Sarika’s brand new single ‘Punjabi Suit’ out now!

'Punjabi Suit' ArtworkPunjabi Suit, the brand new single from Sarika Ft. Jeeti, is now available on iTunes and all other good digital stores. The release comes exactly a year after her debut single Morni came out. Sarika both sang and composed the hit, whilst the very talented Jeeti produced it. It was written by lyrical master, Tari Banwali Puria.

Since the release of Morni, Sarika has been studying Indian classical music and working on her vocal training. She has been passionate about music since a young age and was born into a family of music-lovers who exposed her to many different genres of music. At just five years old, Sarika could sing in three different languages – Punjabi, English and Hindi, and was also proving to have quite a talent for dancing. She said: “Whilst other kids were playing with their toys or watching cartoons I would be singing songs in front of the mirror all day or putting on a show for my family.”

Sarika’s musical influences cover a wide range, but she particularly looks up to Punjabi singer Surinder Kaur: “I love Surinder Kaur and her music. She was the first Punjabi artist I had listened to and she is probably the main reason why I started singing in Punjabi. Her lyrics and her music taught me so much about Punjabi culture.”

At just 13 years old, Sarika wrote her very first song as a way to express herself after suffering a family tragedy, through which she discovered her passion for song writing. Two years later, at the tender age of 15, Sarika recorded her very first song, which she wrote and composed herself, in a professional recording studio.

During her schooldays, Sarika studied perfoming arts, through which she gained experience and training in lots of different forms of music and dance including Ballet, Bhangra, Contemporary, Giddha, Hip Hop and Jazz.

Sarika has taken part in many musical competitions and shows across the UK, and in 2009, Sarika reached the final of Brit Asia Superstar.

Sarika’s opportunity to launch her career with the release of her debut single Morni in 2012, after she met Nirmal Sidhu and accepted into his vocal training academy. It was with his and Nav Sidhu’s support that she was able to get her career off the ground, which is going from strength to strength.

You can buy Sarika’s second single Punjabi Suit on iTunes and all other good digital stores, and you can watch the official video below!

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New dance comedy show Break The Floorboards touring

Break the FloorboardFrom 3rd May to 22nd June, Break The Floorboards, a brand new comedy dance drama from Rifco Arts will be touring the UK. The drama fuses Bollywood and Street dancing, and tells the story of a teenaged boy called Zain who wants to be a dancer, but must overcome many obstacles before he can achieve his dream. The things holding him back include a disapproving family, peer pressure, two left feet and an impending fascist march. But luckily, a chance meeting with a young dancer called Sophie who helps him on his journey, gives him hope that maybe he can achieve his Bollywood dream afterall.

Daniel Uppal, star of BBC One’s DanceX, Thriller Live and a number of mainstream music videos, will play Zain. Nathan Clarke will be playing Adil, Zain’s disgruntled older brother, and the character of Sophie will be played by Carrie Baxter.

Break The Floorboards is being directed by Pravesh Kumar, Artistic Director of Rifco Arts and the talent behind their numerous hit shows (Britain’s Got Bhangra, The Deranged Marriage, Where’s My Desi Soulmate?). It’s written by broadcaster, journalist, writer and performer Yasmeen Khan. The production is choreographed by Andy Kumar (Rifco Arts Creative Associate and Bollywood film Choreographer) and Associate Choreographer Maria Swainson(Flashdance the Musical, Daddy Cool, Emeli Sande, Labrinth, The Saturdays). The set design has been done by Libby Watson (A Fine Bright Day Today, The Deranged Marriage) with lighting design by Mark Dymock. The composer is Sumeet Chopra who composed the popular score for Britain’s Got Bhangra.

The dates and venues of the tour are:

Watford Palace Theatre 3 – 11 May

Warwick Arts Centre 21 – 25 May

Oxford Playhouse 30 May – 1 June

Oldham Coliseum Theatre 4 – 8 June

Key Theatre, Peterborough 11 – 15 June

Theatre Royal Windsor 18 – 22 June

Watch the video below to take a peak behind the scenes of Break The Floorboards, hear the cast and crew talking about the show, and see some of the preparations and rehearsals in action.

 

For more information on how to book, go to www.rifcoarts.com.

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Bollywood star Mika Singh to play at Wembley

dhamakaBollywood star Mika Singh has announced he will be playing at Wembley Arena later on this year in his UK debut.

Bollywood singer-songwriter king Mika will be the headline act at this year’s Dhamaka concert, the UK’s annual Bollywood and Bhangra concert, which is organised by Flex FX. Mika will be supported by Bollywood dance group Bolly Flex, who found fame on Sky1’s dance competition show, Got To Dance.

Naz Choudhury, from Flex FX, said: “We are really excited to bring Mika Singh to the UK and really happy this will be his exclusive debut, he is a powerhouse performer and deserves a solo stage and I’m really excited to host him.
“This show will be dedicated to a fusion between Bhangra culture and Bollywood music, so expect a range of supporting dhol acts and Bhangra dancers, Bolly Flex will be performing with Mika throughout the show to bring to life the signature dance moves.”

He will also be embarking on his first ever UK tour, starting in June 2013. His song for various Bollywood blockbuster soundtracks include Singh Is King, Pungi and Chinta Ta Chita.

Mika’s concert follows Dhamaka 2012, which was headlined by Atif Aslam, as well as the recent series of Bollywood Showstoppers concerts in London and Birmingham.

Choudhury added: “This is the first time we are doing a Punjabi-style concert, so we will go all out on the experience to give the audiences the taste of Punjab.”

“For that it doesn’t get bigger than Mika. He has single-handedly sold out and blown away audiences worldwide with his range of super hit songs.”

Watch Mika Singh’s official promo video below:

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Meet The Chaudhry’s – Britain’s first animated sitcom based on an Indian family

The Indian society in the UK is eagerly awaiting its latest addition! Get ready to meet a quirky Indian family unlike any other – and grab a peek at ‘The Chaudhry’s’ coming soon to your TV screens. Randeva Productions have launched their trailer for the highly-anticipated British animated sitcom ‘The Chaudhry’s’ that brings to life a unique multicultural family in the heart of London in one hilarious rollercoaster of a ride!

‘The Chaudhry’s’ is a home-grown British animated situational comedy that draws on the elements of everyday British life, antics and humour to create an explosive package of rib-tickling gags and laughs. The show chronicles the antics of the Chaudhury family – some of whom are still trying to get to grips with the British culture, some are trying to relive their youth in the different culture, while there are yet some who are so distant from Indian culture that it creates a host of awkward situations. The family includes a drunken parrot who is mostly cheeky, wholly offensive and usually up to mischief.

‘The Chaudhury’s’ is an amusing reflection on multicultural Britain. Randeva Productions have deftly incorporated all elements of British life encountered by immigrant families such as the integration into British life, and the acceptance of British culture vis-à-vis traditional and conservative Indian values.

Randeva Productions have drawn on classic TV animated sitcoms for inspiration when creating ‘The Chaudhry’s’ such as ‘The Simpsons’, ‘American Dad’, ‘South Park’, ‘Family Guy’ and British offerings like ‘The Inbetweeners’, ‘Only Fools and Horses’, ‘Goodness Gracious Me’, ‘Father Ted’, ‘Black Adder’ and ‘Monkey Dust’.

‘The Chaudhry’s’ have already created a buzz among fans of animated adult comedies and the industry  in general who are looking forward to the unique show that is one-of-a-kind not just for being a British home-grown animated TV show but also because it focuses on the antics of an Indian family for the very first time.

Watch this space for more information on ‘The Chaudhry’s’!  You can also follow ‘The Chaudhry’s’ on Facebook and Twitter.

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New Indian fast food franchise, Spice 2 Go to create 30 jobs in Swansea

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30 new jobs in Swansea have recently been announced by Spice 2 Go.

Spice 2 Go is the UK’s first Indian fast food chain providing customers with a fresh new take on the curry! Starting with its flagship store in Swansea Bay, Spice 2 Go will redefine the Indian takeaway industry with consistently high quality Indian dishes prepared to fine ingredients and expert menus. Spice 2 Go Swansea Bay store will boast sleek interiors and professional staff trained in delivering excellent customer service so your Indian fast food experience is unlike any other.

Spice 2 Go Swansea Bay will not only serve mouthwatering dishes for eat-in and collection in store but will also provide customers with an efficient home delivery system. Customers can order their favourite Spice 2 Go dishes from an user-friendly online ordering system with home delivery orders being brought to your door by uniformed staff in branded Spice 2 Go vehicles.

Get ready to experience the curry like never before! With Spice 2 Go Swansea Bay, customers can count on high quality and delicious curry at home or in store.

Useful links:
Spice 2 Go website
Spice 2 Go Swansea facebook page
apply for a job at Spice 2 Go

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AJD debut single, MAGIC, receives huge response on release

From sold out club nights, to being halfway through a near sell-out single launch tour, to an appearance on Bobby Friction’s show on the BBC Asian Network, AJD and his debut release Magic has been creating waves in the Punjabi music industry. Set to push boundaries for himself, AJD is already capturing headlines as the new DJ/Executive Producer on the UK Bhangra field in 2012.

Last month, AJD was invited to be part of one of the BBC Asian Network’s flagship shows, The Bobby Friction show. During his appearance, the DJ-turned-Executive Producer hit the decks, displaying his powerful DJ skills that have won the hearts of fans across the country. He finished his set with his own exclusive release, Magic.

Since then, the response has been phenomenal with AJD’s social networks being filled with praise and support. Even Bobby Friction commented: “Now that… was a special set right there”.

AJD has been touring the UK promoting the release of Magic and all his shows have been near-sell out. Accompanying AJD on his single launch tour have been some of the industry’s finest, including JK, Tru-Skool & H-Dhami. The tour continues in Nottingham, Derby, Dubai and Glasgow.

Magic will be available on iTunes from Thursday 8 June 2012. Grab you Magic here!

YouTube video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gtss0Nx1D8

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Bhangra DJ AJD turns executive producer with new single, Magic

One of UK Bhangra’s most dominant DJs, AJD, has now entered the music industry as an executive producer. With his debut single, Magic, AJD infuses his music with the creativity of long-term friends and talented musicians Kaos Productions to bring to the British audience a unique sound in the new song.

AJD has brought several newcomers to the forefront including vocalist Billa Ferozepuria from Punjab, India, and lyricist Deep Ghanauri from Canada. The video, created by established director Guvy Heer, boasts an interesting and vibrant story to lend Magic its visual appeal.

Having composed and written the chorus himself, AJD brought onboard new lyricist, Deep Ghanauri, from Canada, with whom he left the rough idea of Magic that Deep then brought to life in his own words.

With the lyrics completed, AJD went on the search for the right vocalist. Having recently watched videos of a well known competition in India called the “Voice of Panjab”, AJD came across Billa Ferozepuria. Although unable to win the Voice of Punjab contest, Billa was a stand-out contestant, and it was only a matter of time before his vocal ability was brought to the forefront of the Asian music industry. Acting as an agent on his behalf, writer Bhinder Khanpuri searched for Billa Ferozepuria on the request of AJD, to feature on Magic.

Accompanying the release of Magic was the ‘The Magic Single Launch Tour’ which saw AJD tour the UK in order to promote the launch of his debut single as executive producer. AJD also paid a trip to the BBC Asian Network for a guest feature on Bobby Friction’s show where Magic was first played on air. Bobby Friction commented: “Now that was a special set right there”.

So what are you waiting for? Get your hands on AJD’s debut single out on 7 June and let the Magic begin!

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Jawani 2 by DJ H tops iTunes chart just an hour after release

DJ H has done it again, bagging yet another smash hit number one iTunes record, this time hitting the top spot on the world chart just an hour after the single was released at midnight last night.

Two versions of Jawani 2 were released at midnight including the normal mix and the desi remix, and by 8am this morning the two versions had secured the top spots on the iTunes chart sitting at number one and number two respectively on the chart.

The official music video for Jawani 2 featuring DJ H doing all manner of crazy stunts including sky diving and motorcycle racing, has also been released to coincide with the single’s debut on the iTunes chart.

The stunning video was shot on location in Dubai and will definitely put a smile on your face as DJ H and Jas Johal live it up in the sun-soaked UAE and indulge in a whole host of crazy activities. The video closes with DJ H paying tribute to his friend and former Kudos Music colleague, DJ Unkz, who sadly passed away in February last year.

It feels especially fitting for H to pay tribute to the late DJ in Jawani 2 as the spirit of the song is to embrace life and enjoy your youth, a message which is especially poignant when you consider that some people don’t get this chance if their lives are unexpectedly cut short.

If you’ve not heard the new number one iTunes single from DJ H, Jawani 2, where have you been?! Get online now and check out the smash hit single, Jawani 2 from DJ H, Nirmal Sidhu, Jas Johal & Angel.

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Jay Sean has penned three tracks for Priyanka Chopra’s debut album

R&B star Jay Sean has revealed that he’s been in the studio with Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra in LA and has even penned three songs for the star as she prepares to launch her singing career.

The duo have been friends for some time and are often seen corresponding with each other on Twitter with Jay often remarking that PC should star in one of his music videos. While the actress is yet to take him up on this offer, she has however been collaborating with the Down singer in another form, enlisting his advice and help as she prepares her debut album.

According to a recent report, the actress and the hit maker have been in contact a lot in recent times as Priyanka Chopra looks to Jay for advice as she prepares to break into the singing world. The pair share an interest in their taste in music including R&B and hip hop.

Speaking in a recent interview the singer from Hounslow said he’d been in the studio with the Bollywood beauty in Los Angeles in the last few months and that he’d written three tracks for her, adding that PC has really good voice.

Priyanka Chopra is reportedly collaborating with a number of well known artists as she works on her debut album although no release date for the actress-turned-singer’s first record has been named yet.

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Rajeev B gears up for his new single Hai Soniyeh ft. Nav Sidhu

Top name club DJ Rajeev B is hoping to burst into the music charts once again with a bang this month as his 2nd single, Hai Soniyeh featuring Nav Sindhu, is due for release on Thursday November 24th.

The Kudos Roadshow DJ teamed up with lyricist and vocalist, Nav Sidhu, for the new dance floor filler Hai Soniyeh. With the festive party season just around the corner, there couldn’t be better time to release an upbeat dance floor track such as Hai Soniyeh, so expect to be dancing to this debut single from top British Asian DJ Rajeev B in the coming weeks.

Rajeev B hails from West London and has succeeded in becoming one of the most sought after DJ’s on the Asian club circuit since getting onboard with elite entertainment company, Kudos Music. As someone who knows more than a thing or two about a great dance tune, Rajeev has turned his hand to creating his own music in conjunction with E3UK Records.

The single is taken from Rajeev B’s debut album, The Takeover, which is due for release very soon. The Kudos Music DJ has joined forces with a number of talented singer and producers for his first ever album including Nirmal Sidhu, Navi Sidhu, and Surinder Saini amongst others, so expect big things from Rajeev B’s first record.

Rajeev B’s new single, Hai Soniyeh, is set for release next week along with a sleek new music video. The promo for Hai Soniyeh is available to view online right now so check it out and let us know your thoughts. Download will be available on iTunes.

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