West Indian cricket superstar Chris Gayle has collaborated with British Indian singer Avina Shah on a dance track titled "Groove."
The song has already had over 1.1 million views on YouTube since its release two weeks ago, and Gayle said the track is inspired by Jamaican music.
Gayle claims music comes naturally to him. One of the most ‘destructive’ batsmen in limited-overs cricket says he prefers calling himself an entertainer.
Fondly known as the Universe Boss, he says music is something he finds very enjoyable. "I find it very enjoyable. I've grown up surrounded by music and sport - it's a big part of our Jamaican culture and it's in our blood," Gayle was quoted as saying in an earlier interview.
"I was excited about doing this project and creating a song that anyone can listen and groove to - it is an international sound with a mix of Jamaica, India and the UK," said Gayle.
"We really enjoyed putting it together and managed in a very short space of time. It was all done over the phone - a lot of WhatsApp messages back and forth to plan it out. But it worked out perfectly," he added. After shooting for the music video in Jamaica, Gayle flew to Dubai for the Indian Premier League (IPL). He recalls using the lockdown period to polish his singing skills.
"I released a remix song with Stylo G called Too Hot during lockdown and now, Groove is my first collaboration with a female artiste. I had fun making this track and the response has been really great," said Gayle.