Another thrilling,action-packed and fulfilling year comes to an end.. 2009, like every other year, was resplendent with positivity, excitement and of course,music!! The year witnessed super-successful tours, box-office blockbusters and several unique projects,collaborations and achievements! Team Sonu Niigaam proudly presents a tour through the beautiful 365 day long journey which all of you lived with us, and made it even more special with all your love and support!!
As we welcome 2010, we have added a special new year message from Sonuji to his extended family, in this year-end edition of our newsletter! But first, lets reflect on 2009 together
RELEASES OF 2009
What a year it has been! While Neene Bari Neene stole Kannadiga hearts,the world united with us through Facebook for MJ This One's For You! From Shukran Allah to All Izz Well to Meherbaniyan..From Soniyo to Dont Say Alvida to Jaane Nahi Denge Tujhe,and from Chiggy Wiggy to Zooby Dooby,the synergy has been outstanding in every sense of the word. And not to forget the Mumbai Anthem, a song straight from our hearts to yours!
Neene Bari Neene
Neene Bari Neene was launched on 27th August 2009 in Bangalore. With music by Mano Murthy and lyrics by Jayant Kaikini, the album is our tribute and thanksgiving to all the Kannadigas for all the love that they have been showering upon us over the years!
Neene Bari Neene - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQFLE448qfA
Baa Nodu Gelathi - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfagIHGWm4E
The Mumbai Anthem
The Mumbai Anthem titled "Ungli Uthe to Koi Badhe to Kar Degi Bagaawat Mumbai" was launched on 26th November 2009 to mark the anniversary of the 26/11 terror attacks that shook Mumbai and claimed several lives. The project was conceptualized by the Mumbai Police and launched in collaboration with Big 92.7 FM and Linterland. The anthem has been composed by Sonu Niigaam,penned by Subbu and sung by some of some of India's leading singers like Hariharan, Shaan, Kailash Kher,Jagjit Singh,Suresh Wadkar,Kunal Ganjawala,Talat Aziz,Roop Kumar Rathod,Sunidhi Chauhan,Shankar Mahadevan,Alka Yagnik,Richa Sharma,Mahalaxmi Iyer and Sonu Niigaam! It also features an exclusive voice-over by Mr.Amitabh Bachchan himself.
Video of the Making of the Anthem on Bollywood Hungama - http://bit.ly/8t7gYD
The Anthem - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLDiSGWbags
MJ This One's For You
Mj This One's For You was launched on 29th August 2009 by Team Sonu Niigaam as a tribute to one of the greatest artistes of all time, Mr.Michael Jackson. The project was the first of its kind because it was the first song ever to be created through social networking. MJ, as we fondly call him, has been one of the biggest sources of inspiration in Sonuji's career and the desire to do this tribute, originated primarily from the latter’s sense of personal loss, added with his sense of responsibility as an artist, to salute and celebrate the glorious life of another. The song features extremely talented artistes whom we discovered within our facebook community itself! MJ, we love you, we always will! Rest in Peace!
Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fcr43QupKCo
Aajkal - Global One
Aajkal - Global One
Global One's much awaited single Aajkal(Lately) featuring Sonu Niigaam and Blaaze was released worldwide on 18th May 2009 digitally. The ground breaking project has brought together over 30 artists from 3 continents to record ‘Lately' for a simultaneous release in their own languages. The single is now available for purchase at every Itunes store/zunes network
Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1s3p5wFr2E
Bollywood Releases
Soniyo - Raaz 2
Aalam Guzarne Ko,Soniye Billori - Kal Kissne Dekha
Dhoondte Reh Jaoge - Dhoondte Reh Jaoge
Holi Aaye - Karma Aur Holi
Aahoon Aahoon - Kisse Pyaar Karoon
Zara - 42 kms
Mazza Aa Gaya - Victory
Ek Se Bure Do - Ek Se Bure Do
Ya Rabula Rabbi - Paying Guests
Kal Nau Baje - Short Kut - The Con is On
Ishq Hi Rab Hai - Dil Bole Hadippa
Zulfaen Khol Khal Ke - Do Knot Disturb
Don't Say Alvida - Main Aur Mrs Khanna
Chiggy Wiggy - With Kylie Minogue - Blue
Rehnuma - Blue
Shukran Allah - Kurbaan
Aankhein Tumhari - marega Salaa
Aal Izz Well, Aal Izz Well Remix, Zoobi Doobi, Zoobi Doobi Remix Jaane Nahin Denge - 3 Idiots
Tu Jo Jaan Le - Dulha Mil Gaya
Meherbaniyan, Taali - Veer
Kannada Releases
Obba Hudugana Manassu - Preethi Nee Shashwathana
Nee Endare - Junglee
Aakasha Neene - Ambaari
Pisugudale - Circus
Male Barali Manju Irali - Gelathi Neenu
Ello Maleyaagideyandu - Manasaare
Onde Ninna - Manasaare
Chelusuva Cheluve - Ullasa Utsaha
Summane Yaake Bande - Jeeva
Noduba Cheluvae - Hrudayadalli Idenidu
Neene Helu Nannadaavudu - Gokula
Aaramaage Iddenaanu & Remix - Gokula
Sagamapaanisa - Premism
Neenendare Nanage - Ram
Koncha Reshime - Olave Vismaya
Malyali Jotheyali, Nee Sanhiyaka Bandare, Yenu Helabeku Yendu - Malyali Jotheyali
Ee Bisileli & Remix - Bisileli
Janumada Jodi, O Priyatama - Cheluveye Ninne Nodalu
Marathi Release
Hee Sugandhi Hawa, Kabhi Shaam Dhale, Kshan Ek Tula Bhi - Saawariya.Com
Telugu Release
Konchem Istam Konchem Kastam - Antha Siddanga
Bengali Release
Bolo Piya - Saat Pake Badha
Other Releases
Qurbaton Mein - Caravan E Ghazal by Talat Aziz
Mere Mann Prem Lago - Guru Maneyo Granth by Jagjit Singh
MUSIC GURU
One must never undermine the importance of rhythm while doing reeyaaz. The electronic tabla for those who do not have an accompaniment, is a sensible investment if you can afford it. or else, keep tapping the hand or feet and focus on the tempo while practicing sargams and taans. It makes a great deal of difference.
Music and love,
Sonu Niigaam
AWARDS
Lions Gold Award, for In Lamhon Ke Daaman me from the film Jodha Akbar
Filmfare Award, Kannada,for Yenagali, Mussanje Maathu
Annual Central European Bollywood Awards, for In Lamhon Ke Daaman Me, Jodha Akbar
Indian Television Academy Award, for the title track of Dil Mil Gaye
TOURS & CONCERTS
The most successful and prominent tour of 2009 was the Explosion 2009 tour of America in July-August, which also featured Sunidhi Chauhan and Hardkaur. The group enthralled audiences in every city they visited with their power packed performances. The highlight of the tour was Sonuji performing Billie Jean on stage as a tribute to MJ. He also did the famous moonwalk to the absolute delight of the audience.
The show in Los Angeles was extremely special, as it was attended by esteemed guests like Jermaine Jackson,Terry Lewis,Christian Audigier among others. The association with Jermaine Jackson which started there, led to Sonuji recording a song,composed and written by Sonuji himself for MJ,with him. Jermaine has also invited Sonuji to perform at the Michael Jackson tribute concert to be held in London in mid 2010.
In addition to the Explosion Tour,Sonuji performed to packed houses in almost all cities in India during the year,and also in Bangladesh,Mauritius,Singapore,Dubai to name a few.
COLLABORATIONS
Big 92.7 FM, the radio venture of Reliance ADAG's Adlabs Radio, has appointed Sonuji as its new brand ambassador after repositioning its music offerings to 'Chillax Hits' in Mumbai and Delhi.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVIz5sFZkWE
Sonuji will feature in a multi-media campaign spanning radio, print, outdoor, television, online and mobile, which will be launched soon and will also be a part of key properties on the station.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zgc-EQDPqes
With Larry King & Shawn King
Legendary American talk show host Larry King has teamed up with Sonuji for his Larry King Cardiac Foundation that provides free check-ups, medical help and surgeries to underprivileged Americans suffering from heart problems.
Quoting Sonuji - "I strongly felt I should do something for people even in America. I believe in Oneness, and for me, Indians and Americans are the same. If I can do philanthropic work in India, why can't I do it in America? I had a great dinner meeting with Larry. He has a different sense of humour and is very curious about our country
The Cinsay Merchandise Store
In 2009,Sonuji joined forces with Cinsay, a media and software company, in a unique collaboration to bring him closer to the millions of fans and consumers in the US.
http://www.cinsay.com/sonu
Quoting Sonuji : "The Internet is clearly the future of entertainment, and I am very excited to be collaborating and working with such a progressive team as Cinsay.In addition to creating original content which will help my fans see me in different situations than they are used to, Cinsay and I are working together to create a line of apparel and merchandise which reflects my passion for performing. I hope fans around the world will enjoy these new designs"
The merchandise can be purchased from the Cinsay Online Store: http://mcssl.com/store/1f5b87ab6d62468fbbdf9bd00185c6/sonu
R&B Collaborations with American artists
Sonuji recorded six English songs with American music-industry heavyweights in the three months he spent in Los Angeles prior to the Explosion Tour this year.
He has composed and sung two songs with R&B/ funk chanteuse Chaka Khan produced by Terry Lewis and Jimmy Jam of Flyte Tyme, the label behind hit albums of Janet Jackson and Mariah Carey; two songs with Emmy-winning arranger and composer Chris Boardman; one with songwriter-producer Jud Friedman, producer for Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand and Rod Stewart; and another with triple-Grammy nominee composer Steve Dorff. The genres of the songs, span pop, soul, R&B, and funk.
TELEVISION APPEARANCES
This year,Sonuji entered Sony's Indian Idol 4 as mentor and provided his valuable guidance and tips to the contestants. He made two appearances on the show - the first was aired on 16th Jan 2009 and the second on 6th Feb 2009.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQfxW5dcFEM
Sonuji also performed at SRGMP's 1000th episode celebrations which was aired on 12th Dec 2009 on Zee. It was a historic moment in itself, when the 1st anchor of the show, who also played a major role in its conception, walked onto the same platform in its 1000th episode after 14 years, singing the same song, which he 1st sang on the platform on May1st 1995!
Sonuji also judged this special epidode along side Pyarelalji (Of Laxmikant duo) & Suresh Wadkar.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKDN2lbbZ68
Additional Thoughts
Dear fellow travellers
As we bid farewell to the first decade of this millennium, I am overwhelmed at how my life transformed in the last ten years. My beliefs, my relations, my status ( I was single when I was entering the now-so-old decade!), my looks, my experience, I can go on and on!
Am thankful for all the learning and experience this decade provided me. I am so much more at ease with myself than what I was 10 years back. So much more aware!
I enter the new decade with reverence and humility, and a little twinkle in my eyes in pleasant anticipation of what lies ahead of me this decade onwards! And where and how will I be when I write once again in Dec 2019! All I can say is life is an endless journey, and it's only now that I have slightly started understanding the meaning of "endless".
My prayers to all the people who have been with me all this while, in body or spirits, may we all achieve the TRUTH sooner than later.
Happy New Year
Lovingly,
Sonu Niigaam
NETWORKING
Year 2009 proved to be very successful on the networking front also for us. We launched our facebook,twitter and youtube pages during the year and the response and support has been overwhelming. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts!
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=54993382001&ref=ts
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/sonuniigaampage
Twitter - http://twitter.com/sonuniigaam
Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/sonuniigaamtube
Official Website - http://sonuniigaam.in
THE ROAD AHEAD
2010 promises to be another thrilling and exciting year. Several launches and releases lined up. The year will start with a rocking concert in Singapore.. Shows in Israel, Holland and a tour of the Down Under coming up later.. Please follow us on our networks to be updated on a day to day basis.
Team Sonu Niigaam wishes you all a very happy and prosperous 2010.
Please feel free to give us any feedback you may have.
You can write personally to @ shyamagovind@gmail.com
Or to Sonu Niigaam & Me - Vijayrafisfan@yahoo.co.uk
Love and Light,
shyama govind & Team Sonu Niigaam
will u tell me plz
ReplyDeletewat is the cost of tickets / passes
and from where we collects the tickests...........m big fan of sonu jee
i really love him...................i hav already seen his delhi concert..............at red fort i want to see any how,..............