INTERVIEW: SHAHEEN

Shaheen

13 year-old Actor/Singer Shaheen is onto something special.  Since stunning the world virally with his jaw-dropping audition on Britain's Got Talent before a skeptical and then impressed Simon Cowell, the spotlight has been on the brilliant boy from Wales.  Appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Oprah Winfrey and even a spot on the late Michael Jackson's ill-fated This Is It Tour have solidified the fact that the world is ready to embrace its next big international teen sensation. 

Now ready to unleash his eagerly-awaited debut album When I Come of Age from Island Records/Universal Music on November 22, 2010, the adorable Shaheen took a few moments out of his busy schedule to chat with Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven readers.

Mr. Will-W.: Hi Shaheen, thanks for dropping by to chat with us as we're honoured to be one of the first outlets  in Canada (and first Canadian Blog) to feature you!  Now we're all excited to hear what's on When I Come of Age. What can you tell us about this first album and why have you decided to release two singles at the same time?

Shaheen: My album is important to me; it’s not like all the other albums that are coming out, its not very poppy and sounding the same as a lot of other tracks out there. It’s got kind of a Motown/contemporary feel to it. We decided to release Last Train Home/Hip Teens as a Double A-side because they show how versatile I can be. Last Train Home is a great ballad and Hip Teens is faster and a lot of fun. I hope everyone will get involved in my new competition to star in my video for Hip Teens. It’s for anyone who loves to dance. Check out my website for more details.

Mr. Will-W.: Many people don’t know that in addition to being a very talented singer, you also act. Both are very different. Describe how they are different for you. Do you prefer one over the other?

Shaheen: I prefer singing more but acting is something I’ve done and I wouldn’t mind doing again but right now I’ll concentrate on the album and what’s happening now and then possibly one day go into acting or something. I’d like to be in movies maybe. My favourite actors are Eddie Murphy and Jim Carrey.

INTRODUCING SHAHEEN

Shaheen on Britain's Got Talent

Do you guys remember this adorable and remarkably gifted boy from Britain's Got Talent?  Of course you do.  Since flooring the world virally with YouTube clips of him singing in front of an impressed Simon Cowell, Shaheen has inked a deal with Island Records (Universal Music).  Now he's on the verge of releasing his debut Double A-side single Hip Teens/Last Train on November 22, 2010.  Above this, his debut album which is still untitled, will follow shortly after.  

And guess what?  Shaheen will be chatting with Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven readers v. soon!  I'm beyond excited to introduce him to you.  He'll be answering questions about what we can expect on his album, the experience of performing at Michael Jackson's Memorial and telling us what it's like being away from his home in Wales.  Above this, there just may be some prizes to be given away too.  Stay tuned.

Check out Shaheen's official website here.