In today’s global music industry, the fusion of Eastern and Western influences has become a captivating trend, with artists from diverse backgrounds joining forces to create soundtracks that appeal to a wide range of cultures.
One such collaboration that has grabbed attention is the release of “Snake,” a groundbreaking dance anthem by international hitmaker Jason Derulo and the multi-talented performer Nora Fatehi. Blending influences from Bollywood, hip-hop, and Arabic music, this single takes listeners on an exhilarating sonic journey, showcasing both artists’ versatility while pushing the limits of genre and cultural boundaries.
Released in late 2024, “Snake” has already become a chart-topping success, catching the attention of millions of fans across the globe. But how did this collaborative effort come together, and what does it mean for both artists’ careers?
Table of Contents
The Vision Behind the Collaboration
The idea for “Snake” originally came from Nora Fatehi, a Canadian-born actress and dancer of Indian descent, who has made a name for herself in the Indian film industry. Fatehi, known for her captivating dance moves and vibrant performances, was already a star in Bollywood, but she had much bigger dreams for her career. She wanted to expand her reach beyond the South Asian market and into the broader international scene. Fatehi had a vision to create a song that could blend Eastern rhythms with Western pop influences while maintaining the cultural authenticity that has become central to her work.
The track’s journey began when Fatehi teamed up with the talented producer Tommy Brown. It was through his connections that the collaboration with Jason Derulo came to fruition. Tommy, who had worked with a range of global superstars, recognized the unique potential in blending Fatehi’s vision with Derulo’s international appeal.
“I wanted to create something that felt authentic to my roots, but also something that could be embraced globally,” Fatehi explains.
“I had this idea in my mind for a long time, and working with Tommy really helped bring it to life. The next step was finding the perfect partner who could bring a fresh perspective, and Jason was the one.”
For Derulo, the experience of working on “Snake” was an easy one. Known for his smooth blend of pop, R&B, and hip-hop, Derulo has become a global superstar, with chart-topping hits like “Want to Want Me” and “Savage Love.” When he first heard about the project and listened to the initial concept, it felt like a natural fit.
“Some collaborations can feel forced, but this one just clicked. It was like a hot knife through butter,” Derulo shares.
“It felt like it was right up my alley. The rhythms were infectious, and the vibe was something that felt comfortable to me, even though it was a new territory.”
Check also: Drake Drops Legal Battle Over Spotify and UMG Boosting Lamar’s Diss Track, but Defamation Case Continues
Eastern and Western Influences
One of the most exciting elements of “Snake” is how it seamlessly blends distinct musical genres and cultural influences. The track features elements of Arabic and Bollywood music, genres that have become increasingly popular worldwide due to the rise of streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube. But the song doesn’t just borrow from these traditions; it transforms them, infusing them with Western pop sensibilities.
For Fatehi, the challenge was figuring out how to balance these cultural influences while making the song universally appealing. “I was trying to mix three different cultures into one project — the Western pop world, the Bollywood world, and the Middle Eastern world,” she explains. “It was important to make it global but also keep it authentic. I wanted the hook to be catchy and easy to remember, something everyone could sing along to.”
The resulting track is an infectious fusion of rhythmic beats, pulsating basslines, and catchy melodies. The chorus features a loop that sticks in your head after just one listen, making it an ideal anthem for international audiences.
The incorporation of Middle Eastern sounds and Bollywood-inspired beats creates a unique sonic landscape that sets the song apart from other mainstream dance tracks.
Visual Celebration of Cultures
To complement the vibrant sound of “Snake,” the music video, directed by Moroccan filmmaker Abderrafia El Abdioui, transports viewers to the stunning landscapes of Marrakesh, Morocco. Fatehi, who also produced the video, worked alongside an international crew of creatives who dedicated 15-16 hour days to bring her vision to life.
“The idea was to create a futuristic version of Morocco, where the traditional meets the modern,” says Fatehi.
“We shot against the beautiful backdrop of Marrakesh, but everything was designed to feel otherworldly and futuristic. We wanted to make it something you’d never seen before.”
Incorporating high-tech visual effects with traditional Moroccan architecture, the video reflects the fusion of the old and the new, much like the song itself. The bold choreography, led by India’s Rajit Dev, features a blend of hip-hop, belly dance, and Bollywood-inspired movements, further reinforcing the cultural melting pot that “Snake” represents.
Dance and Choreography: Pushing the Boundaries
As a dancer, Fatehi’s involvement in the choreography was crucial to the success of the project. Known for her graceful yet fierce dance style, she pushed Derulo out of his comfort zone by encouraging him to take on moves that were unfamiliar to him.
“When I got to Morocco, Nora wanted to do some moves that I had never done before,” says Derulo, laughing.
“And that’s kind of weird because I’ve done everything — tap, ballet, hip-hop, jazz. But she was really trying to incorporate authentic belly dance and Bollywood elements, and I was all for it.”
Fatehi’s passion for these dance styles, along with Derulo’s willingness to embrace them, created an incredible synergy on screen. Derulo, who had previously stuck to Western styles, donned the traditional Moroccan “jalabiya” and Bollywood designer outfits by Manish Malhotra, fully immersing himself in the cultural experience.
“He really embraced the culture,” says Fatehi.
“It was amazing to see him connect with the essence of what we were trying to create.”
