The Indian influence
Like peanut butter and chocolate, every once in a while two great tastes come together creating a new, intoxicating flavour. This time it is a fusion of traditional bhangra with a modern club groove that is catching on.

It was once the gritty folk music of rural India. Now Bhangra has become a ‘must-listen’ among music lovers. Most of the songs we hear have a bit of an Indian touch to it. Is it just a passing fad that came out of nowhere or has it been making its way all along like rock music?

What’s the response from Sri Lankan music lovers to this East-meets-West cultural exchange that sometimes alienates but more often excites the senses? “It is definitely a trend currently being created around the world,” says Jason from Sun FM, adding that in the US, Punjab MC is huge. Indian-mix music is catching up locally because it’s getting really popular in the charts, he says. “But when it first hit the Sri Lankan airwaves the majority didn’t like it.”

Feeling that the Indian influenced hip-hop (ethnic vibes) music hasn’t taken off yet in Sri Lanka, Damien of TNL Radio, says it’s really happening in London, Aussie land and New Zealand. “When it comes to Sri Lanka it’s just a minority that actually listens to it at the moment.” Nilan fromYes Fm agrees. “It doesn’t appeal to everybody, just a certain segment of youngsters,” he says.

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