2 Steps Ahead (Mango Saturday 4.15pm & Sunrise on Sunday 2.00pm)
Master of the keyboards Binny G, from Birmingham, appears on stage with singer, lyricist and long-time friend Zaff. Together they create a new flavour of Asian and English mix for a multi-cultural audience, their
performance will also introduce Gaffa the M.C and rapper working Binny G and there are dancers and other entertainers in this group too.
Adeel
Adeel, a former model and now a rising young Pakistani singer, presents a beautiful fusion of feeling and philosophy through his lyrics. Adeel has performed internationally and has recently recorded his first album 'Koi Chehra', which shows his ease with singing in both Urdu and Punjabi.
Adrian Byron Burns
A prolific performer, Adrian has recorded nine albums and has averaged over 200 concerts per year over recent years. Adrian has gained fame as a solo artist, both for his fabulous voice and for his incredible acoustic guitar work. He has garnered praise for his compositions and for the originality of his interpretations of songs by Hendrix, Lennon/McCartney, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters and many others. Adrian is considered to be one of the most exciting performers around today, having been voted ‘Acoustic Artist of the Year’ in 1999 and 2000.
AG Dolla
Kenyan born, North London based AG Dolla is a smooth talking bi-lingual rapper. His combination of witty, intelligent and hard-hitting lyrics demonstrate that AG is not scared to be different. Nominated for “Best Newcomer” at the UK Asian Music Awards, he has performed for Radio 1's Big weekend on the same stage as Madonna and Usher. AG Dolla will preview his eagerly awaited album ‘Mr Shah’ at Bradford Mela.
Alibi Adam
Alibi Adam has had a successful acting career before making his mark with music. His style is unique, using an unorthodox writing method, fusing Indian beats and cold cut vibes, to create his own cocktail of what he calls ‘New pop’.
Annapurna Dance Company
The magical Annapurna Indian dancers bring alive the myths and legends from India with dancing and storytelling with beautiful costumes. A rare chance to enjoy the vibrant Yakshagana dance from coastal Karnataka State of India, with opportunities to watch its stylised make up techniques and learn its history and join in a folk dance at the end.
Back 2 Back Dancers
Back 2 Back, the self taught Midlands based dance group, have created and pioneered a vibrant and unique dance style. They call it ‘Freestyle Bhangra’, which is a fusion of Bhangra with Street/Hip - Hop. Back 2 Back have performed all over the UK and also internationally and are now established as one of the Top 5 Hip Hop dance crews in the UK, and have really taken the art of Bhangra Dancing to the next level
Balwinder Safri (Saturday Sunrise 6.30pm)
Born and raised in India, Balwinder Safi has carved an undeniable niche in the Punjabi and Bhangra music scene worldwide. Former member of Azaad in the 1980’s, Balwinder went on to form The Safri Boys, who broke the mould for contemporary Bhangra and went on to become one of the most influent bands in the Asian music scene.
Bombay Rockers
Bombay Rockers are a Danish /Indian fusion band comprising Thomas Sardorf and Navtej Singh Rehal. Their style is a hybrid of R&B, Hip Hop and Bhangra-influenced vocals, reflecting on their varied cultural backgrounds. Bombay Rockers are currently enjoying great success in India and Pakistan (as well as across Europe). Their debut album has sold more than 100,000 copies and has gone five times platinum. They were also the supporting act for top pop band Westlife at gigs in Dubai and Bahrain.
Bougarabou
BougaraBou presents the traditional one-person drum orchestra of West Africa. Incorporating music from Ghana, Central and West Africa with Jazz Saxophones and a healthy dose of Latin rhythm. The Drum Speaks!! Watch Out!!!
Brutal Artistry
Brutal Artistry is a major force in the WY Hip Hop scene, producing the undeniably distinctive hard corrosive BA beats for sharpest acts up north and promoting the live force that is 'Get Cained' and 'Stack Chedda'. Brutal Artistry is now 'tearing up shows' on the live circuit with their blend of creative menace, featuring emcees: Spida Lee (Practikal Headz) & Chief Wigz (Nine Lives Clik).
Channi Singh from Alaap and Mona Singh
An exclusive performance for Bradford Mela brings together two generations of a British Asian musical dynasty for a special 21st Anniversary treat.
Channi Singh is the charismatic singer who founded Alaap, one of the pioneers of British bhangra in the 1980’s. Channi (who famously wears a white scarf on stage) and his band were known for their exhilarating live performances and driving rhythms. They appeared at Bradford Mela in 1998. Channi was followed onto the Bradford Mela stage 10 years year by his daughter Mona Singh who performed in Bradford in 2008.
Mona has made her own mark in an industry so comfortably dominated by her father for so many years. Her debut album created a massive stir and hit the number one position in the UK Asian Music Charts. Since then she has worked with producers such as Basement Jaxx and Dizzie Rascal. This unique father and daughter collaboration promised to be one of the most memorable moments of this year’s Mela.
Dance for Life (Sunday Guava 3.30pm)
Dance for Life is a Bradford based project focusing on improving health through dance, that offer classes and training for young people across the Bradford district, in all different styles of dance. As well as workshops and classes Dance for Life also has a performance team who perform at events across the district. All expertly trained and highly accomplished, the performance team are always highly acclaimed and put on a great show!!
Darren Dutson-Bromley
A composer, arranger and professional musician, Darren has performed with many musicians as diverse as Jools Holland and Girls Aloud. For many years he has been a regular performer at the Edinburgh Festival, Southport Jazz Festival, and many of the notable Jazz celebrations both UK and internationally. Darren will be performing on the Guava stage at Mela 09 on Saturday.
Desi Bravehearts
The group consist of 9 young people from Scottish, Indian, Chinese and Pakistani backgrounds. The group were trained by the much sought after choreographer in the Bollywood Film Industry Pratap Shetty. Pratap was one of the choreographers for Nach Baliye 3 equivalent to Strictly Come Dancing in the UK. The shows were aired on Star TV and his pair was the runners up in the final. The group performing dances including a Mujra style (Girls only) and Bollywood freestyle (mixed).
Desi Nach
As the first and only Bollywood dance group comprised of all non-Asian dancers and choreographers, Desi Nach has brought a unique flavour to the Bollywood world whilst keeping true to its tradition. Their break- taking performances in the UK and abroad have earned them a nomination as UK’s Number 1 Bollywood Dance Troup. They are also notorious for their poignant message of unity and tolerance amongst cultures and Divine unconditional love for mankind.
Desi Vibes
Hailing from East London, Desi Vibes started out on the live DJ circuit, but not content with spinning and mixing the roughest tracks, they progressed to producing their own tracks working closely with some of the biggest artists in the industry such as Sukshinder Shinda and DJ Vix. This dynamic and talented duo are set to create havoc this summer with their highly anticipated debut album filled with thumping beats and heavy baselines.
Explosive Dhol Players
An experienced group of 6 dhol players who have performed across the UK and internationally in prestigious events such as Liverpool Capital of Culture finale celebrations and Diwali in London at Trafalgar Square. Their set uses the latest bhangra beats mixed with urban and explosive sounds of the Dhol players to create a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
Harlem Gem
Harlem Gem, hailing from Huddersfield, are Richmond Quarshie and Lloyd Charles. The duo linked up to release a series of distinguished singles, which received critical acclaim, and sparked an explosion in UK reggae. Noted for lyrics containing powerful messages about social struggles and human issues, their national and international tours have confirmed their status as one of the UK's most accomplished reggae outfits.
Hussain Brothers
The British based Hussain Brothers are steeped in over 100 years of Qawwali tradition. Leader of the group Imran Ahmed was taught by his grandfather, the late Ustad Haji Latafat Hussain Khan, the musical legend who also taught so many greats like Sabri brothers, Indian music director Noshad, Bashir Khan and many more. They sing a variety of styles of Qawwali and are famous for incorporating many different languages into their songs, such as Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu and Persian.
Imani Hekina
Bradford’s own Imani Hekima is a singer and multi instrumentalist. An accomplished pianist, Imani has developed a reputation as a Bollywood style piano player. After successfully playing in this style at an Asian wedding feast (Valima) he has built a repertoire of Asian music from Bollywood film scores. He will be joined on tablas by the talented classically trained Indian musician Alpesh Moharir.
Integrity Beatz
Integrity Beatz Music is based in Bradford, featuring a wealth of culturally diverse rappers and DJ’s. Their previous Mela performances have gone down a storm and they have consistently encouraged young musicians, DJ’s and Rappers to develop their skills, assisting with production and song-writing. They will be performing on Sunday on the Sunrise Masti stage.
Jaz Dhami
Bringing an innovative breath of fresh air into Bhangra genre, Jaz Dhami is a fresh new talent who is set to take the Bhangra industry by storm. Birmingham born Jaz has music practically running through his veins - his father was part of a successful Midlands Bhangra band in the 80’s, and Jaz is following in his fathers footsteps. His unique sound is a mixture of authentic eastern and modern western musical flavours, which has brought him recognition as ‘Best Newcomer’ at the Asian Music Awards earlier this year
Jazzy B
Hailing from Canada, this transatlantic superstar was among the first to incorporate hip-hop into the traditional Punjabi beat. His hit ‘Romeo’ introduced hip-hop imagery into his videos and subsequent stage performance, and he rapidly became one of the best selling bhangra artists in the world. This will be his fourth appearance at Bradford Mela
Jaswinder Daghamia & Gupsy
Gupsy Aujla is fast becoming one of the most sought after and renowned producers on the Bhangra scene. He is a talented dhol, tabla and keyboard player and ingeniously uses his creative and innovative style to fuse sounds and cross cultural boundaries. Gupsy’s debut album introduced Jaswinder Daghamia, a new, talented singer with a seductive soulful voice. He has been perfecting classical and dhadi styles of singing, and is undoubtedly a star in the making.
Jus 1 Jam & BVGS (Sunday Guava 4.30pm)
Jus1Jam, from Bradford, has been writing poetry since her early schooldays. Fascinated by the media’s influence on our perception of the world, Jus1Jam aspired not only to write about her observations but to be involved behind the scenes in event organizing. She has a passion for helping and promoting others who are talented. This has so far resulted in working with talented students at Belle Vue Girls.
Kevin Kitchen
From the smallest club in the UK, to Madison Square Gardens, this guitarist and vocalist has worked with musicians such as The Chi-Lites, and entered the Top 40 in the 80’s. He has composed many TV game show music such as The Price is Right as well as many other shows in Europe and US. His vocal style encompasses American soul and R&B, with a jazzy Flamenco-style accoustic guitar. Kevin will be performing Mela on Sunday on the Guava stage.
Kwame D
Kwame D perform a rich variety of soulful material, infectious stylings of Reggae, R&B and World Music. They are Kwame Yempew (originally from Ghana) on guitar and vocals and a selection of world-class musicians. They never fail to get an audience moving with their energetic rhythms. Kwame D perform on the Guava stage on Sunday.
Laiba Ali (Saturday Guava 5.45pm)
Pakistani playback singer presenting songs from Lollywood.
Melody Arts (Sunday Mango 3.00pm)
Singing group with two male singers, a female singer and a dancer. The perform ghazals and popular songs from Bolywood, including the songs of Rafi, Mukesh, Lata, and newer songs by Kumar Sanu and sonu Nigham.
Metz & Trix
Manchester born and bred, Metz & Trix are already established artists within the Asian Music Scene. Their music incorporates influential MC lyrics in English, RnB, Urban hiphop, UK Garage and Drum and Bass, which is then uniquely blended with traditional Bhangra to create an uplifting style.
Mighty Zulu Nation
The Mighty Zulu Nation is a cast of dancers and singers from the South Africa who have toured relentlessly, showcasing the dynamic traditional Zulu culture. The amazing voices, with their brilliant harmonies have delighted audiences throughout the world. The powerful, traditional splendour of dance sequences, accompanied by 'pulsating' Zulu drums, guarantees to hold any audience spellbound.
Mumzy
Mumzy Stranger, hailed by the Asian media as the ‘Bengali answer to Sean Paul’ was and bred in Plaistow. His vocals alternate between sweet, soulful RnB and Mcing and rapping. Discovered by Rishi Rich Mumzy’s collaborations with some of the biggest names in the Asian music industry have already created a storm. Artists include; Jassi Sidhu, Taz from Stereo Nation and Mumbai based Bollywood singer/actor Sophia. Produced by Rishi Rich and co-written by Veronica, his new album will arguably set a new benchmark for the industry as a whole.
Nachda Punjab
Originally established in the 80's, Nachdha Panjab performed thoughtout the north of England at a range of events such as carnivals, melas and weddings. Nachdha Panjab has since been revived in late 2008 by a young, creative and energetic team that all share a passion for traditional Bhangra dancing. Taking some of the original dance moves and choreography from the old routine and incorporating it into an electrifying and explosive new routine. The performance consists of a traditional northern Indian form of bhangra dancing with a new age uk form of bhangra dancing.
Nachda Sansaar
Nachda Sansaar are a group of Punjabi Folk Dancers based in Birmingham (U.K.). Since 1984 they have excelled themselves and spearheaded a campaign to keep the art of traditional Bhangra dancing alive. They choreograph a contemporary routine using traditional Bhangra moves, with a western flavour. ‘Bhangra Freestyle’ was born and the youth of yesteryear were spellbound by the combination of traditional costumes, modern music and fusion dance. The group named themselves Nachda Sansaar. Literally translated this means ‘Dancing World’. They performed various Freestyle routines over the following years at many community and charity events.
Paula Ryan
Paula is a celtic singer songwriter, who has has developed her own unique punchy style which transcends established musical boundaries, combining contemporary rock/pop with rhythms, sounds and instruments from other cultures, while not forgetting the lyricism and the "craic" of her Irish, Gaelic musical roots.
RDB
Short for Rhythm, Dhol and Bass, the three brothers from Bradford who produce, perform and DJ a blend of garage and r&b, with bhangra and Bollywood music, make a welcome return to Bradford Mela. They are recognised in the mainstream for their collaboration with American rapper Snoop Dog on the soundtrack to the movie ‘Singh is Kinng’, and their broadcasts on BBC Radio One and Galaxy radio. They were the only British group to perform when the pretigious IIFA awards come to the UK.
Sarah Smout
Since picking up a cello at a young age, Sarah hasn’t been able to put her cello down. Classically trained, but with roots in folk music, she has grown up with the folk clubs and festivals, and is always been keen to seek out folk cello where she possibly can. She is inspired by the great classical performers such as Jaqueline Dupre, but also the likes of Nick Drake, Kate Rusby and Damien Rice, creating an emotive, versatile, and experimental sound.
Shaheen Khan & Strings of Kashmir
Shaheen is a highly trained vocalist with a sweet melodious voice, who has accompanied likes of Ghulam Ali, Rahat Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Shin of DCS, is joined by Alok Verma muli-talented percussionist and Amer Khokhar instrumentalist and composer from Lahore, Pakistan. They are visiting Bradford for the first time to share a blend of Punjabi songs, Devotional Sufi Music and Romantic Ghazals suitable for all the family. Two of Yorkshires Regions most virtuosic musicians Ustad Harjinderpal Singh on Santoor and Sri Kousic Sen on tabla come together as Strings of Kashmir to magically sweep audiences back to the beautiful hills of Kashmir and let you imagination paint a picture inspired by spell-binding music.
Shree Vasuki Sanskutik Group Thangadh
Formed in 1985, the Vasuki Cultural Group aim to preserve the culture of the ancient, colourful land of Pachal, famous in mythology as the birth place of Draupadi. They perform traditional folk dances, Ras and Garba, and embody their motto ‘Dance and the world dances with you’. Famous both in India and abroad they have toured Russia, Turkey, Jordan, Cyprus and Greece amongst other countries. Especially brought to the UK for the 21st Anniversary of British Melas by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, their performances are sure to be one of the highlights of this year’s event.
Sur Sangeet
Singing popular songs from Bollywood and Hindi Films, this enchanting group also feature a dancer. They will be performing on the Mango Stage on Saturday.
TKM (Saturday Sunrise 4.45pm)
Total Knockout Music (TKM) from Bradford feature talented singer T Sher, who sings in English, Urdu, Punjabi and also Qawwali songs of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
UK SHOX (Saturday Sunrise 5.00pm)
UK Shox first hit the scene 2 years ago. Immi draws on various influences in his unique style of music due to his Arabic background. Joined by Thrilla, who adds the edge, bringing a distinctive rapping and hip hop style. This is only the beginning for the duo, who are set to take over the music scene and push the boundaries with their exclusive style.
Veronica
Veronica is a talented and successful singer, performer and songwriter, and one of the UK's finest Asian female artists. Famously working with top music producer, Rishi Rich, her debut album rocketed to the top of the BBC Asian Network Album Chart, making her the first ever Asian female to hit the number one spot. She sang on the Bollywood smash hit 'Hum Tum', and the soundtrack has sold over 18 million copies worldwide. Veronica has also written Top 10 chart success for mainstream artists including; Misteeq's 'Roll On' and Jay Sean's 'Stolen'. Having toured all around the world in over six continents, Veronica is back to take the industry by storm.
Waris Punjab De
UK based bhangra dancers perform lively, energetic and colourful folk dances to the unmistakable rhythmic beats of the dhol drum. See them perform on the Mango Stage on Sunday afternoon.
Young Archie Assignment (Saturday Sunrise 5.15pm)
Young Archie Assignment is an eclectic collaboration, led by Young Archie, who presents his unique take on music through a mixture of prodigious beats and uplifting melodies, with traces of R’n’B and Bollywood spice. Nia delivers a smooth American sound to with her distinct RnB voice, whereas Maya brings in a more soothing Asian influence, possessing the ability to sing in a number of languages including Punjabi and Hindi. Nock is a talented rapper and delivers lyrics with style and ease
