Shai’s Shimmering ‘Heera’ Turns to Hyperpop

U.K. and India-raised pop artist Shai and producer NDS take a swerving route to the clubs with their new single “Heera.”

Shai, who has been releasing music since 2023, has been a featured vocalist most prominently for hip-hop/pop star Badshah, singing on the latter’s album Ek Tha Raja last year (“Red and Blue”) and the single “On Trac.” Previously, Shai sang on EDM artist Bancali and No Others’ single “Level” in 2020 and DJ-producer Frank Walker’s 2021 single “I Wonder.” As songwriter, she’s co-written songs like “So What” by Los Angeles DJ-producer Jay Pryor, Nicky Romero and W&W’s “Ups & Downs” and more.

With “Heera,” however, Shai takes a step further into her own artistry. She says in a statement, “I finally know who I am as an artist. This is the sound that represents me — it’s playful, it’s fun, it’s exciting and it’s real. I’ve learned so much through the years, and ‘Heera’ marks the beginning of a new chapter for me. I’m just getting started.”

According to a press release, the song is the first in a series that sees Shai “exploring the idea of manifesting the perfect ‘dream partner’ — someone who feels like a rare treasure, a ‘heera’ in a sea of ordinary.” The release adds, “It’s all about that effortless, dreamy love story where every moment feels like magic. Shai’s personality shines through in this track — playful, bold, and full of heart, just like the love she’s singing about.”

The song marks the first collaboration with NDS and Shai, with the producer being a longtime creative force with Punjabi artists Talwiinder and Tricksingh.