Birmingham’s role as the birthplace of British Bhangra music is being highlighted through a new collaboration with Birmingham City University (BCU). The university has partnered with South Asian popular culture experts to chart 40 years of Bhangra heritage, from its 1970s roots to current trends. The project is led by Mr Narinder Singh Winnie and Dr Rajinder Dudrah, Professor of Cultural Studies and the Creative Industries at BCU.
In an interview with Asian Voice, Dr Dudrah discusses the project, the history of Bhangra in Birmingham, and more.
Birmingham has long been recognised as the birthplace of British Bhangra music. In your opinion, what makes Birmingham such an integral part of Bhangra’s history in the UK?
Post-war Birmingham became a key relocation hub for migrants from the Indian subcontinent, particularly from the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. During the 1950s and 60s, as Birmingham thrived as an industrial hub, young men migrated for work opportunities, helping to rebuild post-war Britain. Many later brought their families, settling in Birmingham and surrounding areas. Along with them came cultural influences like Bhangra music and Bollywood films. Birmingham became a cultural centre, where the stories and music of Punjab merged with new experiences, fostering a vibrant Bhangra music industry that continues to thrive today.
Can you tell us more about this exciting new collaboration with Birmingham City University?
This project is a collaboration between myself and Mr Narinder Singh Winnie, a key figure in the development of Bhangra in Birmingham and the surrounding Black Country region. Narinder has played a significant role in teaching Bhangra dance and music and leading the renowned Mega Band from Wolverhampton. We are organising a series of workshops and a public symposium to explore and document the archives and personal stories of Bhangra pioneers. As many of these influential figures are now in their 60s and 70s, we aim to preserve their contributions through a multimedia website and archive. This effort will highlight their impact on the British Asian music scene and educate a new generation of music enthusiasts about the rich history of British Bhangra.
As someone leading this collaboration, what inspired you to take on this role, and what personal significance does this project hold for you?
As a teenager in the 80s, I was deeply immersed in Bhangra music, organising Bhangra discos and celebrating my British Punjabi heritage alongside British pop and Bollywood music. My passion for Bhangra extended into my academic career, where I focused on documenting and preserving our cultural stories and contributions.
Bhangra’s influence has grown globally, exemplified by artists like Diljit Dosanjh, who bridges traditional Punjabi music with international styles. The foundations laid by the British Bhangra scene in the 70s, 80s, and 90s have paved the way for today's global recognition of Punjabi music. This legacy continues to resonate with second and third-generation British Asians, as well as. Punjabi music’s infectious beats, rooted in traditional harvest festivals and celebrations, remain a central part of both cultural festivals and British popular culture. Whether at local events like the Lord Mayor’s Festival or major celebrations such as the Commonwealth Games, Bhangra is a vibrant representation of British Asian identity and a key element of multicultural Britain.
What is your long-term vision for the Birmingham City University and British Bhangra legacy collaboration, and how might it influence future cultural studies and music programmes in the UK?
We are optimistic about securing future research grants from the Funding Council, building on our successful track record in funding Bollywood and British Bhangra projects. My research, detailed on my university profile, has historically attracted funding and supported collaborative, community-based work. This ongoing project aims to enhance university curricula and provide resources for educators and students globally, particularly in popular music and cultural studies.
Our goal is to legitimise and explore these cultural forms, demonstrating their significance in shaping cultural identities and migration narratives. By creating accessible resources through our website, we hope to enrich both academic study and public understanding of the British Bhangra industry and its impact. As the project develops, it will offer new opportunities for collaboration and growth within the field.
