top of page

LEGACY: VIP Channi Singh, OBE (Alaap), The Godfather of Bhangra, and his daughter, VIP Mona Singh, The Princess of Bhangra, to grace the exclusive screening of #CSH in Hayes, London @the Beck Theatre on 19th April 2025 at 7:30pm.

Cama Sood Hara (Trailer below), is making waves both locally and globally, thus, it is only apt for Filmmaker and Barrister Haresh Sood and his team to invite the international Royalty of Bhangra, Channi Singh OBE(Alaap)- The Godfather of Bhangra and Mona Singh, The Princess of Bhangra.

Channi Singh and Haresh Sood, come together again after 25 years since they last worked together with Sushmita Sen for creating cancer awareness.
The Godfather of Bhangra, even got Miss Universe, Sushmita Sen dancing to his tunes, see below.

Channi Singh OBE has been throned the Godfather of Bhangra, for transforming the British Bhangra scene, through his band Alaap, which was formed in 1977.   Hailing from Salar village, Malerkotla, Punjab, Channi was not only academically brilliant, but musically talented, receiving many National accolades for singing, and Bhangra dancing. Channi, honed his vocals under the tutelage of, classical maestro Professor Baldev Narang, laying the foundation for what would become a game-changing career.

Arriving in the UK, in 1976 and realising the lack of connection of the youths to their cultural roots, Channi was determined to bridge this gap. By 1977, he had formed Alaap, thus revolutionising the face of Modern Bhangra by combining modern and traditional instrumentation in the music he produced. This new revolution propelled Alaap to international fame, and thus bridging the gap between tradition and modernity and allowing the community to remain connected to its cultural roots.

Alaap, under the guidance of Channi Singh, broke barriers and performed with international artists on the big stage. From Wembley Arena, to Madison Square Garden, Alaap has performed with bands like UB40 and The Pogues and musicians like Robert Palmer. They made history as the first Bhangra band to perform at such a large-scale western concert. Their performances for the World Peace Keeping Forces in Bosnia, Commonwealth delegates in Trinidad & Tobago, and at Peter Gabriel’s WOMAD festivals further showcased their growing popularity and solidified their international presence. Channi’s song “Chunni Ud Ud Jae” was also part of WOMAD’s Talking Book Series.

Channi’s illustrious career features evergreen hits, genre-defining albums, and trailblazing collaborations with iconic artists such as Asha Bhosle and Anuradha Paudwal—a first for any Bhangra artist. He was also the first British Bhangra artist to compose and direct music for major Bollywood films, including Yalgaar, Shaktiman, and Janasheen.

Over the years, Channi and Alaap have received countless awards for their contributions to music, including triple gold and platinum discs for exceptional album sales. They were also recognised in Guinness World Records as “the most successful and longest-running Bhangra band.”

In 2012, Channi Singh became the first Punjabi music artist to be appointed an OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) by Her Majesty The Queen for his services to music, charity, and community work. In that same year, he was invited by former PM David Cameron, to perform at 10 Downing Street, with his brilliant and equally talented daughter Mona Singh.

 

​

Beyond music, Channi has dedicated over thirty years to community service, running a Community Centre in Hounslow, West London, supporting the elderly, people with disabilities, and those living with long-term health conditions.

​

With a career spanning nearly five decades, Channi Singh OBE has been instrumental in shaping the Bhangra music scene, bringing it to international audiences, and paving the way for many other artists to follow. His contributions have left a lasting legacy in the music industry, cementing his status as a true Bhangra legend. To learn more about him click here.

Mona Singh, popularly known as The Princess of Bhangra, one of the UK's most respected and versatile female singers. Born into the musical legacy of her father, Channi Singh OBE. With such a strong musical foundation, it was only natural that she would follow in her father’s footsteps and carve out her own path in the industry.

Mona's love for music blossomed at the tender age of three, and by the time she was six, she made her first public performance on stage with Alaap, performing Salma Agha’s heartfelt ballad "Dil Ke Armaan.” Inspired by icons like Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, and Noor Jehan, Mona would often serenade audiences with renditions of their timeless classics. Over the years, Mona became a regular performer with Alaap, appearing at numerous shows.

Mona’s official debut in the world of Punjabi Music wasn’t until the year 2000, with the release of her album, The Beginning – Akhiyan Vich Yaar Vasda. She became the first UK-based Punjabi artist to gain international recognition with this release and broke new ground by being the first newcomer to take on a prominent role in a music video shot in Mumbai for the title track, "Ve Mundeya." This album firmly cemented Mona’s status as the Princess of Punjabi Pop, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

Mona has gone on to release two other albums, “The Second Chapter – Kankaan De Ohle” and “Stronger”, co-composed and co-produced with her esteemed father.  In a similar fashion to her first debut album, Mona received an outpour of praise and accolades globally. Her album “Stronger” featured 10 tracks, four of which inspired exceptional music videos, each shot in diverse locations—from the timeless sand dunes of Jaisalmer to the bustling old bazaar of Dubai. 

In the span of her career over the last 25 years, Mona has received many awards. Her first award as Best Female Debutante in Delhi, India was conferred to her by the legendry and household names of Indian music from Jagjit Singh to Maitali Singh. She has gone on to receive multiple Best Female Singer/Artist awards and performed at prestigious venues worldwide, including 10 Downing Street with her father at the invitation of former Prime Minister David Cameron and for Commonwealth delegates in Trinidad & Tobago, invited by the British Council.

Further enriching her repertoire, the Crown Princess of UK Bhangra, embarked on collaborative ventures, including her notable duet with the late Bollywood singer Labh Janjua, "Saadi Marzi.” Additionally, her chart topping single "Koka Silver Da", a collaboration with renowned Bollywood songwriter Kumaar and Punjabi Music Director Jatinder Shah, underscores her enduring appeal in the music world.

More recently, Mona joined forces once again with her father to co-compose and co-produce his latest Bhangra singles and is currently working on her own forthcoming releases. Beyond music, Mona is actively involved in charity work, supporting her family’s foundation to help the disadvantaged communities in Punjab.

It is with great honour and pleasure that Haresh and his team welcome this Legendary Royalty of Modern Bhangra to grace the VIP screening of #CSH at Beck Theatre, Hayes, London on 19 April 2025.

To learn more about Mona Singh click here; 

While Channi and Mona Singh are creating legacies, the film leaves audiences contemplating the legacies they leave behind.

To attend the VIP Exclusive Screening and meet Pancho the star of the show, buy tickets here;

Satya Yadav
Press Officer & Writer.

Follow us on our social media platforms 
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • Vimeo
  • TikTok
bottom of page