Diwali Mela 2018: five faces you missed if you didn't make it to Soho Road

Soho Road hosted Birmingham’s Premier Diwali Mela celebrations 2018 on Sunday 21st October.

The event, which took place in Handsworth, celebrates the upcoming Hindu festival of lights which begins on the 6th November this year. The Premier Diwali Mela boasted 40 market stalls, free children’s rides, and celebrity entertainment. Here’s who you missed if you didn’t make it…

Host Bhamrah

Many famous faces took to the stage to entertain the crowds on Sunday, led by presenter Dipps Bhamrah. Bhamrah began his career as a singer and keyboard-player in the Bhangra band Apna Sangeet, who also performed at the celebrations this year. He’s made a name for himself as a talented producer, musician, DJ, host and presenter for BBC Asian Network.

International headliner

Headlining this years six-and-a-half-hour set was Jenny Johal, a Punjabi-born singer from Jalander, who rose to fame with her hit single Yaari Jatti Di and has been popular ever since.

Birmingham Reggae star

Among the local musicians was Apache Indian, the singer-songwriter and Reggae DJ. Apache Indian is a Birmingham-born award-winning artist and TV presenter for a multitude of channels including BritAsia. Channel 4 and MTV.

Vintage Bhangra band

One of the earliest Bhangra bands in the UK forming in the 80s, Apna Sangeet creates modern dance music that incorporates elements of Geet, Ghazal and Hindi music. Gurcharan Mali leads the popular Indo-Brit group that have had hits such as Mera Yaar Vaive Dhol and Apna Sangeet Vaieh Apna Sangeet.

YouTube sensation

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Mani Kaur writes and performs original music. The Birmingham-based singer has a number of hits, with thousands of YouTube views on her major single Jorri.