Naya Beat Records has announced the forthcoming re-release of Punjabi Disco, originally recorded in 1982 by British Asian artist Mohinder Kaur Bhamra.
Set for release on 31 October in both digital and double LP formats, the album will also include a number of remixes and a newly-discovered bonus track.
Release the same year as Charanjit Singh’s acid-tinged Ten Ragas To A Disco Beat, Punjabi Disco was ahead of its time, produced by Mohinder’s eldest son, bhangra pioneer Kuljit Bhamra, using a Roland SH-1000 synthesiser and a CR-8000 CompuRhythm drum machine played by his younger brother, who was 11 at the time.
The sessions took place at the London studio of Roxy Music bass player Rick Kenton, however once recorded, the tale took a downward turn.
‘The concept for a Punjabi disco album was subsequently stolen by the very music label that had agreed to distribute the record,’ as a press release noted. ‘Eventually self-released with no label support, Punjabi Disco vanished into complete obscurity.’
That is, until the COVID lockdown, when the multitrack masters were located, and Naya Beat worked with the original recordings to create a remixed and remastered version, adding contributions from artists including Peaking Lights, Danger Boys, Psychemagik, Dexter+Franz, Mystic Jungle, and Baalti.
The re-released album also includes a cover of Nainan Da Pyar De Gaya performed by Piya Malik of Say She She, together with Naya Beat founders Turbotito and Ragz.
According to a press release, Punjabi Disco was ‘born out of a desire to desegregate the dancefloor and was inspired by the sounds of disco from the era. A tapestry of electric drum rhythm, warbling bass, and psychedelic siren-like Roland synth melodies provides a vehicle for Mohinder’s powerful voice. Part disco, part funk, part acid house, and infused with Punjabi folk melodies, the sound of Punjabi Disco is as mesmerising as it is undefinable.’
Punjabi Disco will be released on 31 October 2025 via Naya Beat Records. Learn more here.
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