“Hold Me Tight” Artist Mohammed Paika Talks About His Multicultural Roots

Mohammed K. Paika has been on a roll with back-to-back hit releases like “For The Rest Of Our Lives,” “Love,” and more recently “Hold Me Tight.” With a string of chart-topping hits, the acclaimed musician and producer not only made an impression on the industry but has also touched the hearts of his listeners with his music, reigniting their faith in love.

During a recent interview, the award-winning singer and songwriter shared insights into his Indian-American upbringing and how his multicultural heritage has contributed to his diverse sound. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Ahmad bin Ali Al-Ajmi, Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar, and Fairuz, among many others, Paika has masterfully incorporated musical influences from around the world into his own unique style.

“My family immigrated to the United States in the mid-1980s. I practically grew up in Albuquerque. When I arrived here, I started second grade elementary school. There weren’t that many Indian Americans in Albuquerque at the time. Most of my friends in school were a mix of white, black, and Hispanic Americans,” reveals Paika.

He adds: “Since I arrived as a child and practically grew up here, I had not faced any major challenges as I had acclimated to the culture here.  As an Indian American I was exposed to music from India which has greatly impacted my music today.” Paika acknowledges that while he was largely influenced by American culture, his musical style has been shaped equally by the rich music traditions of Indian, Arabic, African, and Spanish cultures.

Growing up, traveling, and engaging with people from various cultures and listening to their music has redefined Mohammed Paika’s form of expression. The talented musician’s upcoming album, M.H. 1.0, is sure to be a fusion of all his influences. In addition to “Love,” “For The Rest Of Our Lives,” and “Hold Me Tight,” the LP will include his upcoming release, titled “Free.” 

Listen to “Hold Me Tight” here: