The first ever book on Bhangra, music of Punjabi origin, was launched this weekend at a symposium on the future of the British Asian music scene.

Launched at the Brunei Gallery at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), 'Bhangra: Birmingham and Beyond' is unique in its view on the development of the British Bhangra phenomenon since the 1970s.

The writers and publishers say the book is "an introduction to British Bhangra music, using the city of Birmingham as a starting point to map out the journey that UK Bhangra has traveled, from its folk beginnings in the Punjab, to a fusion-based music in Post-war Britain, to now in the 2000s having crossed over into the mainstream through American Hip Hop artists and others using the Bhangra beat and sounds."

At the symposium a whole range of well known industry figures, from those who pioneered the development of the industry, (including Ninder Johal of Nachural Records) to modern players such as DJ Bobby Friction, discussed the state of the Bhangra today and in the past.

The book draws on interviews with artists, lyricists and promoters of the scene, including analysis of lyrics and some album covers to provide an insight into the industry.

The concept for the book came from Dr Rajinder Dudrah, senior lecturer in Film and Media Studies at the University of Manchester. He collaborated on it with Ammo Talwar of the Midlands-based Punch Records and photographer/writer Boy Chana.

The book, says Dr Dudrah, partly evolved out of the images, memorabilia and stories from the Soho Road to Punjab exhibition, which has been touring the country since 2005. The Brunei Gallery at SOAS is currently showcasing it until 21st September.


The exhibition looks at how Bhangra bands grew out of the demand for Punjabi music at weddings and parties during the late 70s and early 80s, taking their inspiration from the sub-continent but producing a unique sound of their own.

It uses exclusive material from bands, musicians and producers who have played a major role in the industry during this period and dozens of rarely seen photographs, album covers and club promotional material.

Dr Dudrah said the book would appeal to a variety of audiences.

"For one, the 'retro' audience who are now in their 30s and 40s and were the youth who were present at the live music events during the heydays of Bhangra in the 80s would like it. Young people who are into British Asian music but might not know the history and importance of Bhangra music since the 60 and 70s too."

He added: "It can also be used at an academic level where GCSE, A-level and university students on media and cultural studies courses can draw on it as a resource in their studies; as well the general reader interested in aspects of British Bhangra music and its industry."

www.sohoroadtothepunjab.org
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