2021 was a year for many new voices especially men’s voices in the Hindi and Punjabi music scenes. Jubin Nautiyal, from Dehradun, in the State of Uttrakhand. Jubin came to the music scene through X-factor shows (although he did not win it). Although he was singing in movies and television for a number of years, his most noticed song maybe his 2019, released track title ‘Tujhe Kitna Chahein Aur Hum‘ from Kabir Singh and “Tum Hi Aana” and “Kinna Sona” from Marjaavaan; all declared to be chartbusters and took away the focus from Arijit Singh for a change. His Tuje Kitna Chahein hit from Kabir Singh was also sung by Arijit Singh, of which Arijit’s version was used in the movie. Despite Jubin’s voice similarity to Arijit, the feel and looks of a rock star in his on-stage performances made him a favorite of listeners very quickly. Too much of a similarity to another singer is never a very desirable quality, hope is that this young guy finds a new niche for himself. The top song of his latest song is any indication, where he ventures to new styles of singing. 2021 is surely Jubin’s year in both Hindi/Punjabi music.
Song Credits: Song: Dil Galti Kar Baitha Hai Music – Meet Bros; Singer – Jubin Nautiyal; Sufi Vocals – Danish Sabri; Lyrics- Manoj Muntashir
Sachet Tandon and Parampara Takur both have made an impact as a duo singing last year. Sachet also incidentally came to the limelight through Kabir Singh, Bekayali. The duet version is also sung by the duo pair Sachet-Parampara. Unfortunately, this singer also sounded unmistakably similar to Arijit Singh. Listeners seem not to have enough singers who sound like Arijit Singh. In the last year, Sachet has escaped Arijit imitation and built an identity for himself. Chura Liya is a song with clear use of imagery and loved the idea of this song video.
Amaal Malik struggled through a number of years being in the shadow of his more cute and talented brother Armaan. Last year he came up with a reasonable single. The lack of character and lack of winning hearts is still his problems.
Music Composer: Amaal Mallik Singers: Amaal Mallik & Shreya Ghoshal Lyrics: Manoj Muntashir Featuring: Jasmin Bhasin & Amaal Mallik
Armaan last year and also looking to go beyond India to become more of an International singer made a remarkable song last year with Eric Nam and KSHMR (celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month). KSHMR- a Kashmiri- American alongside American-born Korean Singer Eric Nam made this collaborative effort where Armaan was the original Singer from India to make it truly a celebration. KSHMR – his original name is Hollowell-Dhar was born in Berkeley, California. Eric Nam was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. He was invited to Seoul by the Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), Korea to participate, following his YouTube channel; that gave the beginning of a new K-POP star. It is all about the Armaan, this youngster is so hard-working can not stop saying how enterprising he is and deserve to be mentioned every time we speak of current singers, even though he did not have a single Hindi song that made headlines.
Darshan Raval remained strong among the flood of new voices that left people more confused people about the identity of those voices from Arijit Singh. He came to Smule to sing and popularize his songs. His unique style of singing was easily identifiable in a flood of not so unique voices. Tulsi Kumar in this collab here may be the most noticeable female singer of 2021. Tulsi daughter of late Gulshan Kumar, who also made most of the top songs in this write-up, had a very successful year. Her Tum Jo Aye from Once Upon a time in Mumbai, along with Rahat under Pritam’s music direction, was one of the most noticeable songs. She stands a lot of promise with an amazing voice that fits many Hindustani-based compositions.
Song: Tera Naam Singers: Tulsi Kumar & Darshan Raval Music: Manan Bhardwaj Lyrics: Manan Bhardwaj
Asees Kaur, who also came to Smule singing her Baat Nahi Karni, is a storm in the flood of many new voices in the music field. Her Bansuri sang under music direction of Sachin-Jigar duo music directors is very noticeable recent relase.
Song: Bansuri Composer: Sachin – Jigar Singers: Asees Kaur, IP Singh, Dev Negi, Madhubanti Bagchi & Sachin – Jigar Lyricist: Shellee
Song: O Yaara Dil Lagana Composer: Chirantan Bhatt & Nadeem – Shravan Original song composer: Nadeem Shravan Original song lyrics: Sameer Anjaan Singers: Stebin Ben & Deeksha Toor Lyricist: Manoj Yadav & Sameer Anjaan Arrangers / Programmers: Gaurav Godkhindi Mixing & Mastering: Vinod Verma
Afsana’s story of making it this far from a background that has nothing to boast about music heritage, she displays pure born talent. Her song Joda is an awesome one. We like to give her talent big applause and we think she is an amazing voice to stay here. Came through a Punjabi audition of music show Afsana never sang Hindi songs before she was asked to compete for the show. Listen to this song from Joda for sure. She is a powerhouse singer.
Singer – Afsana Khan Lyrics- Maninder Kailey Music- Jatinder Shah ➟ Recorded At Shah Ney Punj Aab Music At Bombay ➟ Mix And Master – Sameer Charegaonkar
Aastha Gill have the most adorable unique voice and she made an impression last year with this hit song with legendary Kumar Sanu ji. Very powerful singing and surely a noticeable new face.
Singer: Kumar Sanu & Aastha Gill Starring: Arjun Bijlani Lyrics: Dilwala Music Composition: Hiten Music Production: Aditya Dev Mix & Master: Aditya Dev Studios
Song: Suna Hai Composer: Jeet Gannguli Singer: Jubin Nautiyal Lyricist: Rashmi Virag Arrangers / Programmers: Aditya Dev
Shreya Ghoshal remained strong among a flood of new comers and here is her latest number from last year.
Song: Suna Hai (Female Version) Composer: Jeet Gannguli Singer: Shreya Ghoshal Lyricist: Rashmi Virag Arrangers / Programmers: Aditya Dev Music Label: Zee Music Company
END NOTES
When 2021 saw a line of new male singers take center stage from Arijit Singh, what we hear is still a flood of youngsters who sound and sing like their successful predecessor. While Jubin, Sachet, Darshan all to some extent sound so similar and unidentifiable to the common audience. This is an unfortunate scene that there is an overlook for voices that sound differnt.
For female singers, Shreya remains unassailable with her strong presence during the pandemic. Tulsi Kumar, Asees Kaur, Afsana Khan, and Aastha Gill all made a remarkable competitive music environment, which was very pleasant to hear and watch. The take over of Punjabi singers of mainstream pop in Hindi is a continuing change.
Jubin Nautiyal on stage performance is very captivating to a large audience.
The great India Singers on Smule Sing 