Singapore
Shabir Sulthan’s ‘IMAYE’ Wins Singapore National Title at 2026 Asian Academy Creative Awards:Singapore-based composer, singer-songwriter and actor Shabir Sulthan has achieved a major milestone after his song ‘IMAYE’ was named Singapore’s National Winner for Best Theme Song at the 2026 Asian Academy Creative Awards (AACA).
The recognition advances the song to the international round of the awards, where it will represent Singapore alongside national winners from 18 countries and territories across the Asia-Pacific region. The Grand Awards ceremony is scheduled for December 3 at Capitol Theatre, bringing together creative talent from across the region.
Sulthan expressed gratitude to his listeners and Mediacorp Pte Ltd for supporting the project, describing the recognition as part of a musical journey shaped by years of experimentation across different genres and traditions.
‘IMAYE’ Crosses 8.5 Million Views
Beyond the award, ‘IMAYE’ has crossed 8.5 million views, according to Sulthan. His latest single, ‘VAANMATHI’, and its prelude have collectively approached 3 million views.
The composer highlighted that these milestones were achieved through what he described as entirely organic audience engagement, without paid promotions or paid user-generated content campaigns.
For Sulthan, the figures represent more than digital popularity. They also demonstrate an audience appetite for music that blends Indian classical influences with contemporary international sounds.
Blending Indian Classical Music With Contemporary Genres
Sulthan’s musical approach brings together elements of hip-hop, R&B and Indian classical traditions, creating a distinctive sound that bridges different musical cultures.
‘IMAYE’ combines old-school R&B and rap with Indian semi-classical elements, incorporating thaanams and aalapanas to bring classical vocal expression into a contemporary musical arrangement.
‘VAANMATHI’, meanwhile, draws inspiration from the Carnatic raga Kharaharapriya, combining its melodic character with hip-hop drums and dance-oriented synthesizers.
The two songs reflect Sulthan’s broader artistic vision: exploring how traditional Indian musical forms can coexist with modern production techniques without losing their original emotional depth.
A Musical Journey Across Genres and Traditions
Sulthan traces his interest in musical fusion to his early experiences as a contestant on the singing competition Vasantham Star. During that period, he experimented with rap verses over musical interludes and outros from compositions by celebrated Indian composer A. R. Rahman.
His musical journey has since encompassed hip-hop, R&B, rock and metal, alongside the study and exploration of Hindustani classical music, Carnatic traditions, Indian folk music and Qawwali.
These influences have helped shape his approach to songwriting and composition, allowing him to draw from different traditions when developing his own musical identity.
Sulthan believes successful fusion requires more than placing contemporary beats beneath traditional melodies. It demands an understanding of ragas, phrasing, rhythmic structures, emotional storytelling and the cultural histories behind the music.
A strong foundation in these elements, he argues, creates greater creative freedom while preserving the essence of the original traditions.
Growing Opportunities for Indian Musical Fusion
The success of ‘IMAYE’ and the growing audience for ‘VAANMATHI’ highlight the potential for Indian-language music to connect with listeners through innovative combinations of traditional and contemporary sounds.
As streaming platforms and digital video services enable music to reach audiences across geographical boundaries, artists have increasing opportunities to introduce regional musical traditions to international listeners.
For composers such as Sulthan, fusion offers a way to bring together diverse influences while developing a sound that reflects both cultural heritage and modern musical sensibilities.
His recognition at the 2026 Asian Academy Creative Awards also places a spotlight on Singapore’s creative music scene and its contribution to the wider Asia-Pacific entertainment industry.
Looking Ahead to the International Awards
With ‘IMAYE’ advancing to the international round, Sulthan will represent Singapore among national winners from across the region at the upcoming Grand Awards.
The achievement marks an important moment in a career built around musical exploration, cross-cultural influences and a commitment to blending traditional Indian sounds with contemporary Western genres.
As ‘IMAYE’ continues to attract listeners and ‘VAANMATHI’ reaches new audiences, Sulthan’s work underscores the possibilities of musical fusion in an increasingly connected global entertainment landscape.
