ZINGA, also known as Shayan Ali, is a musician who seamlessly blends different styles, including pop, Latin, dance, and rock, into a cohesive story. Born into a musical family, ZINGA’s father founded Bangladesh’s first pop band in the 1960s and ZINGA grew up in the spotlight, traveling with his father’s band and performing on national television at age 6. He began his music production career at age 12 and learned to play keyboard and acoustic guitar while on the road, laying a strong foundation for his future career.
Although he eventually moved to the United States to study engineering, ZINGA couldn’t deny his passion for music. Instead of pursuing engineering and wondering “what if?”, he decided to follow his heart and bring his father’s music to the global stage in 2018. ZINGA takes pride in allowing his creativity to flow freely through his songs and is inspired by a variety of artists, including Sixx AM, Breaking Benjamin, Sia, Enrique I, and 3 Doors Down. He reflects on his experiences in both Western and Eastern cultures to weave a unique story.
The name ZINGA is derived from the Spanish word “Zingaro,” meaning gypsy, which reflects the nomadic and free-spirited nature of his music-making process. ZINGA’s music often features a strong melody layered with complex accompaniment, producing an eclectic blend that celebrates diversity and culture. His recent single, “Fate,” is an 80s-style rock ballad, while “Can’t You See” is a Latin-pop fusion. This well-roundedness helps ZINGA explore the creative process and craft music wherever his heart takes him, while also connecting with others through storytelling and accessing the soul’s deepest emotions.