Q&A: Punjabi music star Malkit Singh

Malkit Singh has long been hailed the first artist to bring Punjabi music to the UK. His first album Nach Giddhe Vich was a massive hit. The songs Tootak tootak tootiya, Gur nal isnq mitha and Jind Mahi remain in the top ten greatest Punjabi songs of all-time. His 25-year music career includes 21 albums and tours in over 40 countries.

He is headlining the "02 Your Country" gig at IndigO2, London on March 27. He talks to us about music, tradition, signature style and showcasing India to the world.

How was the UK music scene when you entered the scene?

Bhangra music had just started. There were small groups who performed but there was no large-scale recording. It wasn't international as it now

What were the intial difficulties you faced in UK?

My music is very traditional with instruments like thumba, sarangi and others which are very Indian. It was very difficult to find people who play them in UK. We found it very difficult to record. However my first album was an instant hit. Then there weren't any issues.

Is there any song you found difficult to sing?

All of them now. I'm insistent on every song and the music being fresh. I don't want to repeat myself. After recording 21 albums, that becomes difficult. I listen to my compositions repeatedly and only then use them.

Where does your inspiration come from?

I observe people's reactions during live shows. They dance along and ask for certain songs more. I gauge their behaviour and analyse what they want and hence create my music. The audience demand is always the main factor.

Do you have a favourite destination to tour?

I have performed in 42 countries until now. India and Pakistan definitely have a large fan family. But there are fans in many countries which don't even speak English. Both in Spain and Italy, they love Bhangra. I feel wonderful and humbled by their love and appreciation. I get a kick when they sing along with me. As a tourist, I love Singapore. It a beautiful, small and clean country.

Do you like singing for Bollywood?

My songs like Tootak Tootak Tutiya and Gur Nal Isnq Mitha have been used in Bollywood movies like "Monsoon Wedding". In Hollywood it was in "Bend it like Beckham" with the song Jind Mahi, which is very traditional. I live here in UK hence it is difficult to commute. I have tours and my own albums to work on. However when this new album finishes, I will go there

How has the response been from the Western audience?

Mind-blowing. My music is very traditional. I don't use drums, bass etc. When I was in Paris the French asked me, what is your own music? What is Indian music? We are very lucky to have our own set of indigenous instruments. Others have to resort to the usual guitars and drums. We also are very good live performers. In Spain five years ago when I performed, I was the first man with the pagdi (Sikh turban) to do so. Many Spaniards had never seen a pagdi before. For the press conference a reporter actually asked me if the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and me were brothers. I was bemused and asked why does he think so. He replied the correlation was due to fact we both are Sikhs who wear pagdis. I still laugh over that memory.

So you made style statement with your pagdi.

I am the first Sardar in international music. Tootak tootak tutiya was the first song with a Sikh wearing the pagdi. It is a big honour for me to present Sikhism and the pagdi to the word. I am happy that many Punjabi singers are following my example. I also wear the traditional clothes. Earlier I was advised to wear suits because the crowds might prefer that. However my clothes have caught on and many now dress in our traditional attire.

How do you feel about receiving an MBE from the Queen?

It's a sign that our music is recognised. Receiving the MBE meant respect for me as well as India and its music. I am from a small Punjab town. Usually when Indians visit the UK, they always want to click pictures outside the Buckingham Palace with the horses and the guards. It's proof that you have arrived in London. For me, I always wanted to go inside the palace. Now, those same guards opened the gates for me. The Queen herself felicitated me saying she likes my music. It was a dream come true. There were many awards after that. Amongst Indians, when one member achieves something, the whole community celebrates. Hence the award becomes a lot greater. I am the first Asian artist to be receive an MBE for music. History will remember me as someone who paved the road for future such awardees

What do you think of the UK Bhangra scene today?

Today's artists use a lot more English than Punjabi. It really angers me. If we mix hip-hop and Bhangra there won't be any Bhangra left. You can't impress an English audience with English music. They want our own music. In "Bend it Like Beckham", they took a traditional meaningful Punjabi song. Artists from other countries represent their nations, why can't we do so? That is the challenge. I don't mind mixing, my own songs have been mixed and been massive hits. But they retain the lyrics and the beat. We should not forget our roots.

What next in the pipeline?

I really want to collaborate with major English artists. We work so hard on our music yet it remains within our people. I want to break that boundary by singing alongside English artists in my own language. Punjabi music is so influential and widespread yet it never makes it to into the music charts. Language is not a barrier, I have performed in non-English speaking nations. They understand the feeling behind it. Now after 20 years, this is my next target.

Do you look forward to the gig on Friday?

I am very excited as this is the first Punjabi show on such a massive scale. I am going to sing all my hits plus brand new numbers from my latest album for the first time. I can't wait to headline the event!