Sahotas
Sahotas | |
---|---|
Also known as | Kings of Bhangra |
Origin | UK |
Genres | Bhangra, fusion |
Occupation(s) | Band |
Years active | 1987-Present |
Labels | Internalmusic, IRS Records, Multitone records, Rough Trade Records |
Website |
http://www.transum.org/Sahotas/ http://www.internalmusic.co.uk |
Sahotas were a U.K. based Bhangra/Rock/World music band.[1] The band, started in Wolverhampton in the mid-1980s, had a line-up of five brothers. They have released music in both English and Punjabi. The lead singer was Surj Sahota, and the music director/producer was Mukhtar Sahota.
The band's music is very different from conventional Punjabi music, combining the Bhangra genre with pop, house, reggae and rock, focusing on vocal styles and sounds. This transfusion occurred during the apex of Bhangra Music in the 1980s and 1990s when there was an abundance of Live British Asian Music across the United Kingdom; and when British Asian Music sought to be recognised by the mainstream music industry. The Sahotas were at the forefront of seeking this recognition, performing live on Cilla Black's Surprise, Surprise, Blue Peter, 8:15 from Manchester and Eggs 'n' Baker. The Sahotas also joined Apache Indian on Carton TV's Soul Music and performed the soulful spiritual song "Urdaas" (Prayer).[2]
The band were signed by Miles Copeland III's EMI Records, who at the time was Sting's Manager. The single "Out of Reach"[3] and the album Right Time reached the UK Top 100, the first for a British Asian artist. This was closely followed by a nationwide tour with reggae band Aswad.
Sahotas toured in Africa, India, Pakistan, the US, Canada and Europe. Their hit songs include "Sahota Show Te Jake", "Hass Hogia",[4] "Mahi Di Udeek", "Gal Bangaee",[5] "Akhian Samaal", "Dang Ditha", "Sach", "Ajaa Ajaa Ajaa" and "Heerie".
The Sahotas' accolades include 'Best Band', 'Best Live Band' and 'Band of the Millennium'.[6] They were awarded platinum and gold discs for album sales.
The band's last release was their 7th bhangra album, Revolution in 2001; this album was a compilation of old hits released purely for the Indian and Pakistani music market.
Subsequently, the music producer from the band Mukhtar Sahota released a number of solo albums. Surj Sahota has worked with the band B21, Swedish Reggae band Urban Tribe,[7] and Basil Gabbidon, the founder of Steel Pulse.
Discography
- Albums
Year | Title | Record Label |
---|---|---|
1987 | Gidha Pao | Multitone Records |
1988 | Sahota Beat | Multitone Records |
1989 | Aaja | Multitone Records |
1991 | Ishk | Multitone Records |
1995 | The Right Time | IRS Records/EMI |
1997 | Decade | Kamlee Records |
1997 | Maa da Pyar | Kamlee Records |
1999 | Brotherhood Teri Meri Gal Ban Gayee |
Envy Times Music (India) |
2001 | Revolution Dil Vich Tu Vasdi |
Envy Tips Music (India) |
- Extended plays
Year | Title | Record Label |
---|---|---|
1990 | Are You Feeling | Rough Trade |
1995 | Suniye | Roma Music |
- Singles
Year | Title | Record Label |
---|---|---|
1994 | "Out of Reach" | IRS Records/EMI |
2014 | "Holi Holi" | Moviebox Records |
2014 | "Tu Mil Gayi" | Moviebox Records |
See also
References
- ↑ Harris, Craig (May 2002). "Mr". Mog.com. Retrieved 16 April 2011.
- ↑ Urdaas (Prayer) at YouTube
- ↑ Out of Reach at YouTube
- ↑ Hass Hogia at YouTube
- ↑ Gal Bangaee at youTube
- ↑ lahi, Khalid. "The Band of the Millennium". Desiclub.com. Retrieved 18 April 2011.
- ↑ Urban Tribe
External links
- World Music Central page on Sahotas
- Official Sahotas Website
- Official Website: Surj Sahota of the Sahotas