Harcharanjit Singh Rupal (born 12 January 1952) OBE, known professionally as Channi Singh, is a British-Indian bhangra musician, known as the "godfather" of bhangra in the West.[1]
Channi is the co-founder, lead singer, producer, and director of Alaap. He came from Malerkotla, Punjab to the UK in 1975 and gradually started the popularity of Punjabi music among the Punjabi youth in the UK, forming the Alaap group in 1977 with Harjeet Gandhi, Randhir Sahota, and Inder Kalsi.
By using both Western and Punjabi folk instruments, the group produced a new and more modern style in Punjabi music, later known as UK Bhangra.
Alaap has performed with UB40 and performed at Madison Square Garden in United States, Al-Nasir Indoor Stadium in Dubai, and Royal Albert HallinLondon. The band was described as ‘Simply the Best’ by the GurkhasinBosnia and Herzegovina. He has also performed in Canada, Australia and other countries. In 1992, Alaap became the first British Asian band to perform in Pakistan.
Singh has received is the Lifetime Achievement for Punjabi music from the Lord MayorofLeicester, Mary Draycott, at the 13th anniversary celebrations of BBC Radio's Punjabi Programme. He was the first singer ever to be given the lifetime achievement award by BBC.
