Sahota Beat

SIDE 1

1. LOKAN NU NACH VIKAYE Lyrics: Sukbdeep DhaIiwal
2. AKIA SMAAL, FEATURING DOCTOR DREAD Lyrics: Kale Wala Sangha
3. TERE UTEY BILO JAT MARDA  Lyrics: Hamohinder S. Opasriik
4. KAV GIDDHE VICH KEHV   Lyrics: Kale Wala Sangha

SIDE 2

1. GIDDHE VICH NITH NACHDI     Lyrics: Kale Wala Sanghra
2. PENDA BHANGRA  Lyrics: Ratten Reebal
3. NACHDI TU LAGDI SIALA VALI HEER  Lyrics: Kale Wala Sangha
4. MUKH MORNA  Lyrics: Kale Wala Sangha

MUSIC WRITTEN. ARRANGED PRODUCED AND PERFORMED BY THE SAHOTAS

Sarjit Sahota ... Vocals
Mukhtar Sahota ... Keyboards
Raj Sahota ... TabIa. Dholak. Dhal
Vijay Sahota ... Keyboards
Parkash Sahota ... Drums

Riley Daley ... Bass. Lead Guitar

The title, "Sahota Beat",  was originally given to a percussive instrumental performed by Raj, Surjit and Mukhtar in 1986, yes, well before the release of the Giddha Pao album. The instrumental had a very Latin rhythm, with the addition of tablas played by Raj, Surjit on bongos (not vocals!!!) and Mukhtar on drums!

After Giddha Pao, the  majority of the Bhangra music listeners were familiar with the name Sahotas. It had been a year of new experiences, being on the road performing in different citys and doing interviews for radio stations and newspapers. They had gained more confidence and felt it was time to start work on the next album.

The rhythm was an important aspect of this album, the idea for the opening track was taken from their earlier version of Sahota Beat. This track became "Lokan Nu Nach Vikaye". The distinctive Sahota Beat became the DJ's backbone to live show mixing. More time had been spent on this album than the previous one, selecting various sounds and rhythms, Surjit was also progressing vocally.

"Akia Sumaal" was the track that mixed reggae and Bhangra together, the Sahotas grew up listening to reggae, and they always wanted to combine it with there own music. The track also featured Dr Dread rapping. This kind of blend became a fashion in the Bhangra Industry.

The album was released in late 1988, and it received great recognition. The opening track "Lokan Nu Nach Vikaye" reached number 1 in the UK Bhangra charts.

A series of Bhangra shows soon followed, creating a firm fan following in the UK.