LONDON – Bhangra and Punjabi folk music pioneer in England, Harcharanjit Singh Rupal, alias Channi Singh, has joined a select band of Punjabi settlers in the UK to be honoured with the highest civilian award, Order of British Empire (OBE). He was invited to Prime Minister David Cameron’s 10 Downing Street residence for Baisakhi celebrations.
He has become the first bhangra artist to be honoured with OBE. The Queen’s Birthday Honors List was released on Saturday midnight.
Channi, founder and the Alaap band, has been the ‘Godfather of bhangra’ for over 30 years now. He is responsible for getting the Punjabi folk music recognition all over the world.
Channi is actively involved in charity and community work, helping raise funds for cancer research, children from Third World countries, eye camps in India and care for the elderly.
Talking to the Tribune, Channi Singh said: “To be honoured by the Queen is a great honour. The fact that it is the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year makes it even more special. I am from a small village near Malerkotla. When I arrived in England in 1976, I did not expect to become a household name. As the Punjabi youth was in danger of getting alienated from the Punjabi culture, I decided to form Alaap. I have worked extremely hard and am humbly proud of my achievements.”
Channi may be visiting India next month to launch his video album.
