Dhol Beat International Strives to Bring Bhangra to the U.S.

DBIIf this determined group succeeds in their mission, Bhangra will soon have a new home besides Punjab and Birmingham. From legendary acts to the appreciation for the genre, Birmingham is one of the places that Bhangra can call home outside of Punjab. U.K. Bhangra groups have always worked hard to keep this genre alive. So with the popularity of Bhangra breaking onto dance floors all over the world, a question that is often asked is will Bhangra break into North America?  

We had international rapper Jay-Z  bring awareness to Bhangra music with his track, “Beware of the Boyz” and world renowned DJ Rekha continues to do so with her popular NYC based club night, "Basement Bhangra." However the genre has not blended into the mainstream like it has in the U.K. 

But there are several people who are determined to build the strength of Bhangra in the U.S. Dhol Beat International is one of them. This Houston-based music production group’s mission is to bring Bhangra to the U.S. Through their club nights, Facebook page "Bhangra Lovers Worldwide," which has 6000 fans, and albums they are producing, DBI hopes to bring Bhangra to the forefront of the U.S. music industry. 

Desi Hits! spoke to Dhol Beat International and this is what they told us about their vision of the genre: "Residing in the States we've always looked to the U.K. to see what direction the Bhangra industry is moving towards and the latest trends.  Currently the Bhangra scene in America consists of an extraordinary amount of undiscovered talent. From the Bhangra teams and dhol players, to vocalists and musicians that are not able to get the attention they deserve due to a lack of proper infrastructure and unity.  As the new president says "The time has come for change," DBI is leading a movement in original production that will help push Punjabi music in America to the forefront of the Bhangra industry."

Well the best of luck to them, and in the mean time check out a promo for their upcoming album "Absolut Bhangra Vol.4" and drop off your comments on the group and their music below.

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November 17, 2009 17.04 PST
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jamy

Promo sounds awesome! when its cumin out.....
November 17, 2009 12.43 PST
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zaynah

the us does need some bhangra! looking forward to this

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