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Balbir Bittu became one of the leaders of Bhangra's uprising in the early nineties through his succession of hit albums - all born and bred in Southall, West London. His super strength vocal delivery and the unique craftsmanship of his tumbi, he became a prominent fixture in the ongoing friendly rivalry between the Bhangra groups of the North and South.

Soundz from the Des ('Des' meaning homeland) is Bittu's ninth album and defies those who think Southall's influence on Bhangra is dead! Guided by his mentor and Ustad Dev Thirikewala since 1978, Bittu learned the traits of the mandolin, harmonium and finally the tumbi while scultupuring his vocal scales. Bittu then as an understudy to Panjabi folk music icons Kuldip Manak and Surinder Shinda furthered his musical education.

Recorded in Chandigarh alongside renowned music maestro Atul Sharma, Bittu has gathered a wealth of traditional lyrical compositions to create eight potential masterpieces, including the mighty written words from the respected Shamsher Sandhu and Dev Thirikewala. The finishing touches were applied in the UK to give the desi raw essence a sprinkling of hard-hitting beats and basslines.

Favourites include the title track Boliyan, the high-octane vibes of the self-scripted Dil Mera, Aa-Ga-Aah Visakhi and it's dance fuelled rhythms, the powerful ballad that is Teriah Yaadan and the poignant picture painted by the words of Meri Maa Boli Panjabi. Soundz from the Des is for those of you who want desi music with a cutting edge. Real flavours from Panjabi folklore filter through and create a soundscape of traditional raw ambiences, swathed in the essential elements of UK styled beats and rhythms. Whether your Des is back home in Panjab, or here in the western world, Soundz from the Des is for you.