We caught up with SONA WALIA who recently released her debut album to bring you more about herself.

 

She was born in Punjab with natural talent in arts, who started performing singing, dancing and acting when she was 7yrs old.  This passion of performing arts was never ending and over the years achieved various awards and gained recognition in Punjabi folk  music and dance. 

 

Sonia was awarded best Punjabi folk dancer in inter-university  youth festival, India; She was awarded best dancer in GND University in Amritsar.

As she says, "I graduated in vocal music in India. My  interest in singing  lead me to perform in local Punjabi community which I enjoyed and from there on I started searching  for the proper channel to promote my singing.  After coming to UK I had opportunity to further my experience in Punjabi folk dance by performing and teaching within several cultural groups. This created more opportunity to perform with various famous UK artists, Bollywood stars, theatre academy,  in music videos and performed for HRH Queen Elizabeth II.  Above all I loved contributing to our Punjabi culture and promoting it in UK which I take great pride in".

In recent years she worked as a choreographer and a dance teacher which she really enjoyed.  At the same time wanted to focus on her singing to take it to the next level but was looking for the right direction. This search carried on until she met Papa Joe and  Music Director Tejwant Kittu who recognised her talent in singing and decided to promote her.

In summer 2007, Sonia started working with Tejwant Kittu at the Papa Joe studios on the debut Album  LOVE STRINGS which is has now been released. There are 8 tracks in the album and its an exclusive fusion of east and west, and above all not going away from our precious Punjabi traditions.  The album is based on love, emotions, customs & traditions. It has flavours for all the age group.  The lyrics of this album come from the young talent of Punjab & UK who are dedicated to promote Punjabi mother tongue.