SB1 - Research Notes into Bhangra

"Bhaṅgṛā is a type of upbeat popular music 

associated with India and the diaspora of 

southeast Asia into the United States and 

Europe. It was invented in the Indian 

subcontinent."

"The roots of modern bhangra music date back to at least the mid 20th century in India. An early pop music and modern recording artist/group of this type of music in the UK was Bhujhangy Group, founded by brothers Balbir Singh Khanpur and Dalbir Singh Khanpur in Birmingham in 1967. Bhujhangy Group's first major hit was "Bhabiye Akh Larr Gayee" in the early 1970s, released on Birmingham's Oriental Star Agencies label. This was the first song to combine traditional Asian music with modern western instruments, which would be followed by further developments of this in bhangra."

Key Notes taken:

- Bhangra music is about migrating and finding eachother.
- Bhangra is a dance music genre
- Bhangra was created through British immigrant Punjabi's
- Birmingham in the 1960's
- Bhujhangy were the first Bhangra recording group in the UK
- Bhang translates to Hemp - which is used in traditional drinks for celebrations    in Indian
- Bhangra is the celebration of harvest, which was the developed into being used      for all types of celebrations like birthdays and weddings. 
- 30,000 cassettes sold a week, however not one song made it to the Top 40 UK Chart
- Alaap, an original band in Southall formed in 1977
- Channi Singh went on to win an OBE Award
- The Biggest Bhangra star was Malkit Singh aka 'The Golden Star'
- At the End of the 1990's Bhnagra largely declined

Traditional Instruments used in Bhangra:

- Ektar (Tumbi)
- Sarangi
- Chimpta
- Dhol
- Daf
- Dholak
- Dhad
- Tabla

After the migration of workers into Birmingham, the punjabi population rose. With the increase in population, there was a desire to link back to roots and celebrate heritage. Gurdwara's were built and Bhangra was formed. The younger generations in the community wanted to be able to listen to Bhangra, and thats where the 'Daylighters' events came in. 

Daylighters - was an event in which music events/gigs were secretly held in the afternoon. The music would be all bhangra. The event was held in the daytime, so the younger generations could attend the event, and not have any issues with breaking curfew. Conservative parents wouldn't allow their children to go to nightclubs, so this was their alternative. However this involved them having to scive school.

"Walked out with uniform on, 

jump on a bus, pay £10, 

have a rave and be home at 6pm"

The event took place on Wednesday afternoons, which was known to be a day which had free periods for the students.

The Demise of Daytimers: Community disquiet, elders realised tensions between religious groups and were unhappy with Sikh girls dancing with Pakistani Boys. A group of Sikh worshippers would stand outside of where the daytimers event would take place, and record those who entered the event. The film would then be played at the local Gurdwara so that their parents could see if their children were a part of the event and getting involved. This then caused the younger generation to stop attending the event, later causing the demise to 'Daytimers'. However through further research, it's now being celebrated as almost a 'throwback', events are now being held for those who used to go them in their younger years - celebrate making friends and possible partners through the event.