Laying claim to
the title ‘Princess of Bhangra’, Mona has become one of Britain’s most sought
after young artists in the business, and enjoys one of the highest profiles of
any Bhangra personality. The star daughter of Channi Singh (lead singer of
Bhangra Band ‘Alaap’ – Pioneers of the British Asian music scene), has made her
own mark in an industry so comfortably dominated by her father since before she
was ever born, and has shown the guys that a lady can also rock the Bhangra
industry.
In December
2000, Mona released her debut album ‘The Beginning’. The album was released
internationally; a first for a UK based Asian newcomer. ‘The Beginning’ was a
great success, and hit the number 1 position in the UK Asian music charts. Not
only was Mona the first newcomer to have an international release, but she was
also the first to have a video shot in Mumbai and appear in it.
The
much-awaited follow up album 'The Second Chapter’ was released in August 2003.
The album received great acclaim and again was hugely successful. Once more,
‘The Second Chapter’ was an international release and Mona had the opportunity
to shoot another video in Mumbai.
After a few
years away from the scene, the ‘First Lady of Bhangra’ has recently released her
new album ‘STRONGER’, featuring 10 outstanding tracks produced by her father the
legendary Channi Singh, the exceptional Rishi Rich, the talented Tejwant Kittu
and the gifted songstress herself. Mona has shot 4 impressive videos for this
album in Mumbai, Rajashtan and Dubai, which are being aired on all the major
Asian music channels. The album has already enjoyed the number 1 spot in the UK
Asian music charts, and with hit tracks such as Ki Dasaan, Chiti Chiti Chan Di
E, Rab Di Kasam and many more, ‘STRONGER’ is a definite must have for 2008.
Mona has been
awarded several prestigious awards including ‘Best Female Debutante Singer’
‘Best Female Vocalist’ and ‘Young Achiever Award’ from legendary artists like
Jagjit Singh, Anup Jalota, Dev Kohli, Uttam Singh, Sikh Media Group and the
Mayor of London respectively.
Mona also
worked on a mainstream project with famous dance producers ‘Basement Jaxx’ on a
track titled ‘Lucky Star’. The song featured Dizzie Rascal (Mercury Prize Award
Winner) alongside Mona, and made it in to the top 20 in the mainstream charts.
Mona featured in the video which was aired on all the mainstream channels and
also had the opportunity to perform live on Top of the Pops – a great
achievement for a British Asian female.
Mona has
performed at all the major festivals and Melas in the UK and has also toured
Canada, America, Pakistan, Sweden and Dubai. She has recently completed a
playback track for a Bollywood film due to be released this year.
