AS Kang
His musical journey began in the 1970s. He is undoubtedly one of the biggest stars in the Punjabi music scene. He brought your classic hits such as Aashiq Tera, Giddian Di Rani and Aish Karo. He puts the Kang in Kang Fu. It can only be the legend, the maestro A.S Kang.
The only Punjabi singer to have hit songs in 5 consecutive decades
He is the first UK-based Punjabi artist to break into the Indian Market
He has just released his first album for over 10 years ‘The Maestro’ produced by music maestro Sukshinder Shinda
Falak
He hails from Karachi, Pakistan His debut single Rog was a massive hit. In 2012 he featured on the soundtrack for the film ‘7 Welcome to London’ receiving critical praise for his song ‘Tera Saath Ho’.
He continued his success in 2013 by lending his voice for Bollywood films. I, Me Aur Main, Nautanki Saala and I love NY.
The great singing sensation ‘Abida Parveen Sahiba’ has been an inspiration for Falak
Bally Sagoo
He is regarded as one of the pioneers of the British Asian Music scene. His Bollywood remixes (Chura Liya, Mera Laung Gawacha) are refix classics. His collaboration with Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan on the album ‘Magic Touch’ brought him international fame. Albums such as Wham Bham ,Bollywood Flashback and the Star Crazy series have made him an inspiration for the new generation of music producers and musicians.
He is the first Indian to be play listed on the National Radio, when “Chura Liya” was played on BBC Radio 1
He has chart hits in the UK which included ‘Tum Bin Jiya’ and ‘Dil Cheez’
He toured India with Michael Jackson on the HIStory Tour
Nafees
Nafees had a passion for Music since a young age. He released his debut single ‘Mehmaan’ in 2011 which was a massive success. He followed this success by releasing ‘Bukhaar’ which went straight to Number 1 in the Official Asian Download Chart. His singles ‘Dua’ and ‘Teri Yaadon Mein’ remain fan favourites.
His inspirations include Gurdas Maan and Adnan Sami
He has song alongside Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan on stage
His new release “Sazaa” sees him teaming up with Mumzy Stranger
San2
At the age of 22 years old, San2 came from nowhere. His debut track ‘Nayo Lagda’ went straight to number 1 in the ITUNES world chart with its soulful qawwali vibe, his vocals are a breath of fresh air for the music industry.
In 2008 San2 won the British Asian singing completion Chak De Phatte
He was born in Nottingham and was classically trained at a young age…
Bollywood singer ‘Shaan’ is just one of his fans calling him a “True Talent”
Raasmasters
Raa’s masters are collaboration between UK team of producers and Indian singers and musicians led by UK Producer Jkeyz and India’s Harish Patel
They call there genre of Gujarati dance pop music – G POP or Gujji Pop
Their debut single was “Sona No”, the first ever commercially produced Gujarati dance remix.
Their name is derived from “Raas” the traditional dance played with sticks Dandias
Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan
Watch on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QePlAamLxuw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xdKhq7hHJk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFjxOGJrALU
Amaan Ali Khan
‘Coming Master…’
– The New York Times 2000 (Carnegie Hall Concert)
A young talent of the seventh generation in an unbroken chain of the Senia Bangash School, Amaan Ali Khan, is the eldest son and disciple of the Sarod Maestro Amjad Ali Khan and grandson of Haafiz Ali Khan. Initiated into the fine art of Sarod playing at a very tender age, he began his public performances as early as eight.
Accompanying his father to various music festivals in India and abroad, he has today, carved out a niche for himself. His performances have evoked creditable applause. His precision in tunefulness and his bold and resonant strokes are all pointers to importance of tradition and continuity in Indian Classical Music. Amaan is one of the most loved artists of India today and has performed in most of the mainstream Music Festivals of India, in India and abroad.
He performed in 1986 at the Festival of India in Moscow at the age of eight. Thereafter, Amaan made his UK debut in 1990 and his US debut in New York at the Asia Society in 1991.
Today, Amaan is considered as one of the finest Sarod players and has obtained a very special place for himself among music enthusiasts across the world. He is an inspiration for the younger generation of musicians. He continues to enchant audiences with his virtuosity, sheer brilliance and charismatic stage presence
Amaan has been a regular performer at Palais beaux-arts in Brussels, ESPLANADE in Singapore, Chicago Symphony Center, Carnegie Hall and Kennedy Center in the USA, Royal Festival Hall and Barbican Center in the UK. In addition he has performed for the Temenos academy at St. James Palace in London for HRH Prince of Wales in 1995, 1997 and 2003. In 2001 and 2002 he took part at the Summer Arts Festival in Seattle and the Edinburgh Festival in the UK. Amaan’s Australian Tour in 2003 included his performances at the World Beat Festival in Brisbane, Opera House in Sydney and the WOMAD Festival in New Plymouth and Adelaide. He performed with Cellist Matthew Barley and the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain in July 2002 along with a series of workshops and also worked on his critically acclaimed album Strings Attached with A Matthew Barley. Other Festivals over the years include Womad and Salisbury Festival and the Enescu Festival in Bucharest
In 2005 Amaan composed for the music for the film American Daylight by academy award winner Rodger Christian. The spring of 2005 saw collaboration at the Savannah Music Festival in Georgia with the Derek Trucks Band. Same year, he featured with his father in Real World Record’s much-acclaimed album Moksha in May 2005. In July 2006 Amaan collaborated with Evelyn Glennie at Queen Elisabeth Hall at the Rhythm Sticks Festival and also appeared at the WOMAD Rivermead Festival. His electronica lounge albums titled Reincarnation (2005) and ‘Truth’ (2006) won him critical acclaim. In 2009, he played at the United Nations in New York in presence of Ban Ki Moon to commemorate the Ode to Peace Concert along with his Father. In April 2011, , Amaan collaborated with American Folk artist Carrie Newcomer at Lotus Arts Festival in Bloomington along with his father and brother and also performed at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. He performed recently at New York’s Metropolitan Museum and The Lensic in Santa Fe. The same year, his performance with his father recorded at Wigmore Hall released under the ‘live at Wigmore Hall’ series in UK. The latest album Rang – Colors of Sufism released in March features Amaan and Ayaan’s interpretations of traditional Qawwalis on the Sarod in 2012.
Amaan released his solo album titled ‘Amaan’, in 2002. On reviewing this album, Songlines World music magazine said that his performance was a “worthy heir to his father’s crown.”
Awards and accolades came his way early in life. From 2000 to 2001, Amaan hosted a music series on Zee TV called ‘Sa Re Ga Ma’, with his brother. In October 2002, he received Provogue Society’s Young Acheivers Award for performing Arts. A recipient of the MTV’s Lycra Award for the Most Stylish person in Music in 2006, he was honoured recently by the Mayor of the City of Tulsa, Oklahoma with the Keys to the City along with an Honorary Citizenship and the Bharat Shiromani Award for Instrumental music in 2007. He was also recently felicitated by the Swiss brand Raymond Weil for his achievements over the years at the launch of their new collection of timepieces titled Freelancer, in 2011.
In addition to playing the Sarod, Amaan co-authored a book with his brother, Ayaan titled ‘Abba-God’s greatest gift to us on his father’s life’ in November 2002. Roli Books, Lustre Publications published the book as a part of their ‘Family Pride’ series. Amaan has also anchored Top Drive, the all new television series on Star World that was aired from January end2003 for five episodes. He also took part in the relay for the 2004 Athens Olympics in New Delhi in June 2004. In early 2010, he co-authored his second book with Ayaan called “50 Maestros 50 Recordings” for Harper Collins and also released an album called “The Music Room” and “Sarod Symphony” with his father and guru.
Amaan performed at the Central Hall of the Indian Parliament on the commemoration of India’s 60th year of Independence in 2007.
Amaan recently performed at Stanford University’s Dinkelspiel Auditorium at the end of his father’s Stanford University residency. Earlier this year Ananta Opus 195, a concerto for sarod, symphonic and electronic orchestra Written by Pierre Thilloy and performed by Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan, Amaan Ali Khan and Ayaan Ali Khan with the Avignon Provence Symphonic Orchestra and the Kords Collective, conducted by Samuel Jean premiered in India.
Ayaan Ali Khan
“Ayaan already shows some of his father’s authority…”
– The New York Times (Carnegie Hall Concert)
Ayaan Ali Khan represents the seventh generation of a musical lineage known as the Senia Bangash School. The younger son and disciple of the Sarod Titan Amjad Ali Khan, Ayaan stepped into the world of music and the Sarod, at a very early age, with confidence, clarity, consistency and technical mastery that he learnt at his father’s knee. Ayaan has been performing concerts in India and world –wide, since he gave his solo debut at the age of eight. He has given many other solo performances and also assisted his illustrious father at concerts all over the world.
Over the years today, Ayaan has carved out a special niche for himself in the world of music. His approach, vision and versatility make him an icon for the youth in the music industry. His contribution in making the Sarod a cross-over instrument in a variety of genres has projected him as an artist of high repute.
Ayaan has won the hearts of music lovers both in India and abroad. He made his UK debut in 1989 and US Debut in 1991 at the Asia Society in New York. From 1997 onwards Ayaan has performed regularly at the Carnegie Hall and Smithsonian in the US, Palais Beaux-Arts in Brussels, Chicago Symphony Center, ESPLANADE in Singapore, Summer Arts Festival in Seattle, Edinburgh Music Festival and the Royal Festival Hall in London. Ayaan made his debut tour in Australia early this year. He has also played concerts at the WOMAD Festival in Adelaide and New Plymouth, World Beat Festival in Brisbane WOMAD Rivermead Festival in UK, and the Opera House in Sydney. Ayaan performed at St. James Palace in July 1997 for the Temenos Academy and has also collaborated with the noted Cellist Mathew Barley of UK at the Royal Festival Hall in 2002. In July 2002, Ayaan conducted a workshop for the National Youth Orchestra of UK with Matthew Barley which followed by a concert with the NYO. In 2000, Ayaan joined his father at the Dalai Lama’s Sacred Music Festival inauguration in New Delhi. Over the years Ayaan has been a regular performer at Konzerthaus in Vienna, – Symphony Hall in Birmingham, Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, Recital Hall, Het Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Centre d`Art Contemporain, Geneva and the UN International Labour Organisation auditorium, Geneva.
In May 2003, Ayaan performed for Prince Charles his High Grove Estate for Temenos Academy. In 2005 he composed the music score for Roger Christian’s film “American Daylight”. In the following years Ayaan played at Symphony Hall in Fukuoka, New York’s Town Hall, Metropolitan Museum and Salisbury Festival in UK, among other venues across the world.
In 2005 Ayaan collaborated with Guitarist Dereck Truks of the Allman Brother’s band at the Savannah Festival. Ayaan also recorded with Real World Records and featured in one solo track in his father’s album Moksha the same year.In July 2006 Ayaan collaborated with Evelyn Glennie at Queen Elisabeth Hall. Ayaan performed at the Central Hall of the Indian Parliament on the commemoration of India’s 60th year of Independence in 2007.
The Khans collaborated with American Folk artist Carrie Newcomer at Lotus Arts Festival in Bloomington and also performed at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco in 2011. Ayaan’s concert at Wigmore Hall along with his father released under the Live at Wgmore Hall series was recorded in 2010. In 2009, Ayaan played at the United Nations in New York in presence of Ban Ki Moon to commemorate the Ode to Peace Concert along with his Father.
Along with his many solo classical albums, Ayaan has crossed the bridge between Indian music and a variety of genres with his electronica and lounge albums like ‘Reincarnation’, ‘Truth’, ‘Mysic Dunes’, ‘Passion’ and ‘Dreamz’. He also released two albums titled “The Music Room” and “Sarod Symphony” with his father and guru in 2010. The latest album Rang – Colors of Sufism was released in March 2012 featuring Amaan and Ayaan’s interpretations of traditional Qawwalis on the Sarod.
From 2000 to 2001, Ayaan hosted a very popular music and talent show air on Zee TV called ‘Sa Re Ga Ma’, with his brother. Bestowed with the MTV’s Lycra Award for the Most Stylish person in Music in 2006, Ayaan was honoured by the Mayor of the City of Tulsa, Oklahoma with the Keys to the City along with an Honorary Citizenship and the Bharat Shiromani Award for Instrumental music in 2007.
In November 2002, Ayaan co-authored a book with his brother, Amaan titled ‘Abba-God’s Greatest Gift to us’. This book was on his father’s life and was published by Roli Books, Lustre Publications under the ‘Family Pride Series’. In 2010 Ayaan and Amaan, released their second book titled “50 Maestros 50 Recordings” which was published by Harper Collins.
Earlier this year Ananta Opus 195, a concerto for sarod, symphonic and electronic orchestra Written by Pierre Thilloy and performed by Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan, Amaan Ali Khan and Ayaan Ali Khan with the Avignon Provence Symphonic Orchestra and the Kords Collective, conducted by Samuel Jean premiered in India.
Comperes
Noreen Khan
A passion for music decided Noreen’s career as a presenter.
She spent her early days tuning a violin, playing oboe and performing in a steel band. In 2003 Noreen began presenting for a local hospital radio show, before joining the Sonik Gurus to play keyboard. After touring the world as a musician, Noreen returned home, unpacked her bags and began presenting for the radio station Club Asia.
It wasn’t long before her love for music and cheery personality saw her headhunted by the BBC Asian Network and in 2007 Noreen joined as the host of the Asian Network Chart Show. She moved to the Weekend Breakfast show two years later, before taking the helm at Drivetime in June 2010.
You might have also seen Noreen on TV where she hosts The Fizzy Quiz Show on Brit Asia. Off the mic, Noreen likes to get behind the decks to DJ and play the music she is so passionate about.
Suzi Mann
Suzi began presenting at Sunrise Radio in 1990. Her fun and friendly personality resonated with the listeners of the Bollywood Top 20 chart show.
Suzi went on to present a number of flagship shows including Breakfast, and hosted live events with Asian stars. During that time, Suzi also worked with ITN’s multi-media division ITN On – presenting weekly show ‘Bollywood Insider’.
Suzi now presents BBC Asian Network’s Official Asian Download Chart Show – the world’s only sales-based Asian music chart.
She has a real verve for radio and believes music speaks everyone’s language.
DJs
Bobby Friction
Kan-D-Man
London born, Kan-D-Man kick-started his music career when he released ‘The Undergraduate’, a solo mix CD in 2005. The album was played on BBC Asian Network, Radio and 1Xtra and secured Kan-D-Man’s music credentials.
He is a member of the organisation ‘Chronicle Entertainment’ consisting of London’s Asian Youth MCs, which has helped Asian street music to develop.
Away from the mic Kan-D-Man shows his more serious side, studying for a law degree.
DJ Limelight
East Londoner, DJ Limelight is passionate about new music. He is a founding member of the collective ‘Chronicle Entertainment’ consisting of London’s Asian Youth MCs, including Kan-D-Man, Raver and Spitfya.
He has hosted, mixed and presented as series of compilation CDs, working with MC Ghetto, Triggs Vega and Dawn Penn.
Limelight loves showcasing the new wave of young UK talent on Mic Check. In his spare time he is studying for a degree in English Language.
Yasser
Manchester born Yasser’s career began at the tender age of twelve when he was employed by CBBC to take part in a number of shows across the channel. Throughout his school years he was a regular volunteer at his local hospital radio station. His interest in radio presenting began here.
Nominated for Best Male Presenter and Best Specialist Music show at the BBC Radio 1
National Student Radio Awards
Whist at University, he volunteered at Leeds’ biggest community radio station Fever FM and presented an evening show. A year later, he was offered the prestigious early morning breakfast slot. It was not long until he was approached by Asian Sound Radio, to host their chart show.
Still doing his degree, Yasser was also involved in his student radio station LSR.FM where he presented his comedy show, The Lazy Eskimo Show and a specialist Asian Beats music show.
He has been nominated for Best Male Presenter and Best Specialist Music show at the BBC Radio 1 National Student Radio awards and 4 National Student Television awards, including Best On-screen male and Best Comedy on Met TV.
Aside from his radio work, Yasser is also a successful DJ. His unique ability to mix and scratch secured him weekly residencies at some of the biggest clubs in the country, including Sankeys Manchester and the Warehouse Leeds, both in the top 100 clubs in the world.
Yasser is an avid and popular Youtube user in his spare time. ‘Mr Yazzur’ as he is known online – has a unique presenting style, quick wit and sense of humour that attracts hundreds of thousands of hits across the world on his comedy videos.
Having spent some time at Capital FM, Yasser now presents a flagship new music show on Friday night’s on the BBC Asian Network – a National digital radio station celebrating British Asian and Bollywood music, culture and lifestyle.
Nihal
Nihal’s love of music started a journey that took in rapping, music PR, journalsim, DJing and ultimately TV and Radio presenting.
Essex born Nihal started promoting rap shows while still doing his ‘A’ Levels. By the time he had graduated he was working in music PR for artists as diverse as Nitin Sawhney, Judge Jules and Elton John, as well as the groundbreaking label Outcaste Records.
Nihal is also an artist in his own right, and has rapped with Fun Da Mental, Sona Family and Badmarsh & Shri. He has also DJed all over the world.
Since graduating Nihal has worked as a music journalist, writing for Asiana, Eastern Eye, Mixmag and the Observer. His expertise has seen him in demand on TV and he has appeared on ‘Never Mind The Buzzcocks’, Channel 4 Documentaries, as well as presenting BBC 2’s Desi DNA.
In 2007 Nihal began presenting the mid-morning phone-in show on BBC Asian Network, before moving to his current afternoon slot. In 2010 his show won a Sony Gold Award for ‘Best Speech Programme’. He also presents The Review Show and Nihal on BBC Radio 1, where he continues to help promote Asian music.
Away from music and broadcasting, Football is his other great love. Nihal went to the same school as Glenn Hoddle so there was never any doubt that he was going to be a die-hard Spurs fan. His passion for sport saw him become a cultural ambassador for the successful London 2012 Olympic Bid.
Photos from previous London Melas
