Surj Sahota

Surj Sahota is the lead singer/song-writer and music producer of the band Sahotas whose work combines the Bhangra genre with Pop, House, Reggae and Rock, focusing on vocal styles and sounds. This transfusion occurred during the apex of Bhangra Music in the 1980s and 1990s when there was an abundance of Live British Asian Music across the United Kingdom; and when British Asian Music sought to be recognised by the mainstream music industry. The Sahotas were at the forefront of seeking this recognition, performing live on Cilla Black’s Surprise, Surprise, Blue Peter, 8:15 from Manchester and Eggs 'n' Baker. The Sahotas also joined Apache Indian on Carton TV's Soul Music and performed the soulful spiritual song "Urdaas" (Prayer).

The band were signed by Miles Copeland III's EMI Records, who at the time was Sting's Manager. The single "Out of Reach" and the album Right Time reached the UK Top 100, the first for a British Asian Artist. This was closely followed by a nationwide tour with top reggae band Aswad.

Sahotas toured and explored the world of music in Africa, India, Pakistan, the US, Canada, Europe with exhilarating live performances. Pushing all the dimensions of musical innovation and creativity of British Urban Bhangra music, bringing a new groove to dancefloors worldwide with the new sounds, meaningful lyrics, breath-taking melodies and vocals producing the distinctiveness of the Sahotas with hit songs like, "Sahota Show Te Jake", "Hass Hogia", "Mahi Di Udeek", "Gal Bangaee", "Akhian Samaal", "Dang Ditha", "Sach", "Ajaa Ajaa Ajaa" and "Heerie".

The Sahotas achieved many accolades during the last 20 years including ‘Best Band’, ‘Best Live Band’ and 'Band of the Millennium', and were awarded Platinum and Gold Discs for album sales.

His musical journey has taken him to many places, over the last few years. He has been working with Urban Tribe, a Swedish Reggae band, and with Basil Gabbidon, the founder of Steel Pulse.

Discography

 * 2002 Dil Vich Tu Vasdi     Tips - India (Released for India)


 * 2001 Revolution      Envy


 * 1999 Brotherhood  Envy


 * 1998 Maa da Pyar


 * 1997 Decade


 * 1995 Suniye EP    Roma Music


 * 1995 The Right Time    IRS Records/EMI


 * 1994 Out of Reach - Single    IRS Records/EMI


 * 1991 Ishk    Multitone Records


 * 1990 Are You Feeling EP    Rough Trade


 * 1989 AaJa    Multitone Records


 * 1988 Sahota Beat    Multitone Records


 * 1987 Gidha Pao    Multitone Records