Bobby Friction to front Bhangra documentary on BBC Four

BBC Four will be broadcasting a special documentary on how British Asians came of age by celebrating their identity through Bhangra music.

Fronted by BBC Asian Network DJ Bobby Friction, the show titled ‘Pump Up The Bhangra’ recounts how a simple folk tradition from India was transformed in the 1980s to become a unique part of the British club music scene, outselling many mainstream UK acts.

It’s a story of cassette tapes, corner shops and glitter-clad musical heroes; of teenagers bunking school to attend secret daytime gigs and music that soundtracked battles against racism and discrimination.

Through a series of entertaining encounters with Bhangra legends and those they influenced, Bobby reflects on how thousands of second-generation British Asians like him became comfortable with their heritage and their place in Britain through Bhangra music.

The film features many of the biggest and most influential names from the Bhangra scene including Balbir Bhujhangy, Gurcharan Mall, Heera, Apna Sangeet, Chani Singh, Bally Sagoo, Aki Nawaaz, JK and many more.

‘Pump Up The Bhangra’ is a documentary for BBC Four. It was commissioned by Emma Cahusac, Commissioning Editor BBC Arts and produced by Richard Bright, Executive Producer BBC Studios. This film was produced and directed by Ashok Prasad.

The documentary forms a part of the The Big British Asian Summer on the BBC. It will air on Friday 24th August between 22:00- – 23:00 on BBC Four.