East London

“London over the border” has always had a flavour all it’s own. The East was and is London's melting pot, dropping Punjabi beats into a cosmopolitan Bangladeshi and Pakistani mix. The Asian Underground scene started here; DJs, Producers and clubbers exploring together the frontiers of Desi culture and sound. East London's Asian sound has always been beats driven, like other music movements such as Jungle and Grime which started here. Superhip sounds from the East include Joi (originally Joi Bangla), State of Bengal, Badmarsh and Shri and Earth Tribe.. But even Asian Underground's figurehead Talvin Singh started his career with Bhangra stalwarts Alaap. Another Alaap Eastender is percussionist and backing vocalist Inderjit Singh, who tried to go it alone with his album East End Boys. Bhangra band Cobra were from the area, and locals Jugga released the first ever Reggae/Bhangra crossover single on San-j Sanj’s Va-Vah records. Led by the talented and inspirational Guy, Dilruba came out of Stratford to sign for Multitone. They released one of Bhangra’s first 12" singles promoting their debut album Shaal Markey. Dilruba’s fresh tongue in cheek style was in evidence on Kurri Apne Via De Vich Shaal Markey Nach Payee - liberated Asian women would hit the dance floor at a gig but not their own wedding. Anand Restaurant were the main ticket agents in East London. Originally a traditional Pan Centre (a chewable nicotine bearing leaf ) Anand was a lively late night hub for clubbers who wanted to purchase tickets at the last minute. Initially promoting large scale Bollywood events at Wembley, Anand later organised the UK appearances of major international artists including Gurdas Maan. Other major promoters who dominated  the East London Bhangra scene at one time or another were Sandy of Unicorn (Unique) Promotions, who held major events at the Empire, Leicester Square, Dhamaka promotions, and Morgan Khan.. Khan's signings Culture Shock released their House Bhangra crossover in 1988, but the mainstream wasn't ready; Khan couldn't equal the massive impact he made on the Hip Hop scene with his Electro Street Sounds compilations six years earlier. Comments (0) Write comment Name Comment Add Comment

 

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