Jay Sean on Jay Sean: Half-half, hahaha!

His name will soon ring bells, just wait and see.

Described as “a breakthrough singer,” Jay Sean, who is of Indian descent, is arriving in Manila for a concert on Sept. 3, 8 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum.

Dubbed as “the one-man boy band,” Sean is the first solo act of South Asian origin to have topped the Billboard Hot 100. Jay Sean’s upcoming Philippine visit promises to be a big treat for his growing fan-base here. Down, his US breakthrough hit featuring American rapper Lil Wayne, has sold three million copies worldwide; and the follow-up, Do You Remember (on which he collaborated with dancehall star Sean Paul and crunk rapper Jil Jon), over a million copies.

Now, why is he also called a “shining star?”

You will know in a while.

Named Kamaljiit Singh Jhooti, the R&B sensation was actually born and raised in London, England, though he is of Indian/Punjabi heritage. He signed up with Cash Money Records in 2008, instantly making him the first male British-Asian singer to ink a deal with an American label. Topping the Billboard 100, Down earned Sean the distinction as the first British artist to conquer the prestigious countdown since Queen’s Freddie Mercury in 1980.

Last year, he shone in Justin Timberlake’s charity concert alongside Taylor Swift and Alicia Keys.

The concert promoter, Bluedream Entertainment, is part of JC Minerals Group which is now one of the largest mineral traders in the Philippines.

(Note: Ticket prices for Jay Sean in Manila are VIP P6,102, Patron P5,300, Lower Box P4,122, Upper Box A P3,024, Upper Box B P1,593 and General Admission P530. For inquiries, call landline 750-0791 or Ticketnet 911-5555.)

Funfare did a 10-minute exclusive phone interview with Sean.

Your full name is Kamaljiit Singh Jhooti. How did you come up with the monicker Jay Sean?

“Hahahaha! Jay is from the initial of my last name, Jhooti. At home, I’m fondly called Shaan. So Sean is a flip on the nickname Shaan which means “respected/shining star.”

How come you are referred to as a one-man boy band?

“Huh!?! Am I?! I had no idea! Your guess is as good as mine! Maybe because I have a large female fanbase? I don’t know!”

You are the first solo act of South Asian origin to have topped the Billboard 100. Please describe how you pulled that feat.

“I think it’s a combination of lots of factors. The song resonated with a lot of people. It researched well at radio, so they played it loads, and the people liked it and bought it. It became a huge song at a time when I think that lane was clear for me. So I was super happy with having achieved something so big. It’s pretty incredible. It will never sink in!”

What are, if any, the Indian or Asian influences in your music?

“I don’t necessarily put Indian/Asian influences in my music anymore. I started off there, at a time when that sound was new. But I focus more on just making great music that can stand on its own without the need of a ‘gimmick’ or a particular ‘sound’ that can last forever.”

Who are your role models?

“Outside of music, my parents and my brother. But musically, Eminem, Jay Z, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Brian McKnight, BoyzIImen and Neyo.”

When did you realize that you could sing?

“When I was very young.”

What was the first song that you learned how to sing?

“I think it was a song from Michael Jackson’s Off The Wall album.”

From whom (mom or dad?) did you inherit your love of music?

“Probably from my paternal grandfather. He’s a great lover of music. To this day, he is the one I play my songs to. He can criticize it for me and let me know whether or not it’s going to be a hit!”

Describe your family and your childhood.

“I grew up in a huge family, 10 of us in one huge house. But I loved it. We were all so close. And that’s what I love about my culture and my family. We are deep on love. I guess that’s why I write so many songs about love. I grew up in a heavily South Asian area, Hounslow. But I went to school in a non-Asian area, so I got to mingle with people from various backgrounds which I think is the best thing that happened to me. It allows me to relate to anyone in this world.”

How much of you is Indian and how much is British?

“Hahahaha! Half half.”

Give a little background on Down and Do You Remember.

“They are similar in their themes. Both are positive songs. I’m a positive person and I like to spread good vibes. Down is about the notion that as long as you have someone, anyone, to spend life with, no matter what happens, happiness is not so far away. Do You Remember is all about reminiscing and appreciating all the great moments in our life.”

You’re performing in Manila on Sept. 3. What have you heard about the Philippines?

“I’ve heard it’s an incredible country and I cannot WAIT to come there and soak it all in!!!!”

Jack Jones also at Big Dome Oct. 16

BREAKING NEWS!

Mention the name Jack Jones (photo) and instantly, all his hit songs start playing in the stereo of your mind --- People, She, The Impossible Dream, The Love Boat Theme, What I Did For Love, Wives and Lovers, Free Again, If You Go Away, As Time Goes By, Strangers in the Night, Call Me Irresponsible, Lollipops and Roses, Dear Heart, Where Love Has Gone…the list is endless.

On Oct. 16, let’s all listen together to Jones once again sing those songs, and many more, “live” at the Araneta Coliseum in Jack Jones Greatest Hits Tour produced by Ovation Productions.

Born in Los Angeles to romantic lead actor and recording artist Allan Jones and actress Irene Harvey, Jones began studying music in high school and, after graduation, made his professional debut at age 19 by joining his father’s act at the Thunderbird Hotel and Casino Hotel in Las Vegas. He would make musical history from there and then on.

Besides an enduring romantic balladeer, Jones also gained renown as a leading interpreter of musical theater, with critically-acclaimed performances in Guys and Dolls, South Pacific, She Loves Me and Pajama Game. Most recently, he went on national tour, performing the role of Don Quixote in Man Of La Mancha.

One of the accolades for Jones came from Frank Sinatra: “Jack is one of the major singers of our time.”

Judy Garland called Jones “the best jazz singer in the world.”

On the occasion of Jones’ 50th anniversary in showbiz in 2008, Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts paid him the ultimate tribute by launching its “M.B.A.” (Master in Business Accommodations) marketing campaign that brought back Jones’ “fadeless voice” singing a new recording of The Love Boat Theme.

Now on his 52nd year in showbiz, Jones continues to entertain and regale millions with his golden voice as he performs to sold-out audiences around the globe at various concert arenas, casinos, symphony halls and even in the super-club circuit.

Remember Oct. 16 at the Big Dome. It’s a date.

(Note: For ticket inquiries to Jack Jones’ Greatest Hits Tour, call Ticketnet at 911-5555 or Ovation Productions at 532-8883.)

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