It is not an unusual experience that we, at one time or the other are totally enchanted by music and stay astounded for a considerable length of time. The intensity of the effect, however, varies with the type of music, standard of performance, form of delivery and personality of the artist. But seldom have we come across a voice that attracts and arrests the attention instantly when the first few notes strike our eardrums.

 

This definition applies and fits in to the melodious and strong, spell bounded voice of Channi Singh, who has become an idol of Bhangra music not only in the UK but also in the whole world.

 

Channi, son of Harbakhsh Singh, a top rank military officer, was born in Salar Village (Punjab). During his childhood he had keen interests in music and singing. He would often sing the song ‘Mera man dole mera tan dole’ from the film ‘Nagin’ in exchange of a paisa when requested by his teacher. He graduated from the Government College, Maler Kotla and then completed his MA in English Literature at the D.A.V. College, Jallandhar. During his studies, he won many awards and medals all over India in various cultural and sport activities, which included singing, Bhangra dancing and surprisingly wrestling. He learnt music from Professor Baldev Narang, a maestro in classical music, and wanted to pursue his talent further, although he studied to be a lecturer in English. He did this by auditioning at the Jallandhar Radio Station and also for some recording companies, but every time he got rejected. In 1975, he got married and moved to England to settle with his wife.

 

While in England, it took Channi a few months to realise that the Asian community, particularly the youngsters, had very few links with their cultural heritage from back home and were highly influenced by Western music. Channi believed that music would be the best approach in educating them about their cultural roots. Due to this he thought of forming his own band and it was sheer destiny that soon after Channi arrived in England, he met a few talented musicians who later became his fellow group members. This was the beginning of a new era and the birth of Alaap.

 

Every music generation has its originators and pioneers, groups or artists who through fate or purpose are destined to become the ones chosen to create new music trends through their originality and stage presence or revitalise old form of music. There are endless examples in the main stream music industry, Elvis Presley in the Rock & Roll era, James Brown in the Soul music scene, The Beatles in the Pop and Alaap in the Bhangra.

 

Channi formed Alaap in 1977, when they started out performing in temples and at small functions. They did not know that soon they were about to take over the world of Bhangra music by storm. Alaap means ‘Leaders’ and in true sense they are the leaders of the modern Bhangra scene, which paved the way for many others to follow. Fondly referred to as the ‘Godfathers of Bhangra’ and after pioneering the Bhangra music scene for over 30 years, Alaap are still regarded as ‘the hottest and most successful Bhangra band in the history of the universe’.