When two artists with big personalities and even bigger vibes come together, you know something special is about to happen. H Dhami, the much-loved British Asian music star, and Shayoon, the soulful, spiritual creative with a healer’s heart, have teamed up for their brand-new duet Jambo. The track is as fresh as it is unexpected, blending worlds, energies, and plenty of mischief.
How did the two of you first meet ? and was it instant musical chemistry?
Shayoon: H and I met through a mutual friend who was managing my socials. I had just moved to Nairobi, and she asked if I knew this artist named H Dhami, and if I wanted to do a collaboration with him. I immediately said, “Absolutely!” I’ve loved H’s music since high school – I grew up listening to Har Gabroo. When we hopped on a call, the chemistry was instant. It felt like reconnecting with soul family.
Jambo is such a fresh, unexpected collaboration. Who threw the first idea on the table?
Shayoon: H had already written Jambo. The collaboration made perfect sense because I had just moved back to Kenya, so being part of a track that represents my country was powerful. My contribution was suggesting “Jambo Bwana,” which is a global anthem. We had to secure the rights from the band The Mushrooms, but the lead singer sadly passed away just before we got permission, which made it feel like divine timing.
H Dhami: Kenya has been one of my biggest markets for years, for both private and public shows. I’d reached a point where I wanted to give something back. I shared the idea with close friends, and it snowballed. I thought, “This needs to be done for Kenya, but also for the world.” Shooting the video there, with the local community I care about – especially the less fortunate – just felt right.
Every recording session has its outtakes. What’s the funniest or most random thing that happened while recording Jambo?
Shayoon: Recording in Amsterdam at Shafiq Roman’s studio was unforgettable. We were there for 12 hours, riffing back and forth. The energy was so strong that I ended up crying at the end from pure inspiration. Honestly, it felt epic from start to finish, from going to the beach first to vibing in the studio.
H Dhami: That day was chaos – in the best way. The studio was full of energy, jokes, banter, mispronunciations, false starts, just pure fun. But at the same time, the synergy was incredible. Roman is a genius and made the process effortless. It was one of those rare sessions where time disappeared, and we didn’t even realise how long we’d been at it. Truly unforgettable.
Were there moments where you wanted to take the song in totally different directions?
Shayoon: No, not at all. Jambo unfolded exactly how it was meant to. H is such a “yes” person, and we were aligned from start to finish – the music, the video, the rollout. We share such similar taste in art and sound that it felt effortless.
H Dhami: At first, I imagined a few different directions. But once the drafts started coming together, it all clicked. It became less about pulling in different ways and more about teamwork – everyone giving input, everyone listening. That’s rare, but it was the best recipe.
Shayoon, you’ve described Jambo as more than a song – as a movement. Can you explain?
Shayoon: Prayer and purpose are central to everything I do. H and I always pray before going on stage or starting a session. I carry palo santo with me, I clear energy, I make sure intention is set. With Jambo, we wanted to give back. We brought children from Kibera into the video and are donating proceeds to Shofko, a school there. For me, music is healing – and this project is about community, love, and shining light on Kenya’s incredible talent.
Outside the studio, what do you bond over most?
Shayoon: Fashion, art, food and family. We both have two boys, so there’s always that shared parent energy.
H Dhami: Family and creativity, for sure. And I’m taking meditation and self-love more seriously. It’s about keeping good vibes and transferring them to the world. That’s what Jambo is about too – great energy that moves beyond the music.
If we opened your playlists right now, what track would surprise us most?
Shayoon: H always laughs at me, but I’m obsessed with one of his dad’s songs. No one else knows it, but I play it on repeat. Every time we’re in the car, I ask him to put it on – and he just rolls his eyes.
H Dhami: My playlist is a mix of old-school Punjabi classics – Gurdas Mann, Saffi Boys, Aman Hayer, DCS – plus new voices like Raf Saperra, whose EP is amazing, and Karan Aujla, who’s smashing it right now. The industry is in such a beautiful place. And yes, Jambo is on there too.
If you weren’t making music, what would you collaborate on – a retreat, a clothing line, or a comedy skit?
Shayoon: Comedy, hands down. I’m funnier than H. He tries to keep up, but he can’t. Our whole crew just laughs constantly, and I think humour is a big part of our bond.
H Dhami: We’re both nuts, so comedy makes sense. But I can see us doing fashion or even a retreat. Anything rooted in fun, good people, and good energy.
Describe each other in three words but no “talented” or “funny.”
Shayoon: Humble, kind, dedicated.
H Dhami: Great heart, great energy, spontaneous.
With Jambo, H Dhami and Shayoon have created more than a song. It’s a celebration of joy, mischief, and the playful magic that happens when two worlds collide. Judging by their chemistry, laughter, and alignment, this is just the beginning of their creative journey together.
Instagram Handles:
Photography and videography @omjphotography
Creative direction and styling @anishavasanicreates
Shayoon outfits by @nikazaasiancouture
Shayoons jewellery and H Dhami necklace by @amorejewelsx
Makeup by @dilmatharubeauty
Hair by @hairbyrida__
Location @colonelsaab
Hdhami @hdhamimusic
Shayoon @shayoon_
To listen or download the song: https://linktr.ee/HDHAMISHAYOON
