Being spotted busking is one thing – being spotted by a collaborator with one of the world’s top rap artists is another.
Just ask Anita Maj (pictured). The Bradford singer was busking on the London Underground when rapper/musician/producer Malik Yusef, who has worked with rap star Kanye West, happened to be passing.
Before she knew it, Anita was being flown to a top recording studio in Los Angeles and is now putting the final touches to her debut album.
One of her tracks has been selected for the latest edition of computer game Rockband, which has previously featured songs by Metallica, Miley Cyrus and Journey.
“Malik really liked my songs and said he wanted to work with me. I was flown to LA to work in this massive studio that’s been used by artists like Jimi Hendrix and Lady Gaga.
Anita, 27, who went to Bradford Girls’ Grammar School, says her music is “feisty power pop fused with the Bangles, Suzi Quatro and Pink”.
“I like classic songwriting, songs that last,” says Anita, of Heaton. “I started writing songs quite young, practising with my guitar. I grew up loving the Beatles and the Stones, strong female singers like Janis Joplin and Debbie Harry, and girl bands like Heart. There aren’t many rock chicks around now.”
Anita has been touring America, supporting Art Brut and The View. “The response has been great in America, I’ve been getting regular radio airplay,” she says.
“Someone from Rockband contacted me after hearing my song Undercover and asked if they could use it for the computer game. It’s great exposure, I still can’t belive it’s happening.”
Anita, whose parents settled here from India, has just released new single Playtime and plans to tour when her album, Truth Or Dare – produced by Dan Swift, who has worked with Snow Patrol, Kasabian and Biffy Clyro – is released this spring.
“I’ll be playing in Yorkshire, and hopefully in Bradford. I’ve still got friends there so it would be lovely to play for a home crowd,” she says.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article