UK Bhangra Pioneer since 1964 - Singh Balbir

The journey to the UK was a similar story for many Asians, especially for my father who came in the 1950s. The partition of India and Pakistan caused the largest migration in human history of some 10 million, where over 1 million died in the local conflicts and millions more were displaced. My parents describe their struggles and hardship as they migrated over to the India side.

As Britain was rebuilding after the world war, there was a demand in the UK for labour in the coal mines, factories and steel works; the commonwealth countries had an opportunity to apply and help rebuild the country. This is where my story begins and how I continued my passion for music in the UK from 1964 - to date (2022).

My main focus for the past 55 years has been around folk music, writing and singing songs on the current environment, describing my surroundings, experiences in the communities, my beliefs, religion and history of our ancestors. However, I have sung and written all genres of music from classical, Hindi, Bollywood, Urdu Ghazals, Qawalis, Religious songs and Bhangra.

Singing and performing for over 55 years in the UK hasn't been easy but I have kept my discipline, respected my peers, the musicians and respected my history. I hope the newer generations continue to build on the Panjabi music, respecting our traditions, our history and our unique foundations.