BBC Asian Network launches 50 Greatest Bhangra Anthems
As part of BBC Asian Network's Bhangra Britain season, the station today (Monday 14 April) launched a vote to find the greatest Bhangra anthem.
A panel of experts shortlisted 50 songs from the 1970s onwards, celebrating four decades of British Bhangra sounds.
The panel of twelve include British film director Gurinder Chadha OBE, record producer and musician Kuljit Bhamra MBE, pioneering Bhangra figure Amarjit Sidhu, renowned DJs Jags Klimax and Sanj-J-Sanj, photographer and writer Boy Chana, Radio XL presenter Poli Tank, record label heads Mohammed Ayub and Ninder Johal, Bhangra websites - SimplyBhangra.com & Punjab 2000 as well as Asian Network presenter Dipps Bhamrah.
The vote closes on Friday 25th April, and on Monday 5th May it will be announced which track is to be crowned the greatest Bhangra anthem of all time.
The vote is part of the Asian Network’s Bhangra Britain Season, which will take a look at the history of Bhangra in the UK, celebrating the music and artists who shaped the industry from the 70s to the present day.
This journey of Bhangra will include profile interviews with artists young and old, including Channi Singh from Alaap, RDB, Tigerstyle and many more.
Listeners will also be able to hear live music from many of the acts including DCS and The 107.
Every Sunday throughout the season, Dipps Bhamrah will invite a number of artists who have made their mark in Bhangra to co-present his show with him, including Golden Star’s Tarlochan Singh Bilga and producer Aman Hayer.
As part of the season, Asian Network will be celebrating Vaisakhi on Monday 14 April. The day will begin with a special devotional programme presented by Bhangra legend Malkit Singh. Balwinder Safri will join Noreen Khan live in the studio and Bobby Friction will broadcast live from Southall Broadway.
On Tuesday 15th April, songwriter, singer and poet Satinder Sartaaj will perform his biggest tracks in a special Maida Vale session exclusively for BBC Asian Network.
