Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

TALENTED SINGER NISH IS ALL SET TO BECOME THE NEXT BRITISH SUCCESS STORY

by ASJAD NAZIR.

Nish upon a star.


NISH TALKS ABOUT HIS INSPIRATIONS, LATEST SINGLE FIESTA AND UPCOMING DEBUT ALBUM.

SOME young British music stars generate genuine excitement with their talent and look destined for significant international success.

Those who have seen Nish perform live or heard his songs would certainly agree he falls into that category. The singer, songwriter and music producer first got connected to music at the age of five and carried that through his academic life.

But what started off as an escape became something more when he met Mumzy Stranger, who changed everything for Nish by signing him to his Timeless London management company.

Mumzy took Nish to the next level by featuring him on the Bangla refix of his hit song Jaan Atki, which became the first Bangla fusion track to top the iTunes world chart. Nish then released his first official solo single Manja, a chart-topper, and he has been on the rise ever since.

Eastern Eye caught up with Nish before he goes interstellar to talk about music, recent single Fiesta, forthcoming album, future hopes and more.

What kind of music influenced you?

I’ve always been a big fan of Ryan Leslie, since he was a singer and producer. I used to watch a lot of his studio sessions on YouTube for inspiration. I loved his style of live music composition, as I come from a live music background myself.

How did it feel on the release of your first song?

It was one of the proudest moments in my life. I always had the vision to release music of my own, but when it became a reality it was surreal. I worked extremely hard to get to that point, so I knew from then on there was no looking back.

How much of a turning point has working with Mumzy Stranger been and what is the biggest thing you learned from him?

It has been revolutionary for me. What is so beautiful about the working relationship

our camp has is that everyone grows and learns from each other. Mumzy is obviously the most experienced so we learn so many skills from him, but he also values our opinions just as much.

Mumzy has helped me grow as an artist and producer, but the most valuable lesson I learned is how to carry myself as an artist as well as a human being. It’s extremely important to remain humble.

How much does working with a talented collective help you as an artist?

I have been blessed to work with talented people such as Lyan, Mumzy, DJ Kye and

Rupika. A few special mentions must go to Naeem, Zubby, Sachin Patel, Sanjidah

Islam, Raju Shamsher and Rivaz Ahmed. Every single person plays his or her part in helping our team grow as one. We all have a creative pool, where we share ideas and

opinions, and it is important to learn from each other. It’s our honesty and transparency

that maintains the quality control in our work, as well as keeping a healthy working relationship with one another.

Tell us about your recent single Fiesta?

Fiesta was actually inspired by a trip to Spain. The title means party in Spanish, and during our time in Malaga for a video shoot, we took a mobile studio with us to create vibes between the time we were shooting. While writing and recording Fiesta, I envisaged my trip to Spain. Raxstar wrote the Punjabi lyrics brilliantly, and I just bounced off him with my English lyrics.

Which of your unreleased tracks are you most excited about?

I am extremely excited about the release of my debut album Identity. I have been working hard to come up with a collective Bangla urban body of work, since I aim to push this language to a wider audience. I have had success on songs such as Jaan Atki (Bangla refix) and Diamond Jewel (Bangla remix), but since the release of my single Love Lost, I have really been trying to connect Bengalis and non-Bengalis with my beautiful mother tongue.

Tell us more about the album?

I have a few high-profile features on this album which I’m really excited about, but the main aim of this album is to paint a musical picture of my identity; hence the album title. It will not only be a display of my writing and singing abilities, but it will also test my  credentials as a record producer.

So is conquering Bangladesh on the radar then?

Most definitely. I managed to get a taste of it back in October 2017 when Mumzy and I flew out to perform in Bangladesh to a sell-out 10,000 crowd. That show really made me

understand that there was a market that has not been tapped into. We felt connected with the next generation of Bengalis, and through my album Identity I aim to start a new movement for Bengalis and non-Bengalis to connect with. I would love to work with some major and upcoming Bangla artists in the scene also. If we all came together, I’m sure we could create something special.

You are very versatile, but what is the musical master plan going forward?

Although I have a strong focus on my urban Bangla movement currently, I aim to continue

with Punjabi music with Mumzy after my Bangla album. I hope to continue improving also, because as a young artist, I’m far from the finished article. Hopefully I can work with more genres of music, maybe reach the Bollywood market, as well as collaborate with some major UK mainstream artists along the way.

Who would you love to collaborate with?

I would love to work with talented individuals from a variety of scenes. From the Asian scene I would love to do something with The PropheC, Fateh or Pav Dharia, because I feel like they are really adding a different flavour to our ever-growing scene. From the UK urban scene I would love to work with artists such as Not3s, Raye or J Hus. I feel like they are really putting UK music on the map and their numbers speak for themselves.

How much does live performing mean to you and which has been the most memorable?

The adrenaline is addictive. It’s moments like performing live that make all the hard work being an artist worthwhile. When I’m on stage I forget the world and feel so at home, and in my element. I’ve been lucky enough to perform around the world, but the recent Newham Under The Stars show has to be up there with the very best. Being an east London boy, performing in front of my home crowd is something I am extremely proud of.

Tell us something not too many people know about you?

I’m a huge sports fan, in particular football. I have just got back into playing weekly and think it’s a great way to keep fit, but to also have some downtime outside of music. We’re so serious about it that every week myself, Mumzy, Lyan and the rest of our music team have assembled five-a-side football matches.

What music dominates your playlist?

I’m the kind of guy who doesn’t have a particular genre. If it sounds good it goes on the playlist. My music taste ranges from classical Indian to UK rap to chart music. I try to keep an open mind with music. I also listen to music in different languages such as German, French, Spanish and Swedish. I also love supporting fellow artists in my scene, so if someone I know releases a banger, I’m going to be the first to support it.

You have a fast-growing fan base, but who are you a big fan of?

There’s no secret to my admiration of The Weeknd. The guy is a genius at what he does.

I’m also a big fan of Ryan Leslie. I don’t think I can discount Diljit Dosanjh from the equation either as his rise has been phenomenal. If I were to think of some dream collaboration it would probably be Drake, Rihanna, Cardi B or The Weeknd – the list

could go on.

What inspires you?

Inspiration can come from anywhere; however, what really inspires me is good energy. If I feel a positive vibe come off someone, whether they have anything to do with music or not, I feel inspired.

If you could ask a living or dead artist a question, what would it be?

Huge artists like Drake are taking a liking into the UK rap/grime scene this year, which is

great to see. I would love to ask him what would it take for someone like him to champion

or collaborate with one of us desi artists in his upcoming projects. It would be great for our scene.

If you could master something new, what do you think it would be?

Coming from a live music background, I have managed to pick up playing many instruments such as the piano, guitar, drums and tabla. However, I always wanted to learn how to play the violin.

Why should we pick up your latest single?

As a young growing artist, I need all the support I can get in order to grow, and feel like the best way our scene can grow is through supporting one another. It’s also a track you can 100 per cent roll your windows down and bump in your car to.

Finally, why do you love music?

Music is a passion, hobby and now a profession for me. Even with a master’s degree in computer science, I could never see myself doing anything other than music.

Music is an international language that has the ability to bring people together. As

musicians we have the ability to touch the hearts of people around the globe, so that is

why I love music.

More For You

South Park Paramount Plus

South Park fans call out Paramount Plus for pulling the show worldwide

Variety

'South Park' fans lash out after Paramount Plus removes show outside the US ahead of season 27

Highlights:

South Park pulled from Paramount+ globally after licence expiry
• Fans in UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe react with outrage
• Dispute linked to £6.3 billion (₹673 billion) Paramount-Skydance merger and ongoing contract standoff
• Season 27 premieres 23 July on Comedy Central in the US, leaving global fans stranded

Fans around the world are up in arms after South Park disappeared from Paramount+ outside the US. With just days to go until the season 27 premiere, international viewers are calling out Paramount Global for yanking the show due to a lapsed streaming deal and are threatening to cancel subscriptions over what they see as corporate mishandling.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kanye West responds to ex-assistant’s amended sex assault

Lauren Pisciotta has accused Kanye West of repeated sexual misconduct

BBC/Getty Images

Kanye West responds to ex-assistant’s amended sex assault lawsuit, calls it “fantasy fiction”

Highlights:

  • Kanye West has dismissed ex-assistant Lauren Pisciotta’s latest lawsuit as a “delusional” and “contradictory” narrative.
  • Pisciotta accuses West of multiple acts of sexual assault and misconduct, including forced oral sex and workplace harassment.
  • West’s team argues the claims are inconsistent and defamatory, pledging to fight them in court.
  • Pisciotta’s attorney Lisa Bloom insists West has already admitted to key parts of the allegations and will face justice.

Kanye West has hit back at explosive sexual assault and sex trafficking allegations from former Yeezy employee Lauren Pisciotta, branding her newly amended lawsuit as a fabricated and conflicting tale. The rapper’s legal team released a fiery statement slamming the accusations, which include claims of rape, forced sexual exposure, and workplace abuse.

  Kanye West’s spokesperson says the claims are inconsistent and defamatoryBBC/Getty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Gregg Wallace misconduct BBC

Gregg Wallace was dropped after a 19-year misconduct span

Getty Images

Gregg Wallace faces permanent BBC exit as MasterChef report confirms 45 misconduct claims

Highlights:

  • Investigation confirms 45 out of 83 allegations against MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace.
  • BBC and production company Banijay say his return to the show is “untenable”.
  • Complaints span nearly two decades, including inappropriate sexual comments and unwanted touching.
  • Wallace insists he was “cleared of the most serious claims” and blames a toxic culture.

The BBC has formally cut ties with MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace after a seven-month investigation upheld 45 allegations of misconduct, including unwanted physical contact and inappropriate sexual remarks, made against him over a 19-year period.

The inquiry, commissioned by MasterChef’s production company Banijay UK and led by law firm Lewis Silkin, examined 83 separate claims against the 60-year-old, with over half substantiated. The BBC has confirmed it has “no plans to work with him in future,” citing behaviour that falls short of the broadcaster’s values.

Keep ReadingShow less
Pedro Pascal

Pedro Pascal shuts down age criticism after being cast as Mister Fantastic

Instagram/fantasticfour

Pedro Pascal hits back at At Marvel fans questioning his 'Fantastic Four' casting at 50

Highlights:

  • Pedro Pascal is cast as Reed Richards in Fantastic Four: First Steps, making him the oldest actor to play the role.
  • Some Marvel fans criticised his age, claiming he’s too old to portray the superhero.
  • Pascal responded at a London fan event, saying the negativity "comes with the territory."
  • The Marvel reboot releases in cinemas on 25 July 2025 and features Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Julia Garner.

Pedro Pascal is brushing off the online criticism surrounding his casting as Reed Richards in Fantastic Four: First Steps, saying he’s focused on meeting fan expectations, even if some think he’s too old for the role. The 50-year-old The Last of Us star, who will soon join the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the stretchy genius Mister Fantastic, addressed the backlash at a fan event in London. Many social media users had argued that Pascal was miscast due to his age, but the actor says he’s learned to take the criticism in stride.

  Pedro Pascal addresses fan backlash over playing Reed Richards at 50Getty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Kangana Ranaut

Kangana says she isn’t equal to a labourer, mother or Mukesh Ambani

Getty Images

Kangana Ranaut calls equality a delusion, says it created a "generation of morons"

Highlights:

  • Kangana Ranaut says the concept of equality has created a “generation of morons”.
  • Claims she’s not equal to Ambani, her mother, or even a labourer.
  • Her current views contradict her 2018 stance on gender equality in cinema.
  • Actor-MP to appear in a psychological thriller with R. Madhavan.

Kangana Ranaut has courted controversy again, this time with her take on equality. In a recent interview, the actor-turned-politician called the modern idea of equality “a delusion”, claiming it has produced a generation that overestimates itself. The Queen star, now an elected MP from Mandi, also argued that no one is equal to anyone, citing herself, Mukesh Ambani, her mother, and even daily-wage workers as examples of how everyone plays unique roles in society.

 Kangana Ranaut Kangana Ranaut speaks on equality and her role as a ParliamentarianGetty Images

Keep ReadingShow less