bhangra

=Bhangra: The musical and dance artform!=

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What is Bhangra?
Bhangra is a form of dance and music that was originated in the heart of Punjab. To understand this type of music it is beneficial to learn about Punjab’s rich culture and history. Originally it was part of a harvest festival but later it grew in such popularity it began to show up in weddings and different types of celelbrations such as new years. Bhangra has evolved over many stages in the last five years by mixing with other types of music such as house, rap, hip-hop, and reggae. As it continues to evolve other genres of music will definitely combine with bhangra such as rock.

Bhangra Instruments:
There are several instruments that contribute to make bhangra what it is. Possibly the most influential instrument is the dhol two sided drum played with two sticks. The dhol player must hold the dhol with a string attatched to the intsturment and his neck. Some other instruments that are associatied with bhangra are the dfli, damru, and dhad. These instruments usually create less bass then the the dhol.

Bhangra Lyrics and Dance:
When it comes to bhangra, the lyrics are usually rich in content and meaning. Most of the music is derived from relationships and love. However, other sources are dancing and marriage. The music is devoted to the heros of Punjab and pride. Furthermore, when Punjabi artists are singing the music it usually comes out with an engertic tone. Usually when people are dancing to the music people will yell phrases that don’t make sense and will add to the dance environment.



Bhangra Singers:
There are several bhangra singers that come from both the east and west of Punjab. Residing from the east include Surjit Bindrakhia, Surinder Shinda, Manmohan Warris, A.S. Kang, Jagmohan Kaur, Hans Raj Hans, Kuldip Manak, Gurdass Mann, Ranjit Mani, Sardool Sikander, Daler Mehndi, Sarabjeet Cheema, Harbhajan Mann, and Amar Arshi. And residing from the West include: Sangeet Group of California, Jazzy Bains, and Bhinda Jatt DCS, Malkit Singh, B21, Safri Boyz, and Dippa.

Jazzy B:

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Media:
Bhangra Dance: media type="youtube" key="Oo6zNNes1FI"

Bibliography:
1. "History of Bhangra." __Desi Flava__. Dec. 2006 . 2. "Bhangra - Bhangra is a Punjabi Dance & Music." __Punjab Online__. Dec. 2006 .

Images / Media: 1.http://www.lohrifestival.org/gifs/bhangra-dance.jpg 2.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oo6zNNes1FI