In Fusion will sing the upbeat Nothing Ever Knocked Us Over in the 2017 Melodi Grand Prix final in Norway on 11 March.

In the first of a series of short interviews with all the girls we speak to Saima –

Hello Saima. You have an exotic name. Can you tell us something about your background in music and when you started singing?

Yes, I do! I actually have two names. Saima Irén. One name from my dad’s side (Pakistani) and one from my mom’s (Norwegian).

My whole life, my mom has been telling me that they gave me the name because they had a feeling I would become either an actress or singer, and Saima was the perfect artist name. “Saima’s hits” was her vision! Cliché, I know, haha. She still claims it’s the truth, so I just have to believe her.

I started singing at a very young age, but it wasn’t until I started elementary school I started to perform, sing, dance and act.

From 2006 – 2013 I was in a girl group, but after we split, I’ve been focusing on songwriting and performing around town. I’ve also been recording some tropical house tracks. This year I’ll be releasing my own music, which is R&B/Urban pop.

I also LOVE big band music, and I am currently the female vocalist in a big band. I find most of my inspiration in old music. I literally think I was born in the wrong decade!

Have you participated in any music festivals or TV competitions in Norway or abroad?

In 2010 I participated in the Norwegian X-Factor with my old girl group. We were one of the 12 finalists and ended up in 9th place. This was an amazing experience I’ll never forget. I got to meet so many talented people I still keep in touch with today. It was also my first real performance on a big stage in front of the whole country on national TV. 

In 2012 I was with the same group, in one of the part finals for Melodi Grand Prix. We didn’t get through to the next round, but my God, this was probably one of the best moments in my life.  And again, AMAZING people and an experience of a lifetime. I’m so happy I got to be a part of this, and now I’m lucky enough to be in the freakin’ final!! I just can’t believe it. And even though the song is different from what I normally do, I couldn’t be more excited!

 If you could cover any song, what would it be?

This was a tough one. There are so many songs I would like to cover. Right now I have ‘Versace On The Floor’ by Bruno Mars on my mind. I’ve been singing it since the day he dropped his album. Old school! I dig it! But I’ve also fallen in love with Rihanna’s ‘Love On The Brain’. 

Which artist (dead or alive) would be a dream duet for you?

I don’t even have to think about this. HANDS DOWN…MICHAEL JACKSON!! My hero, my inspiration, my everything. His initials are tattooed on my body for a reason. I’ve always had a dream singing ‘I Just Can’t Stop Loving You’ with him.

Thank you very much, Saima. Lots of luck with the In Fusion girls in the MGP final.