Soho Road

50 Years of Bhangra, Music, Culture & Style
17 July - 22 September 2007

Presented with PUNCH as part of their 10 years celebrations the exhibition From Soho Road to the Punjab will explore the traditions and heritage of Bhangra, and the impact it has had on the growth and development of popular music culture to this day. In addition, there will be a series of complementary education workshops relating to the exhibition in order to encourage the preservation and celebration of Bhangra.

The exhibition will consist of archive materials featuring bands, musicians, and producers, from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s; who have played a major role in the Bhangra music industry. A great deal of these materials will be centred on the UK’s cosmopolitan cities including London, Birmingham and Manchester.

This exhibition aims to illustrate the origins of Bhangra from the Punjab in India; to its empowering status in British Asian society today; through images, articles, publications and music, collected and archived over last 30 years tracing Bhangra culture and influence both within and outside the Asian community in the U.K over the past 50 years. Showcasing previously unseen photographs and club flyers, rare albums, authentic instruments, awards and costumes, 'Soho Road to the Punjab' gives you backstage access to the unstoppable world journey of UK Bhangra music.

Accompanying the exhibition will be free music workshops on Saturday 21st July, 4th Aug, 25th Aug and 8th September led by the artist Gurshuran Channa (limited places so please book) and a one day conference on the topic of the exhibition (ticket priced £5 in advance) on Saturday 15th September Chaired by Dr Rajinder Dudrah, Manchester University at SOAS.

These events were made possible by funding from the

Part of the Greater London Authority INDIA NOW Season.