.
Given that he has come out with Live N Livin album, and is planning a wider Scorcha ,isa tour on the cards anytime soon? “I have just been staying put. I gave myself two years to let it sort itself out and see what was happening. I feel the world should be in survival mode right now. Music can help people to try and survive. That’s why I’ve been digging hard in the studio. I gave myself time till early next year, before I tour again. I also have just taken one shot of the vaccine, and am waiting for the second jab. After that I’d probably feel more secure. And I’m looking forward to coming to India,” the singer concludes.