The word 'Jugni' took birth from the english word Jubilee.In 1906 the Jubilee flame was taken everywhere under the rule of Queen Victoria at her 50th anniversary on the throne. Read more: Who is Jugni - The History of Jugni http://www.unp.co.in/f16/who-is-jugni-the-history-of-jugni-25459/#ixzz19U79EFKU

Jugni is an age-old narrative device used in Punjabi folk music and sung at Punjabi weddings in Pakistan, India, US, Canada, Australia and UK. The word means 'Female Firefly', in folk music it stands in for the poet-writer who uses Jugni as an innocent observer to make incisive, often humorous, sometimes sad but always touching observations. In spiritual poetry Jugni means the spirit of life, or essence of life. The late Legendary Alam Lohar (Punab, Pakistan) and late Singer & Humorist Asa Singh Mastana (Punjab, India) are credited with popularizing this poetry from early sufi spiritual writings and then subsequently later on it was transformed by other singers as a female girl just like prefixes like Preeto.

Much of early Jugni writing is spiritual in nature and relates to one's understanding of the world and one's relationship with God. Many poet philosophers have used the Jugni device, which is in the public domain, to make social, political or philosophical, often mildly subversive, commentary. Jugni is cross religious and depending on the writer, invokes the name of God (often using the word "Saeen", the vernacular word for Lord), Ali or the Gurus. A kernel of truth is an essential and integral part of every Jugni composition.

The narrative style relies on Jugni landing up unexpectedly in diverse places and, wide-eyed, learning something new. Jugni makes her comments in three or four well wrought verses which may or may not rhyme but can always be sung in a rudimentary Punjabi folk style. The object could be a city, a state, a market place, a school, a religious place or a saloon, Jugni's non-malicious commentary catches the essence of the place and produces in the listener a chuckle and sometimes a lump in the throat. Alam Lohar is the writer or introducer of this term from reading Baba Bulleh Shahs writing, in a spiritual sufi theme.

The Indian artist to make a mark was Asa Singh Mastana. More recently, Kuldeep Manak, born Latif Mohammad, has made notable Jugni contributions. Apart from that every other pop or folk singer from Harbhajan Mann, Arif Lohar, Gurdass Mann, Gurmeet Bawa to Rabbi Shergill has had his Jugni moment. Bollywood movie Oye Lucky, Lucky Oye has at least three songs that use the word Jugni. The song was sung by Des Raj Lachkani(basically a dadi singer ), Lachkani is a village near Patiala /India.

In Pakistan, Jugni was popularized by the late folk music singer Alam Lohar. He received a gold disc LP for his Jugni in 1965. After that Saleem Javed and Arif Lohar, Alam Lohar's son, among others, have kept the tradition alive. Arif has brought in a more contemporary touch by incorporating modern vibes and rock influence in his versions of Jugni with Mukhtar Sahota (notably in his album "21st century Jugni"). In popular Pakistani culture Alamgir's Jugni is often the most-commonly recognized, which, in the mid-80's, encouraged young college students, most notably Saad Zahur, an architecture student at Lahore's NCA, who popularized the song with their own renditions. Arif Lohar has currently sang it for Coke Studio in Pakistan along with Mesha Shafi, a popular Pakistani youth, a version that will help this iconic song to further live on and on. This version of Jugni has crossed three million views and is most popular Punjabi video on YouTube.

History

The popularity of Jugni has always touched the hearts of Panjabi mentality. She became a permanent part in the Panjabi folklore right since the ancient times. But who is Jugni? Nobody ever tried to find the veracity and because of its simple Jugni-stanzas and simple versification, academic scholars never cared. Alam Lohar is known to have created this term while playing with his poetry from Baba Bullah Shah's writing, and gave a spirtual meaning to this theme as seen in his songs.

Contemporary style

Today Alam Lohar and then his son Arif Lohar are credited with the revival of this unique genre of Punjabi music , which had a short span from 1906 to 1950’s . Alam sang the first Jugni on PTV(Pakistan Television) and then in a Film, making a remarkable comeback for this special genre of music. Then it was Saleem Javed , who re-revolutioned it when he sang the Techno version since then it has not looked back.

This is the latest reincarnation of Jugni by Arif Lohar and Meesha Shafi. This came out in June 2010 . Lately , it is Rabbi Shergil of the “Bhulla Ki jaana main kaun” fame who again sang a beautiful Jugni and its Rabbi’s Jugni which shows the revolutionary and political color of Jugni , he sang that with reference to Kashmir .

Point to ponder

Baba Bulleh Shah was one of the sufi poet who used the device of jugni. Baba Bulleh shah's period was 1680-1757 according to: Bulleh Shah

References

Category:Folk songs Category:Indian music Category:Pakistani music Category:Punjabi words and phrases Category:Punjabi music

Landscape	no
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Mohammad Saleem
Born	Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan
Instrument	Vocals, guitar, beatbox, piano, drums
Genre	Pop, rock
Occupation	Singer, songwriter, record producer, composer, dancer, choreographer, actor
Years active	1980's–Present
Label	Sound Master, ARY Musik
Url	officail website

Mohammad Saleem (Urdu محمد سلیم) better known as Saleem Javed is a Pakistani pop singer born in Hyderabad Pakistan. He emerged to fame in the 1980s, though, he was already known in some quarters before that, as a semi-classical singer due to his work in the classical industry. Saleem Javed practically started the trend of Re-Mixing old songs with new instrumentation and improvisation 23 years ago. He did the first ever re-mix in Pakistan in his first album Listen to My Voice launched in 1985 and the song was " Janam Aii Janam by Legendary Madom Noor Jehan ".

References

External links

Official site

Category:Pakistani pop singers Category:Living people

Name	Mika Singh
Background	solo_singer
Genre	Punjabi, and Hindi
Label	T-Series
Url	www.mikasingh.in

Mika, born as Amrik Singh on June 10, 1977, in Durgapur, West Bengal is a bhangra / rap Indian singer. He is considered to be highly acclaimed Punjabi singer. He has also done songs for many Bollywood films, some of which include Singh Is Kinng and Jab We Met. Although, his range as a playback singer is limited, but commercially he is successful due to hit songs. The latest being Aapka kya hoga from the film Housefull. He has also participated in reality show called iss jungle se mujhe bachao and Music Ka Maha Muqabala. He is also in media due to various controversies.

Family background

His father Ajmer Singh Chandan is a trained classical musician of the old school. His mother Balbir Kaur was also aware of folk music. He is the youngest brother of the six Mehndi brothers, of whom famous Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi is the oldest.

Career

Mika is a Team Captain, judge, and mentor for STAR Plus's Music Ka Maha Muqqabla for the team Mika's Blasters. He has completed the film Mitti and composed its music.

Live concerts

Mika is also known for his large audiences at shows, once even as large as 90,000 people. ! Year ! Status ! Comments |- |Lamhaa |2010 |16 July 2010 |Saajna |2010 |Released |- |Love.Com |2010 |Under Production | Music Director,actor,singer |- |Mr. Bhatti On Chutti |2010 |Under Production |- |Once Upon a Time in Mumbai |2010 |Released |- |Housefull |2010 |Released |- |Krantiveer - The Revolution |2010 |Under Production |- |Ek Aadat |2010 |Under Production |- |Toh Baat Pakki |2010 |Released |- |Adhurs (Tollywood) |2010 |Released |- |De Dana Dan |2009 |Released |- |Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani |2009 |Released |- |Dil Bole Hadippa! |2009 |Released |- |Quick Gun Murugun |2009 |Released |- |Life Partner |2009 |Released |- |Jai Veeru |2009 |Released |- |Jugaad |2009 |Released |- |Bad Luck Govind |2009 |Released |- |Wafaa |2008 |Released |- |Dil Kabaddi |2008 |Released |- |Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! |2008 |Released |- |C Kkompany |2008 |Released |- |My Friend Ganesha 2 |2008 |Released |- |Singh Is Kinng |2008 |Released |- |Ugly Aur Pagli |2008 |Released |- |Mission Istaanbul |2008 |Released |+ Lyricist,Music Director, |- |Woodstock Villa |2008 |Released |- |Mr. White Mr. Black |2008 |Released |- |Dus Kahaniyaan |2007 |Released |- |Jab We Met |2007 |Released |- |Dhol |2007 |Released |- |Shootout At Lokhandwala |2007 |Released |+ Music Director |- |Nehlle Pe Dehlla |2007 |Released |- |Apna Sapna Money Money |2006 |Released |- |Pyaar Ke Side Effects |2006 |Released |- |Tom Dick Harry Rock Again |2010 | Under Production |Actor |- |Cabaret |2010 |Under Production |Actor |- |My Friend Ganesha 2 |2008 |Released | Actor |}

Media Controversy

Singh gained much media attention for his somewhat forcible kiss with Rakhi Sawant in June 2006 during his birthday party. Shortly thereafter, a man who had accompanied Sawant to the party was allegedly beaten when he protested to what had happened. Afterward, Rakhi Sawant filed a molestation suit against Mika. She also approached the National Commission for Women (NCW) with a complaint of sexual assault against Mika. He came to the USA in 2010 and in Chicago in April.

References

Filmography on bollywood hungama

External links

Mika's Mitti-First Look

Category:1977 births Category:Living people Category:I'm a Celebrity…Get Me out of Here! contestants Category:Indian Sikhs Category:Indian singers Category:Performers of Sikh music

Name	Kuldeep Manak
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Latif Mohammed
Born	November 15, 1949
Origin	Jalal (Bathinda), India
Occupation	Singer
Years active	1968–present

Kuldeep Manak (Punjabi:ਕੁਲਦੀਪ ਮਾਨਕ) is the name of Latif Mohammed (born 15 November 1949). He is a Punjabi singer who is known for singing a genre of traditional Punjabi songs called kaliyan.

Early Life

Kuldeep Manak was born in the village of Jalal in the Bathinda district. His father, Nikka Khan, was a singer himself. Manak has two brothers: Siddqui, a devotional singer, and Rafiq, a tantric, who also hit the headlines for a while. Kuldeep Manak's ancestors were the hazoori raagis (designated cantors) of Kirtan for Maharaja Hira Singh of Nabha (Nabha). He studied under Ustad Kushi Mohammad Qawwal of Ferozepur. He started singing with the duo Harcharan Grewal and Seema. When they came to Delhi, a music company official spotted Manak and asked him to record the song Jija Akhian Na Maar Vemain Kal Di Kuri (written by Babu Singh Maan Mararawale) with Seema. His first record features this song along with Laung Karaa Mitran, Machli Paunge Maape (written by Gurdev Singh Mann). This record was a runaway success.

He started an office at Bhatinda along with writer Dilip Singh Sidhu, but did not stay there for long and returned to Ludhiana. The writer Hardev Dilgir (also known as Dev Thrikewala) spotted Manak at one of his live performances and penned Lok Gathava (English: Old Stories) for him.

His first album, Teri Khatir Heere, was released by HMV. In 1976 his first LP was released called Ek tara. It included the songs Tere Tilley Ton, Chheti Kar Sarwan Bachaa and Ghar Mughlan Deeyan Naara. Further albums included Saahibaan Da Tarla (1978), Ichharan Dhaahaan Mardee and Saahibaan Bani Bhraawaan Dee (1978). Many singers in Punjab take care in what they eat, be it hot, cold or pickle, Manak keeps an attitude of eat what you get and eats any type of pickle. Manak also tried to run as a member of parliament in Punjab and did not win.

The self proclaimed Crown Prince of Bhangra, Jazzy B said in the track "Jadu (Rambo)": "Mein Manak Da Chela, Das Toon Aal Dawaale Nu, Meri Umar Vi Lagjey Jandu Littranwale Nu". "I am Manak's disciple (he is my Ustaad/Guru/Teacher), tell everyone and everything I hope that Jandu Littranwala (Lyricist) lives with my age added onto his (Paying homage)."

Jazzy B is a huge fan of Kuldeep Manak as are many other Punjabi artists, fans and admirers. Gurdas Mann paid tribute to Kuldeep Manak in his song "Pind Diyan Galiyan" with line "Manak hadd muka gaya naviyaan kaliyaan di.." roughly translated to "Kuldeep Manak broke all limits of traditional Punjabi kali."

See Also

Surinder Kaur

Didar Sandhu

Asa Singh Mastana

List of Punjabi singers

References

External links

Kuldeep Manak video Interview DESIblitz.com

Kuldeep Manak Interview

Lyrics of Kuldeep Manak in Punjabi with English explanations.

Category:1951 births Category:Indian male singers Category:People from Bathinda Category:Performers of Sikh music Category:Punjabi people Category:Living people Category:Indian Sikhs Category:Indian former Muslims

Bikram Singh is an American bhangra music artist.

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Biography

Early years: Singh emigrated from Punjab, India, to Queens, New York when he was twelve years old. He quickly entered the local music scene, debuting his tracks at an open mic night in Greenwich Village. Singh began exploring the boundaries between Punjabi folk lyricism and Asian Underground electronica, and he teamed up with New York's DJ Navdeep to record the underground hit "Aa Gayee". Singh performed with Panjabi MC at Summerjam 2003, when he sang "Beware of the Boys" for a crowd of over 20,000. Since then, Singh has toured all over Europe, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

The 2004 mix-tape Exclusives included a collaboration with Global Soul recording artist Shakti to produce "Do the Thang Thang," which played on New York radio stations Hot 97 and Power 105. Also on the album were the Tigerstyle-produced hits "Taakre" and "Nachna".

Singh's latest album, American Jugni, has spent several weeks on the top of the BBC Asian Bhangra charts. Singh brought in two major Bhangra producers, Tigerstyle and Ravi Bal, to work on the album. In the year 2005, American Jugni was the best selling album in the UK and the track "Kawan", which featured vocal talents of Gunjan (a well established female Hindi/punjsbi singer)was named by BBC radio as the track of the year.

In 2007, Singh linked up with producer and hip hop extraordinaire Wyclef to create a track on DJ Rekha’s (Basement Bhangra) upcoming Koch Records release. Rekha had actually asked Bikram a while back to do a track for the album and the vocals sat there over the years and nothing materialized for a while. But with the album release finalized, Rekha rekindled the record this year and asked him to re-do the vocals on the track in collaboration with Wyclef. And well, the rest is history! The ‘Basement Bhangra Anthem’ was finally born!

Bikram Singh and the Band:

Bikram Singh and the band consist of a drummer, tabla player, dholki player, dhol player, a bass guitarist, and a keyboardist. Bikram Singh has been performing with a band for the past 7 years. These musicians are some of the best in the world, having played alongside award winning singers and producers including A.R. Rehman (India), Panjabi MC (UK), Tigerstyle (UK) and many more. It’s a power packed performance with Bikram Singh singing some of the most traditional folk cover songs along with his high energy original tracks from his recent albums.

Tour destinations:

Below are some of the cities and countries Bikram has taken his show to: United Kingdom:- London, Birmingham, Leicester, Leads..... Switzerland: Basel, Zurich. Norway: Oslo. Denmark: Copenhagen. German: Berlin, Cologne, Frankfurt. Thailand: Bangkok. Costa Rica: San Juan. Puerto Rico- San Jose. India: Bombay, Delhi, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Amritsar. Canada: Toronto, London, Edmonton. Singapore. In addition, Bikram Singh has performed numerous times in the United States in the following States: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Vermont, Michigan (Detroit, Lansing), Florida (Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale), Pennsylvania (State College, Philadelphia, Easton, Allentown) Massachusetts (Boston, MIT) Virginia, District of Columbia, West Virginia, Minnesota (Minneapolis), Indiana (West Lafayette, Indianapolis), Georgia (Atlanta), Illinois (Chicago), Ohio (Columbus), North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas (Houston, Dallas), Nevada (Las Vegas), Arizona, California (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, Yuba City, San Diego, Colusa) and more.

Bikram Singh Discography:

Title: Tip Top Artist: Bikram Singh Label: Vip Urban UK / Angel Records India Production: Tigerstyle Release Date: December 16, 2008

Tracks: 01 Naagni 02 Aashiqan De Dil 03 Ik Waari Aaja (ft Gunjan) 04 Gidhian Di Rani 05 Akhiyan’ch Tu Vasdi (ft Josh) 06 Tip Top Putt Jatt Da 07 Telephone 08 Solwa Saal 09 Mein Boli Punjabi 10 Dil Sanu De Mutiyare 11 Pehle Tor Di Sharaab 12 Ik Waari Aaja (Bandish Projekt“Come Back” Remix)

Title: American Jugni Artist: Bikram Singh Label: Vip Urban UK / Universal Music India Production: Tigerstyle Release Date: December 21, 2005

Tracks: 01 - American Jugni - Bikram Singh 02 - Kawan - Gunjan & Bikram Singh 03 - Akh Nagni - Bikram Singh 04 - Bhabi Munda Lambran Da - Bikram Singh 05 - Chaklo Gandasay - Bikram Singh 06 - Kei Katal Hongay - Bikram Singh 07 - Sada Dil - Bikram Singh 08 - Kushian De Dhol - Bikram Singh 09 - Luggian - Bikram Singh 10 - Chaklo Gandasay (Remix) - Bikram Singh

Title: Exclusives from Bikram Singh Artist: Bikram Singh Label: Anamika Records Production: Tigerstyle Release Date: January 3, 2003

Tracks: 1. Hauli hauli (pick) 2. Munday bhangra paunday 3. Gidday vich 4. Mein jana punjab 5. Taakre (bandook mix) (pick) 6. Do the thang thang (shakti feat bikram) 7. Gidday vich - lounge mix 8. Nachna 9. Taakre (original) (pick) 10. Insomnia (bikram feat. the1shanti) 11. Gabroo 12. Sajna 13. Girl from pakistan (pick) 14. Sassi (bonus track) 15. Thank you (bonus track) 16. Harsimran Sanghera - soyni kuriyeh (original)

References

www.bikramsingh.com www.punjabonline.com www.punjab2000.com www.desimusic.com

External links

Official Site

Official Myspace

Universal Music India profile

Category:Year of birth missing (living people) Category:American singers Category:Living people

Name	Arif Lohar
Background	solo_singer
Died
Origin	Pakistan
Instrument	Chimta
Genre	Punjabi Folk
Occupation	Vocalist, Musician
Label	Internalmusic UK
Url	http://www.internalmusic.co.uk
Notable instruments	Chimta

Arif Lohar (Punjabi, }}) (born 1966) is a Pakistani folk singer. He usually sings with native musical instrument resembling tongs (called a 'chimta'). His folk music is representative of traditional folk heritage of the Punjab. He is the son of folk singer Alam Lohar.

Early life

Born in a small village called Aach Goch in Gujrat District, Punjab, Pakistan , Lohar started singing to explore the folk singing of Punjab, and to keep the tradition of his father alive.

Career

In 2005, he was awarded Pride of Performance Award from Government of Pakistan-the highest civil award in Pakistan. Son of Alam Lohar (another icon of Punjabi music) he started his singing career at an early age. To-date he has more than 150 albums to his credit and has recorded more than 3000 mostly Punjabi language songs. He is without doubt the number one living Punjabi Folk Singer in Pakistan. Worldwide he is among the Top Five Punjabi Folk and Pop Singers. In 2006 he made headlines in the Punjabi music world by his super hit album '21st Century Jugni', music produced, arranged and mastered by Mukhtar Sahota in Wolverhampton, UK, and was released by Internalmusic UK. Recently in June 2010 COKE STUDIO released his album Jugni COKE STUDIO which became a smash hit in Pakistan and over the Punjabi music world. Arif Lohar has made more than 50 foreign tours around the world during the last 20 years including UK, USA and UAE. Further to this he is the only south asian artist to perform in North Korea as part of a international delegation of peace and goodwill, performing in front of the present president. In 2004 he performed in China for the opening of the Asian Games which had a crowd of close to 1 million in the open square, and was greatly appreciated by the local people: even though they do not understand: but feel his great performing style and great voice. Arif Lohar in the past has played lead roles in Punjabi movies also. He is going to perform at the Wembly Arena London September 2010 to help the flood victims of Pakistan to an expected crowd of 25000 plus. Currently his career is at the peak in the Punjabi music world. He appeared in Pakistani film Jugni Nach De Aye, singing and producing three songs for the soundtrack. In 2010 Arif Lohar participated in Coke-Studio(Pakistan live session programe by Rohail Hayat). In Coke-Studio season 3, Arif Lohar performed "Alif Allah Chambay Dey Booti/Jugni" with upcoming music star Meesha Shafi. The song became a massive hit in Pakistan and it is recognized as one of the greatest hits of Coke-Studio series.

Discography

See also

Music of Pakistan

List of Pakistani folk singers

References

External links

Arif Lohar & Meesha - Coke Studio

Arif Lohar Video Collection

Category:1966 births Category:Living people Category:Pakistani folk singers Category:Pakistani Muslims Category:Pakistani Sunni Muslims Category:People from Gujrat District Category:Recipients of the Pride of Performance award Category:Punjabi people Category:Punjabi-language singers