Bee2 trying to make big with bhangra in India

Jallandhar, Feb 4, 2005

The second generation NRI Punjabis may not have felt the essence of Punjab, but being close to their roots helped them popularising traditional Punjabi music.

Bee2 is the name of one of Britain's most innovative bhangra musicians who has enthralled the audiences in many parts of the world. His first ever visit to the land of his ancestors gave him a nostalgic urge of performing genuine Punjabi folk melodies.

Born and brought up in the UK, Bee2 has music in his blood. His father's family was deeply involved in music and his uncles were well-known singers of Punjabi folk songs.

He began singing at an exceptionally early age, and by 14, he was touring the world. A talented thumri virtuoso, his songs are a fusion of traditional Punjabi folk, jazz, soul, hip-hop and classical.

Like many Punjabi NRI singers visiting India, the world's largest and growing Punjabi music market, Bee2 aims to hit the charts here.

"In India, Punjabi singers actually understand what my lyrics are. But when you performed around the other side as if you go to Canada or UK, people listen to the music more than listen to the lyrics. I got very good response with the couple of shows I did in India", says Bee2.

He is no stranger to music. After the success of his two videos in Britain, `Recorded Delivery' and `Its all a game', Bee2 has made the latest venture `Bee2 - Jatta get ready' as a testament to his folk roots.

Few videos are shot in Punjab to convey the real flavour of Punjabi and its rituals, reflecting the vibrancy of the state. `Mela', the folktrack from his album `Its all a game', takes one back to the golden days of Punjab, a learning of the state's traditions for the younger generation.

Bee2 is among the few Punjabi singers who shot his music videos as dictated by its lyrics.

"I think artists from the UK, when come to India they want to take back a video that looks like shot in India, so they want to see greenery, the fields, tractors and bhangra dances, which we can't get in England. I have noticed that the artists over here in India, they want to portray themselves as they are from the UK, so they want to show the western type of dances with half naked girls. They want to show that they are from outside and what we are trying to do is to show our roots," he said.

Although Bee2 has performed in many countries like US, Canada, Brazil and even in different countries of Europe, he is of the firm belief that hard work and a little bit of luck will help him face the competition in India.

"I came here already aware, that a number of renowned singers rule in the market, and it would be difficult to make myself standout. But I think that luck goes with you. There are challenges in every profession, but if you work hard, people will definitely applaud your work," said he.

With a degree in Music Technology, Bee2 runs his own studio in Britain called `The Sound Pipe'. With entering into the Indian market, Bee2 has a plan to open up a studio in Jallandhar in Punjab. He wants to hunt young talent from Punjab.

A good lyricist and a musician, there are few such youngsters of the second and third generation Punjabis settled abroad, who have made Punjab proud. (ANI)

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