Ones To Watch in 2012: Yasmin

Yasmin is someone I’ve kind of been sitting on for a while, then with all of my laziness and blog inactivity just sort of forgot to post about.  Man, am I sorry about that now! I’m right now, for the very first time, listening to Yasmin‘s new “old school, reggae infused carnival jam,” “Light Up (The World)” featuring D’n’B/Jungle master Shy FX and the lovely Ms. Dynamite.  While I know the song has since been remixed by MJ Cole, the Freemasons and others no doubt, the original version of the song is simply beautiful! WOW!  

For those of you who don’t know, Yasmin is really Yasmin Zarine Shahmir, a 23 year old DJ/Singer/Songwriter from England.  Signed to Levels Entertainment, an imprint of famed English dance label Ministry of Sound, she is a relative newcomer to the scene.  After completing a UK headlining tour with popular English rapper Example, Yasmin was given the opportunity to feature on a track by one of her co-openers, another English rapper called Devlin.  See, Yasmin had the privilege of opening alongside Devlin and a then little known singer/songwriter called Ed Sheeran.  Devlin‘s second single “Runaway,” featuring Yasmin went top 20 on the Official UK Singles Chart, peaking at #15.  Now, with a small taste of chart success, Yasmin forged on with her own career, signing to Levels Entertainment and releasing her own solo single “On My Own” in January of 2011.  ‘On My Own” was a top 40 hit, peaking at #39 not to mention landing at #6 on the UK Indie chart.  In the Spring of 2011, Yasmin released a follow up single, the insanely catchy “Finish Line” which was produced by Labrinth.  Yasmin‘s sophomore single had considerably more success than it’s predecessor, peaking at a respectable #13.

Yasmin is definitely an artist I’m keeping an eye out for in 2012, as I’d love the chance to see her play a live gig here in the States.  Her musical style is very similar to that of Katy B, in terms of it being a sexy female vocal on top of some sick beats.  Of course Yasmin is more than just a sexy vocal (as is Katy B of course), there’s definitely something substantive there in the lyrics.  There’s no doubt in my mind that Yasmin has talent for days.  I’m just going to wait and see what sorts of diverse sounds her album offers listeners before making my final judgement, although so far so good.

Since making a name for herself in the UK, Yasmin has played festivals all over and has supported an array of talented musicians including Big Boi, Aloe Blacc and Snoop Dogg garnering acclaim all  along the way, including a MOBO nod for ‘Best Newcomer‘ at the 2011 awards.  She’s been working working on her debut album with (among others) Jamie Smith, producer and remixer of The XX as well as with Diplo and The Smeezingtons.  Make sure you download her new single “Light Up (The World)” when it’s released in the UK on January 15th.  In the meantime, check out the stunning video shot on location in Cuba, below. It’s as gorgeous as the song – trust me. Also make sure you listen to the HOT Freemasons remix right HERE. Try and resist the urge to dance. I dare you.  Download “On My Own” on U.S. iTunes HERE and snag “Finish Line” on UK iTunes HERE.