![Shaima](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/images/Shaima.jpeg?w=1200&q=5&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1643288188&s=7d8398f6382ce55a728a4f393de0a14c)
Shaima’s “Phenomenal” is the chilli-sprinkled pop track 2017 didn’t know it needed
Fans of Fifth Harmony and other fresh, female-fronted pop acts will find plenty to enjoy in “Phenomenal”, the utterly infectious track from Shaima.
Raised in West London, Shaima’s childhood received cultural influence from her Pakistani father, which shines through in the more unusual elements of her music. Her music draws from and blends various popular genres, including both house and R&B, but with the somewhat incongruous addition of sitar, Arabic flute, and tabla. It may sound bonkers, but by hell does it work. “Phenomonal” is just that - a fantastic pop track with a bouncing, club-ready feel.
“It was important that I explored my ethnicity through my music,” Shaima explains over email. “My music isn’t fusion as such — I like to think of it as pop with some chilli powder on it. […] It’s about saying who I am, what I believe, and what comes from my heart.”
- Horsegirl reveal final album preview, "Frontrunner"
- Joni shares details of her forthcoming debut album, Things I Left Behind
- L.A. Witch return with their first full-length in five years, DOGGOD
- My Morning Jacket release new single, "Squid Ink"
- Bon Iver details first album in six years, SABLE fABLE
- Enji announces forthcoming album, Sonor
- Charli XCX and Noah Kahan match Chappell Roan’s $25K donation to artist's healthcare
Get the Best Fit take on the week in music direct to your inbox every Friday
![Laurie torres apres coup cover](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/albums/laurie-torres-apres-coup-cover.jpg?w=600&h=600&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1738790274&s=9a00c0f4573407eaf53c47a0623a03a7)
Laurie Torres
Après coup
![Heartworms Glutton For Punishment cover](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/albums/Heartworms-Glutton-For-Punishment-cover.jpg?w=600&h=600&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1737736697&s=d9a750707057d203a46f026d37de63e2)
Heartworms
Glutton For Punishment
![Squid Cowards cover](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/albums/Squid-Cowards-cover.jpg?w=600&h=600&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1737736493&s=c454b933990d7f6ab031fdc1cd4f4a80)