By Emb Hashmi
Sama is his stage name, Usman Blake is his real name the 22 year old has hit a staggering 1.23 million hits on YouTube for his debut single Sniper and it doesn’t stop there, he has seen overnight success and an incredible fan base grow in a very short space of time.
Asian World spoke to this young starlet to find out what his secret to success he told us “I have been in the industry for about 8 months. I had a song ready and wanted someone to sing it, and at that time there were no singers in Holland, so I tried myself and the response was good. I dropped it on the internet and then people liked it.”
What makes you different from all other new artists?
I knew I was different to what’s already in the industry. All the songs now are the same. I knew there was something different in my music and I knew I will be able to get somewhere – I will not flop.
Imran Khan was doing well at the moment as well, very well. I approached him and I was happy to work with him. It’s not the same (my music), because the lyrics I use are different to his. It’s Urban Punjabi. I sing in Punjabi with English to give it that nice touch. There are lots of local British people and they were singing along.
When did you get your big break?
I got my big break when I was about 18 or 19. That was the best day of my life. This was in August 2010. I thought let’s release something and sniper was the best thing out.
Why music?
It has nothing to do with fame or money. I love cricket for 5 years and I was going to go on a professional level and then I fell in love with music.
Where does the inspiration for your lyrics come from?
I write my own lyrics. It’s a different feeling when you write your own lyrics. Personal experience, life experience, things that have happened.
People make songs about money, about girl, etc. I would do everything but this is different, this is about me, it makes me different. The lyrics I use, no one does them. That’s why people like it.
How does being on stage make you feel?
I get an amazing buzz, It’s a good feeling when they sing along. It’s a good feeling. I do it for them, so you have to show them love. It keeps me going. I know there are people who are dying to hear something new from me.
I have done more than 40 gigs. I didn’t expect it much from this song
Since the song “sniper’ got released, I started touring. I have a strong following, especially in Birmingham.
So do you have to walk around with bodyguards now?
Yeah. Really, really, I do.
How did you two meet your manager?
We are friends really. I was at a show backstage and we started talking. I never knew he was a singer really. He told me he was a singer and we got talking, and the rest is history. We started out as friends and I introduced him with the lads. That friendship turned into working together.
What do you think of Birmingham?
I like it, especially because of the fans and people here.
If you were to describe Birmingham in 3 words, what would you say?
I just love it here, really. Birmingham is definitely my favorite place, because the fan-base is bigger here. A lot of teenagers and young lads, as well.
.Collaboration wish list?
If I were to do a collaboration it would be with someone from America. The Game I would like to collaborate with him.
Idol – I like to every Punjabi artists. Sony Babla would have been the one. I can write in Punjabi – that’s why I sing in Punjabi and English.
What is success to you?
I just want to prove myself that I can do this. I don’t need a big car or big cars – just a normal car and normal house. Settle down and have kids.
Next step?
Release the album. 70% of it is ready. New single end of this year
