Amapiano is one of the most versatile and flexible genres to ever come out of South Africa; it can be incorporated into almost every genre. Yashna International pushed the boundaries of the genre with her EP ‘Bollyyano’ in which she blended the Yanos with Bollywood embellishments and Pop melodies.
The Durban-based singer dropped the project in November last year. In the Q&A below, she discusses how the EP was received, how she conjured the Bollyyano sound and her plans for 2023.
How was your project ‘Bollyyano’ received?
‘Bollyyano’ was received with open arms. The genre we presented was an amalgamation of Amapiano and Bollywood embellishments and Pop melodies, and, to those who streamed and downloaded the project, there was an outpouring of love and celebration of the exquisite sound.
Who did you work with in crafting the Bollyyano sound?
I worked closely with Neo Ndawo, Durban-based multi-genre producer/artist/sound engineer, and owner of recording studio, Hitside Studios. I shared my vision with him, and he effortlessly breathed life into it. He produced all six tracks and featured on the second single titled ‘Be Me’ while nomadic percussionist Nish Pillay contributed drums and a mesmerising chant on the sixth and final single ‘Say The Word’. Another significant contribution was the addition of my mother’s vocals on track 5 ‘Tell Me (Fam Edition)’, along with my sister on electric guitar.
Working with your mom and your sister, how did that come about and what was the experience like?
It did not feel right to create a project so close to home, and not include my home in it. My mom can speak Hindi fluently, it only made sense to get her on a song singing in vernac. Seeing my mom behind the mic, laying vocals, and co-writing with her was a full circle moment for me. She realised that what I do is not as easy at it may seem, she also experienced just how time flies when one is in studio, I was grateful that she leaned in and gave it her all. My sister was also enthusiastic to contribute, and she played some smooth riffs that added a great feel to the song. All in all it was something special being able to create a song with my family.
What were the challenges and/or triumphs of merging Amapiano with Bollywood influences from a sonic perspective?
The goal was to make as many songs as possible so that I had a wide selection to choose from when it came down to song selection. We began recording in March 2022 and wrapped up in October 2022, the challenge was that the process took longer than Neo and I had anticipated, but great things take time. Having options was important to us because settling would have been a disservice to our craft, and we were determined to put out songs that were next level.
A triumph was that the SAMPRA Development Fund came on board to fund ‘Bollyyano’ which allowed me to elevate the overall quality and roll out of the project. Joining forces with the SAMPRA Development Fund was an incredible blessing, especially since I am an independent artist.
What are your plans for 2023?
More visuals, new music, and collaborations. I have a really unique and exciting concept in store as well, but I shall share more information on that closer to the time of release. I am also looking forward to more sync deals, brand endorsements/collaborations, and playlisting on radio, digital platforms, as well as TV.
Stream ‘Bollyyano’ by Yashna below:
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