British-Asian Latin-pop star and trainee doctor, Senti (real name: Adil), has released his fantastic debut single He She It! Having put his musical aspirations on hold to join the frontline fight against the pandemic, 'He She It' is a well-needed, flamenco-inspired, respite from a man just as capable of breaking your heart as he is at mending it. Through a lush arsenal of Spanish acoustic, bass, synths and drums - all performed by Senti himself - the track is a stance against the barriers in modern love and does so with the compositional flair of a musician decades beyond Senti's own experience; vibrant, vivacious and emotionally engaging, 'He She It' is a wondrous first impression from this jack of all trades.
In an interview with Asian Voice, Adil spoke about juggling medicine and music.
At the cusp of being a doctor, how do you plan to nourish both your passion for music and poetry, as well as a career in medicine?
My medical career always comes first. I've worked very hard for a very long time and I'm so close to being blessed with the opportunity to serve the community as a doctor.
Medicine is a very rewarding but very challenging career and I've always found poetry and my music as therapeutic to deal with my stresses. I think it's important we all have hobbies and passions.
Many Asian doctors are gifted with a great sense of music. Why do you think that is still a trend?
I think an Asian background in combination with being raised in the UK exposes us to a myriad of genres and art forms.
I think doctors in general have a tendency to lean towards music as a mechanism to relax or to help them wind down from the physically taxing responsibilities in the wards or community.
Tell us more about your music, what else do you wish to do in the near future?
I currently have 7 other completed tracks ready to be finalised in the studio! I'm really looking forward to the opportunity to play live when I'm able and spread my message.
I'm always writing lyrics or creating new melodies, it's my form of expressing my thoughts and reflection I guess.
Being an artist and a doctor demands an incredible amount of cultural acceptance and exposure to diversity, which is a great blessing. What is your takeaway from learning more about cultures at a tender age, and how do you think that impacts you and your work as a human being?
I think first and foremost it's important to be yourself and understand who you are. I think the modern landscape has grown insincere. A lot of people including myself have struggled with identity. This lead to many struggles in my own life.
After a lot of time and effort, I found myself and accepted my own identity. I have been blessed with the opportunity to see a variety of cultures around the world growing up and this really helped me understand the importance of viewing people as individuals and to empathise and not to judge based on race or cultural difference.
When you accept your sincere self, you tend to find the bonds and friendships and love you form is more genuine. Culture demonstrates the sheer variety of beauty in the world. It was exposure to this variety that lead me to develop empathy and acceptance.
What according to you is the future of independent artists post the pandemic?
I think with social media and Tik Tok, there are more opportunities than ever! I hope for the world to be restored to its live gig prime over time but through the pandemic especially we've seen massive growth for independent artists.
