A leading figure on the global music scene, singer Jay Sean has consistently pushed boundaries by fusing Western pop with his cultural roots. From chart-topping hits like Down and Do You Remember, to collaborations with icons like Lil Wayne and Sean Paul, his ability to mix genres and sounds has made him a versatile and authentic artist.

In this exclusive conversation with India Today Digital, Jay Sean reflects on his musical journey, the impact of social media on his work, the importance of staying true to his creative process and his desire to work for a Bollywood film.

With global hits like Down and Do You Remember, you’ve shaped the sound of pop and R&B for many. How did you blend Western pop with your cultural influences in these tracks?

When I first started making music, it felt very natural to me. To this day, none of my music writing is ever pre-planned. I never think, “This will be a hit” or “Let’s make a song like this because someone else had success with it.” It’s always about emotion, and I believe that’s why my music resonates with fans – they know it’s authentic, they know it’s 100 percent Jay Sean. Being a Punjabi boy growing up in England, I was influenced by the R&B and hip-hop that me and my friends listened to, but I also had influences from Bollywood and Bhangra from home, which I grew up with in my family. Used to watch movies with and attend parties. So, when I make music, it’s not a calculated effort. It’s just me mixing whatever I enjoy.

Your ability to shift between genres such as R&B, pop and hip-hop has been a hallmark of your career. How has your musical style evolved over the years, and what inspires your experimentation with different sounds?

I never liked being limited to one genre. People say, “Oh, that’s all he does,” but music is music. I like all types of music. When people ask what I listen to, I tell them I enjoy a little bit of everything – country, Bollywood, folk, singer-songwriters, dance, Afrobeat – as long as it makes me feel something. We are the ones who put labels on it. When I collaborate, I like variety – one day I’m doing a dancehall track with Sean Paul, the next day I’m doing a hip-hop record with Busta Rhymes or Nicki Minaj, or even I am also doing an Indian track with a Punjabi artist. The key is authenticity. You can’t trick the listener – they can tell if they’re forced to cooperate or not. It has to feel real.

Ride It experienced a massive resurgence on TikTok and Instagram Reels years after its initial release. What do you think about the way social media platforms have given new life to old songs and how has it affected your creative process?

It’s amazing to see that some of my old songs are now reaching the new generation. I started my career 20 years ago, and today, 90 percent of the audience of my shows is Gen Z. They’ve rediscovered my music, whether through their older siblings or through social media, and fallen in love with it. It is a beautiful thing to behold. A song that was a hit once and has become a hit again shows that it was always destined to resonate among the people. You can’t stop a powerful song from connecting with the audience.

Collaborations have been a key part of your success, especially your work with Lil Wayne on Down. How do you choose your collaborators, and how do these partnerships influence your musical style?

Almost all of my collaborations, about 99 percent, have happened because I have met the artist in person, and we have mutually appreciated each other’s work. I’d say, “Hey, I like your music, we should try to do something together,” and if they agreed, the collaboration would happen. That’s why my collaborations feel authentic – because both parties really want to work together. The challenge and excitement is mixing two different genres, artists and sounds and making something that works. That’s what makes it fun.

Your music often features themes of love, celebration and resilience. How do you keep your lyrics and sound fresh while staying true to these core themes that have resonated with fans for so long?

Self-awareness and understanding your fan base is important. Sometimes, when I’m writing, I think too much about the lyrics and then I realize it’s not right. If I have to force myself then it is not right. I let inspiration come naturally. Sometimes, I can be lying in bed falling asleep when the right song comes to me, and I know it’s the right one. I don’t believe in forcing creativity – it’s something that comes when the time is right. If I sing something that doesn’t come from the heart, it’s not the right song.

Is there any Indian artist – singer or composer – with whom you would like to collaborate?

One area of ​​music that I have not fully understood is making a feature for a Bollywood film. I wouldn’t be interested in remakes of old songs, because I find it more exciting to create something special. I sang a few songs for a film that my executive produced, Call Me Dancer, which was not a Bollywood film but a beautiful story about a boy from India who becomes an extraordinary ballet dancer in the West. Went. I wrote two original songs for that, and I think it would be fun to do something similar for a Bollywood film. I am definitely ready for it.

As he continues to evolve, Jay Sean’s commitment to making genuine and heartfelt music ensures his place as a beloved figure in the industry, both for longtime fans and a new generation discovering his sound. His openness to future projects, especially within Bollywood, promises exciting new ventures for the iconic artist.

Jay Sean will headline Naikaland co-produced by BookMyShow, which will be held in Mumbai from October 25 to 27.