Bhangra Masters

As the 1970's gave way to the 1980's new Punjabi migrants arrived from Kenya, Uganda, Malawi and Tanzania. Already half a lifetime removed from India they found work in cornershops, Cash and Carrys and Curry Houses. Second generation Punjabi's were skilled, assertive and comparatively affluent. They wanted their bands and idols to reflect confidence and defiance in the face of racism and inequality: UK Bhangra was born. The first UK Bhangra Masters began as session musicians backing touring artistes like Lata Manageshkar. However it was as producers that Deepak Khazanchi and Kuljit Bhamra shaped the careers of supergroups Alaap, Heera, Premi, Holle Holle and Kala Preet and lit the fuse for modern Bhangra Albums under the Khazanchi influence included the classic Teri Chunni De Sitare and the hit Bhabiye Ni Bhabiye. Khazanchi produced and released some of the most iconic Bhangra albums on his Arishma label including Bhangra Fever I and II. Meanwhile Kuljit Bhamra produced Southall band Premi, cementing their reputation with Nachdi Di Guth Kul Gaye, Oh Tina and Punjabi Munde Paun Bhangra. Khazanchi's Arishma released Kala Preet's eponymous debut album, introducing the accomplished vocal and songs of Nirmal Kumar Nirmal. Lavaan Doungi Hath Karrian remains one Bhangra's few romantic classics, and Desh Punjab its most patriotic eulogy. Later Kumar was to split with Kala Preet and form Shava Shava crafting hits such as Bhabiye Nach Le, Nahin Pyar Nabinde and Mere Desh. Alaap's larger than life Manjeet Khondal split to form Holle Holle penning the hit of the same name, Chall Pind Nu Challiey, Aa Gale Lag Ja and others.