The DesiVibes UK Freshers Tour begins October 3^rd! Award-winning superstar Mumzy Stranger and his protégé Junai Kaden will be headlining. The many supporting acts include Mumzy Stranger’s newest signing Char Avell and the feisty and fierce Tasha Tah.

Ahead of their 15-city tour, the four Tiffin Beats Family members are each giving an exclusive interview to SimplyBhangra every Friday!

This week: Mumzy Stranger

“For once, I feel free to do what I have always wanted to do.”

Just because I’ve always wanted to say it; Mumzy badman inna-di-place! We’re honoured to feature you. Tell us what this time feels like for you.

For once, I feel free to do what I have always wanted to do. It’s amazing when you suddenly do things from the heart and you see results. That's exactly what I am doing now; following my heart and using my brains without anyone interfering and trying to take advantage. Love my team now!

You’re a very distinctive artist whose style we immediately recognize. Since it’s a big part of that; what attracted you to Bashment?

Thank you, that’s nice to hear.

Well, I’m a sucker for Reggae music! [Laughs] As a child, that’s all I was listening to. I find Bashment to be happy music, and that’s why I love it! 

Making moves in the mainstream with Bashment R&B: Fly With Me, as playlisted on Kiss TV:

As well as breaking musical barriers with your style, how important is it for you to be a representative as a British-Bengali artist?

It’s very important as there is no role model representing for us in this specific field. When I was growing up, I had no one to relate to. But it’s amazing now, how there are so many Bengalis doing their thing. I’m proud!

We wish you even more of that success with your second album, which you’ve previously said will have more of a Pop feel and feature some very exciting artists. What more can you share on that? Does the album have a release date?

I can’t reveal any artists until it’s confirmed, but it will be big! So, I’m still working on the album, but I will be releasing a single this year, and the album will be out next year.

“I feel that bringing more talent to table is definitely the way forward.”

You’ve taken on a mentor role recently, honing new artists. What drew you to this role, and what would you like to achieve?

For those who don’t know, my first love was producing, to help me become a better artist. And, because I love it so much, I’ve always wanted to produce for other artists. I want all my artists to work hard and smash it, and that’ll make me proud! I feel that bringing more talent to table is definitely the way forward.

On that note, describe your protégés Junai Kaden and Char Avell.

Junai Kaden is a diverse act who sings in Punjabi and English at a high level. He has a unique style and voice, and he is naturally gifted!

Char Avell is an amazing raw talent who sings in a Soul style. And I feel he has no limits and doesn’t yet know what he can achieve, which is exciting!

Bringing more talent to the table: Junai Kaden’s Aaja Mere Naal, produced by and featuring Mumzy Stranger:

“We will be dropping our hottest tracks on this tour and giving away lots of goodies!”

You’ve performed on national TV, at melas, in clubs – pretty much everywhere. What’s the feeling like now, headlining the 15-city UK Freshers Tour? What can we expect from these shows?

First of all, it’s about bloody time I did a tour like this! [Laughs] I feel very proud and I’m excited for what’s about to happen! I’ve got a great manager, team and artists. We will be dropping our hottest tracks on this tour and giving away lots of goodies! If you want to know more, you’ll have to find out, so come on down!

Mumzy Stranger, Junai Kaden, Char Avell and Tasha Tah all extend this message to the SimplyBhangra readers on behalf of the Tiffin Beats Family:

Thank you for all the constant support we receive from the SimplyBhangra readers. It’s really important that we as a scene are constantly supporting each other and promoting each other. United, we become stronger! At the end of the day, we are here for the fans – much love to all of you! Thank you to SimplyBhangra for all the good work and support!

Check back next Friday to see the second artist in our set of four exclusive interviews.

In the meantime, visit DesiVibesUK.com for Freshers Tour 2011 tickets and info.

Interview by Govinda Lakha.