Bhangra originated from Punjab, the Indian prairees (half of
it's in Pakistan). It is a heavy percussion based high energy music and
dance form, and used to celebrate the harvesting season. The scenario was
somewhat rave-like with participants imbiding in liquor and "bhang" (a
milkshake containing good amounts of ganja leaves- not derived from
the word bhangra), dancing their asses
off, while arms are rythmically raised in the air, to the accompaniment of
a live band. This is traditional bhangra.
Modern bhangra, however, comes from the Indian quarters of British
cities like London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Canada. It's mixed with
either break- or techno beats, and could be quite funky. The
improvisations are similar to that done in jazz. Lots of rapping
and rhyming take place. Some artists, in this scene, are Jazzy B from
Canada, and Achanak (UK). There r dozens more, but I don't know much about
them.
Shiva Trippz
On Wed, 27 Nov 1996, KEVIN D. ENGLAND wrote:
>
> Yea.....this Bhangra stuff.......what is it like? I've read about it for
> years and can only imagine.......
>
> kingland -aka- junior duke
>
>