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 DJ Sheikh |
Kiss Records and their owner and MD, DJ Sheikh, have built up their own private empire from the heart of the UK in the suburbs of Oldham, to send their music and artists to a mass audience population. Kiss Records are one of the leading South Asian music labels in the UK and have released a wealth of musical and vocal talent since their musical debut in 1991. From the traditional and modernised styles of Hindi, Qwaali, Pop and Bhangra, Kiss Records have seen their products feature throughout the world music avenues and in turn have attracted a global audience and to establishing the label name world-wide. DJ Sheikh's own Hoye! Hoye! compilation album was followed by Bhangra compilations Dhol II Dhol, Big Boom 3, Bhangra Addicts and Dholaholics (the biggest selling compilation album of 1996). Kiss Records solo artists like Kebi, Arif Lohar, Madan Maddi, Bhinda Jatt and Canadian Bhangra star Jazzy B have all excelled since their debut releases. Add the likes of Ghugian da Jorra, Folk 'n' Funky, All Eyez On Me, BMW 2000, Soundz of the Des and this year's Stayin' Real to solo Bhangra list. Kiss Records solo artists like Kebi, Arif Lohar, Madan Maddi, Bhinda Jatt and Canadian Bhangra star Jazzy B have all excelled since their debut releases. Add the likes of Ghugian da Jorra, Folk 'n' Funky, All Eyez On Me, BMW 2000, Soundz of the Des and this year's Stayin' Real to solo Bhangra list. Kiss Records have been prominent in publishing their artists since 1991 while also having a prestigious number of groups and singers on their books. DJ Sheikh explains Kiss Records' prerogative; 'we have always done our business based on trust and commitment. People know the Kiss Records name stands for good music…and that's we always aim to deliver.' What is Bhangra? Bhangra is the traditional folk music and dance that originates from the celebrations of the harvest season in Punjab, a state in the north of India. It is widely regarded to be one of the oldest folk dances in the world and is believed to have been born around the 15th century. During the harvest, farmers would bring home the grain and celebrate the months of hard work by dancing to the Bhangra beat - the drum beats of the dhol - which is a heavy bass and high treble end double headed drum, worn around the neck and played with two curved sticks. The lilting and fast-tempo beats of the dhol, entwined with the singing of traditional folk songs have allowed Bhangra to travel through the centuries and transcend musical and language barriers. Now at the turn of this new century, Bhangra aims to take centre stage and introduce itself to a wider and fusion-friendly audience. From the legendary Bhangra artists of the past to the mighty influences of today, Bhangra fans which are around the world wait anxiously for the re-birth of the traditional folk music on foreign soils to a new musical congregation. Bhangra is now being influenced by a range of music styles including Reggae, Rap, Hip-Hop, R 'n' B, UK House and Pop music giving it diversity and a more universal appeal. This draws on the influences that the Indian communities in the UK, Canada and the USA have grown up with. Bhangra in the 21st century is now considered an essential and integral part of global musical culture. Enjoy the experience! |