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Reality Check on the HK Desi Scene
There are two types of Desi music that currently hold the scene in place: ‘Bollywood’ and ‘Bhangra’. Today, the difference between the two styles has become less apparent with more films now adopting the fierce beats and rhythms from India’s state of Punjab, and more producers from around the world that are influencing the Bollywood sound with a Westernised crossover. However, in terms of quality of music, it can be agreed by many that Bollywood songs released nowadays are targeted at the ‘commerical-pop’ market. On the contrary, Bhangra music released today has a very strong urban influence, usually in the form of Hip Hop, R&B and UK Garage. The feel of the music is quite undgerground; with the efforts and support of several producers and artists such as Rishi Rich, Bobby Friction, DJ Sanj, Bally Sagoo, Dr Zeus and Bohemia (to name a few), the underground element has actually served as a tool to pushing Bhangra music into International charts.
In a club, most Bollywood tracks played out by DJs are remixed either with funky house or hip hop beats, but there are still certain elements that make a tune playable in a club that are missing. Artists such as Himmesh Reshhmiya, DJ Aqeel, DJ Suketu, DJ Nyk, have definitely re-shaped and re-defined the club mixes of Bollywood tracks where various styles of music are adopted. However, the appeal of the music is based on several influential factors; all Bollywood tracks are released through the film industry which in India today, is one of the most successful and prosperous industries. With a rapidly growing middle class sector, India’s consumer market is overwhelmed by the influence of Bollywood. Furthermore, what we hear today is what I believe as the modern transformation of Bollywood, catered to an ever-growing sector of trend-following youth. This transformation is being realised with simple beats, catchy riffs and sing-a-long vocals that when even played in a club, the DJ could cut the chorus and it would still be treated like karaoke.
A word use very commonly amongst Hong Kong Indians: ‘export’. The Indian sound has been imported all over the world now. It has been accepted as something new and experimental both in the underground and mainstream markets. As Paris Hilton would say, ‘That’s hot’. Now in Hong Kong, Bollywood dominates the party scene with fine DJs like Raz, Leo and the 3 Phat DJs hosting regular nights at some of Hong Kong’s finest nightspots. Even without crediting myself, I can say that the Desi Scene has reached a new level in Hong Kong – it is publicised, established and most importantly, it is vibrant. Publications and top industry heads now take Desi music as a serious genre in the clubbing scene.
However, there are still subtle issues which prevent the scene from reaching greater levels of achievement. With so much music available to the Desi party crowd, a majority still feel that restricting themselves to what is most commonly heard is just easier than to clean out their ears and listen to something new and different. DJs have to play by request, and for the innovative artist, this method is both restrictive and never-ending. If Latinos can dance to and enjoy both Salsa and Reggaeton, why can’t Indians living overseas (in this case, in Hong Kong) appreciate elements of both Bollywood and Bhangra? If you have any feedback or want to post comments, feel free to start a thread in the forums or even simply post a reply to this!
Written by Arun R.
November 2006
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