America is daunting and competitive, but – determined to take my singing and acting talents to this land of opportunity – I took a two-week trip to the United States.

The payoff came. The highlights of the journey included a show in Las Vegas, a new movie contract and a new album. But let’s take things one thing at a time.

To record a new album, we had to attend a gazillion of meetings together with my husband, [ISTIL Group owner and Kyiv Post publisher] Mohammad Zahoor.

The pinnacle was a concert and a grand party at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas for film producers, musicians and actors on Aug 22. I entertained some 150 guests of various levels of star caliber.

But meeting jazz legend George Duke, actor Peter Dobson, producer Gregory Gonaway (who worked with superstars Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.)


Mohammad Zahoor (L), Kamaliya (center) and piano legend George Duke (fourth from left)


There were also Chester Bennington, the lead singer of Linkin Park, Rolling Stone magazine publisher William Cory Tuchscher and rapper Baby Bash.

Just across the road, the Miss Universe contest was taking place at the same time as my show, but I managed to catch a glimpse of the beauty pageant nonetheless.

Glamorous fun was followed by business meetings again. What can I say? American show business is very different from ours.

Music gurus said I was like Shakira with Christina Aguilera’s vocals. I am flattered by the comparison. A few lucrative offers followed, but it will obviously take time before negotiations evolve into cooperation.

After the Vegas gig, we headed for Los Angeles and New York. I was overwhelmed with offers: WMA, E1 (Koch), Capitol, Brooklyn, Atlantic, Give and many other recording companies came knocking on my door.



Mrs World 2008 Kamaliya (L) and Caliente, Miss Miami USA


In L.A., I met with jazz legend Duke, also known as Big Piano. We met at a party awhile back, so when he learned I was in his part of the world, he invited me over. He’s currently working on a new album with Russian diva Larisa Dolina. After that, he promised to work with me.

I have also met with Bruce Lowe, a multiple Grammy winner and American music producer, knows for his work with Madonna, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Paul McCartney and Jimmy Hendrix among others.

Having listened to my songs, he vowed to create several hits for my new album.

Then, we met with Tricky Stewart, producer of the famous “Umbrella” song, which won Rihanna a Grammy. Stewart is ready to help with my first English-language album.

Moreover, my representatives in the United States are negotiating with Dr. Luke, who worked with fabulous Katy Perry on her new album.

Mohammad Zahoor (L) and producer Gigi Gonaway. (Courtesy photo)


From Los Angeles, I flew to New York together with my husband, where we met with Fabrizio Sotti, Sade’s music producer. Sotti offered us his specialty - ballads and club hits.

To proceed, I will have to hire an entertainment attorney. So aside from songs and image, we’re negotiating with two prominent law firms in New York and Toronto.

As soon we settle with lawyers, we can start promoting my new album in the U.S., Europe and Japan. Then a hurricane of live performances, video releases and interviews will suck me in for a few months.

Aside from music, I received a tempting offer from American moviemakers.

While in Las Vegas I met with Jeff Best, producer of the future Hollywood movie “The Fight Town.” He offered me a female lead role alongside American wrestling star Steve Austin, nicknamed Stone Cold.

The story is about the adventurous and daredevil life of an ultimate fighter.

So while the contracts are in the works, I’m learning new songs and thinking over a new image. Phew, and all of this in only two weeks! Conquering America isn’t easy, but I love every second of it.


Kamaliya’s website is at www.kamaliya.net.