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Let The Music Play, created by Italy-based producers Emanuele Marascia and Sandro Murru, featured pre-recorded vocals of a Punjabi folk singer.
Let The Music Play was composed by Italian musical duo Shamur. (Photo Credit: Instagarm)
Ever heard of the wildly popular 2000s party anthem, Let The Music Play? Yes, the one where a few Punjabi and English lines keep repeating for three minutes and 40 seconds, and compel everyone to dance their hearts out. Many listeners believe it is a Punjabi pop song, but very few know its exact origin. The artist behind the hit is the Italian duo, Shamur. Now, you may ask if it was created by Italians, how come the song has Punjabi lyrics?
A digital creator recently shared the story behind the song’s origin. In a video posted on Instagram, he revealed that in the early 2000s, Shamur, comprising Italy-based producers Emanuele Marascia and Sandro Murru, wanted to create a new sound by blending Western dance music with Asian vocals. While searching for unique vocals, they came across a sample pack called Deepest India. FYI, a sample pack is a collection of pre-recorded audio clips that musicians can buy and reuse in their own songs by paying a one-time fee.
Who Was Sohanlal?
The Punjabi vocals used in Let the Music Play belonged to a folk singer named Sohanlal. The digital creator mentioned, “Sohanlal was a humble folk singer from Punjab, who spent his entire life singing at Sufi shrines and Dargahs. He recorded his voice in the late 90s for a one-time fee in a sample pack called Deepest India.” Unfortunately, he died before his voice garnered recognition through the song.
He explained how Sohanlal’s voice was used in the song, saying, “Shamur decided to use Sohanlal’s vocals from the sample pack, auto-tuned it, added a female Italian singer, mixed it with electronic music and let the music play was born.” He continued, “The song, of course, became a smash hit, but Sohanlal passed away before its release, never knowing his voice travelled across the world.”
Nooran Sisters Are Sohanlal’s Granddaughters
Even though Sohanlal did not witness the song’s global success, his musical legacy lived on through his family. The creator revealed that his granddaughters are the Nooran Sisters. The Indian Sufi duo is best known for songs like Patakha Guddi.
Other Songs Where The Pre-Recorded Track Was Used
Once the clip caught attention, some people online shared other songs that used Sohalal’s Punjabi verse. One user said, “Samur was not the first, listen to Sufani by Gaudi, released around 2005, used in the movie ‘Rog’ along with ‘Maine dil se kaha’. Samur got inspired by Gaudí and made that song.”
Another added, “Similarly used in Bad Karma by Axel Thesleff! Banger song.”
Meanwhile, if you remember, just a few years back, Janhvi Kapoor captured attention with her impeccable performance in Nadiyon Paar, a song from the film Roohi (2021). It was a new version of Shamur’s famous party anthem, and gave Let the Music Play another life on party playlists.
Delhi, India, India
February 22, 2026, 09:00 IST
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