In a world where music is a core part of our cultural fabric, the UK Bhangra Music Awards stands out as a unique event, celebrating the genre’s infectious rhythms and offering a deeper dive into its distinctive style. The ceremony has been a huge success, drawing public attention to Bhangra music and raising awareness of its importance in British culture. Find out more at birminghamski.
The Roots of Bhangra
Bhangra’s lively Indian rhythms originated in the Punjab regions of India and Pakistan, where they were traditionally performed during harvest festivals. In 1946, a wave of Punjabis began arriving in the UK to work, initially planning to earn some money and return home. However, as time went on, many of the younger generation adapted to their new life and decided to stay, with some dedicating their lives to music. This led to the formation of British Punjabi bands in the latter half of the 20th century, which skilfully blended traditional folk music with British styles, sparking the birth of a new, unique sound. Traditional Bhangra songs typically had a four-verse structure with a chorus and two instrumental sections. The British versions, however, were more melodic and took on a distinctly different feel.
The British Bhangra scene is incredibly diverse, featuring older styles that pre-date Western influences as well as modern variations that have evolved with commercial and other trends. This has given rise to terms like “Old School Bhangra,” “Pop Bhangra,” and “Folk Bhangra.” Despite this evolution, the Punjabi language continues to dominate the lyrics to this day.
Bhangra flourished in several UK cities with large diasporas, including London, Manchester, and Leeds. However, the true epicentre of this incredible British music style was Birmingham.
Bhangra in Birmingham: A Hub of Creativity
Birmingham, with its large South Asian community, also had artistic organisations that helped artists record albums and put on concerts. During the 1970s, Bhangra began to incorporate elements of rock and reggae, which were hugely popular in the city. Soon, artists playing this modernised style started to overshadow those performing the traditional genre. By the 1990s, Bhangra music was a massive success, with artists touring across the UK.
In 2007, the UK’s first book dedicated to the rise of this new style, **”Bhangra: Birmingham and Beyond,”** was published. It meticulously explores how Birmingham became a crucial hub for the production and consumption of Bhangra music.
In 2010, Birmingham-based film producer, director, and screenwriter Debora Aston released the documentary **”Made in Birmingham: Reggae Punk Bhangra,”** which chronicled the city’s musical heritage. It shone a spotlight on Bhangra bands like “Apna Sangeet.” Their song, “Soho Road Uteh,” is particularly fascinating. Not only does it reference now-defunct music studios and shops, but it was also crafted for two different audiences. For listeners in India, it romanticised the lives of musicians in the UK, while for a British audience, it was a somewhat comical tale of two lovers meeting at a crossroads.
What Makes the UK Bhangra Music Awards So Special?
Established in 2014, the annual UK Bhangra Music Awards brings together amateurs and professionals in Birmingham to celebrate the achievements and contributions to this significant genre of British music. More than just an awards show, the UK Bhangra Awards represent a lifestyle, a set of traditions, and core cultural values. Fans of Bhangra from diverse communities and backgrounds come together to celebrate this vibrant art form, uniting as one big family.
The spectacular show lasts over 6 hours and kicks off with the obligatory red carpet. A total of 25 awards recognise not only music but also other aspects of Bhangra, including Best Dance Group, Best Radio Presenter, Best DJ, Best Website, Best Video, and Best Record Label, to name a few. All winners receive a stunning crystal trophy for their incredible talent and are added to the elite list of champions. In its nearly ten-year history, the UK Bhangra Music Awards has recognised 1,350 nominees, handed out 245 awards, and seen over 7 million fans participate in online voting.
The ceremony is packed with performances, with popular singers, dancers, musicians, and DJs taking to the stage to pump out enchanting rhythms.
This festive extravaganza is complemented by an Indian dinner and a huge dancefloor. The dancing usually goes on until the early hours, and as a treat, everyone receives a gift bag with sweets and an energy drink. The ceremony attracts over 1,000 attendees annually and is open to the public, with tickets available for purchase.
For almost a decade, the ceremony has been sponsored by Culture Unite, a charitable organisation that supports South Asian arts and culture in the UK.
The UK Bhangra Music Awards offers a chance to enjoy an emotionally charged event where the richness of cultural diversity merges into a musical spectacle, creating a sound that truly unites hearts.
