Singing My Own Song: Leslee Lewis | Artist Shoutout

The lovable duo Colonial Cousins, singers Leslee Lewis and Hariharan serenaded us in the 90s with songs like Krishna, Indian Rain, Sa Ni Dha Pa, Kai Zhala and many more, so much so that years later the new generation is also enjoying their music. While the duo meet for live performances which is their forte, Leslee is making new music to what was Indi Pop in the 90s is now Global Hindi for the NewGen of the 20s. 

“I call my genre of music 'Global Hindi,' because the music isn't typically Indian nor classical. I've never made music for the artist called Lesle Lewis and nows the time” while adding, “I'm now composing music for myself”. 

The language is fundamentally Hindi, but it’s not Indian. Once you hear it, it doesn’t feel traditionally Indian. “So when you listen to my first track of Global Hindi Chandrama, it’s got a pretty global vibe, from my singing style to the guitar interlude ….it is not Indian. The reason is that while the composition is Indian, I don’t sing any alaps or sargamsas you might typically expect in a tune like this. Global Hindi is my sound, the tunes, the arrangements and the mix”, says Lewis, who still sports the same hair combed back, ponytail, horseshoe moustache, long side locks and smiling face, reminiscent of his Indi pop days. 

The all round rock star who has mentored and produced songs for many other artists down the years. found a one of a kind new age artist in the very talented Kavya Jones who besides releasing her own debut self titled album, also features on many songs of Lewis’ like Aaja Meri Baahaon Mein and Laj Ja Galey. The duo recently performed a one hour virtual set at the Kalaghoda Festival in Mumbai.

Popularly known as 'Lezz' in the industry, Leslee has had a long journey since he began making music way back in 1987.

The 60 year old who conceived and created all the music for Coke Studio MTV India debut season is confident “Global Hindi will be a new benchmark in the Independent Music Scene”.

⬇ Leslie Lewis & Hariharan - Kai Zhala:

⬇ Colonial Cousins - Krishna:

 Read more: The Guitar Man: Takar Nabam