SHENI

Sheni Ravji-Smith is a producer, artist and creative director. She has been managing, promoting and discovering musicians for thirteen years. Sheni pioneered the influential 3:GM (Third Generation Music) programme, which provided new opportunities for a generation of musicians across the North West of England. During her own professional career, Sheni has worked with or for GMAZZ, MTV, Nickelodian and Channel 4.  She has exhibited her own film and photographic works at the ICA and MOMI. Although Sheni has worked with musicians and artists from across the world, she has kept her childhood passion for Bhangra music and culture. Sheni built up her skills and experience in the competitive world of television production, working on pop promos for chart music acts. In London’s vibrant, high pressure media scene she came into contact with aspiring Bhangra musicians struggling to get a foothold in the music business. Realising she had the skills and the connections to get them their first break, Sheni set up Chori (Little Indian Girl). Chori successfully promoted and marketed music nights featuring Asian talent, including Check my Chops and Easy Flow. Finding herself now a part of the UK Asian media breakthrough Sheni's opinions were sought after and her writing appeared in Bamboo! and Divergence magazines. In 1999, Sheni saw opportunities to develop the Desi culture in Manchester. After the flourishing Madchester explosion people were looking for an energetic music scene with strong popular roots. As one of the two founders of Lychee Lounge, Sheni was instrumental in preparing the ground for Asian music in Manchester and the North West. Today she is a key player in the region, still supporting musicians through practical development and policy making. Sheni is our Bhangra Champion for the North of England.