Aadesh jams with Shakira, Wyclef Jean

Composer Aadesh Shrivastava says he had a ball performing with Shakira and rapper Wyclef Jean at the Four Seasons club in Toronto. He's also excited about his upcoming album with the rapper.

Aadesh, who has been working on his 'rock star' physique and image, says the Sep 9 show was truly exhilarating.

"It was an exclusive charity event called 'One By One Life Belongs To Everyone'. We performed a fusion track called 'Bollywood Meets Hollywood' for an august gathering. In the audience we had names like Matt Damon, Phil Fontaine, super-model/activist Petra Nemcova and athlete Kevin Lin. On stage it was Shakira, Wyclef and I jamming the night away."

The composer was overwhelmed by audience response and Shakira's attitude.

"The ovation I got was unprecedented. Though Shakira had come to Mumbai last year, I met her for the first time in Toronto. She's so down to earth and so hard working. Though she must have sung 'Hips Don't Lie' umpteen times, she still rehearsed it seven-eight times before going on stage," Aadesh said.

After the show Shakira and Aadesh were at a charity dinner where she reportedly showered praises on him. "Yes," admits Aadesh, "she had very nice things to say."

The composer is now upbeat about his album with Jean.

"I think Indian music is finally coming into its own in the West. My album with Wyclef Jean is tentatively entitled 'Carnival' and will be out in November. I've done ragas, alaaps and Indian rhythms. I'm hoping Lataji will contribute some alaaps to the album."

Indo-Asian News Service