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A.R. Rahman Announces NEXA Music Winners, Collabs with Them on New Song

The four winning artists are singer-songwriter Nisa Shetty, pop duo Simetri, progressive jazz band Heat Sink and sibling acoustic act Jonathan-Pelenuo

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After a year of scouting for India’s most promising independent musicians who perform in English, NEXA Music ‘s chief mentor, the celebrated composer A.R. Rahman announced the four winners of the nationwide talent hunt.

The artists that stood head and shoulders above the 1000 plus entries received include New Delhi musician Nisa Shetty, Mumbai-based pop sister duo Simetri, Ahmedabad jazz/prog outfit Heat Sink and singer-songwriter pair JonathanPelenuo.

But perhaps the biggest reward for the four budding artists is their collaboration with Rahman on the flagship song of NEXA Music, titled “You Got Me,” composed by the Grammy-winning musician, which was revealed today. The Latin-flavored pop track, featuring vocals by all the winning musicians, is a celebratory dance anthem replete with smooth harmonies and a very catchy vocal hook. Rahman says, “We went through many, many entries to pick these four winners. Each of the winners is unique in their craft and it’s so nice to see all of them taking up the courage and making such amazing music. It’s now time for them and time for us to witness the magic of their performance and music.”

The ongoing edition of NEXA Music was launched in 2019 by Maruti Suzuki’s NEXA Experiences in collaboration with digital media company Qyuki in a bid to promote English-language original music from across the country.

Watch the music video for “You Got Me” below:

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