Apache Indian joins Shibani Kashyap, Dinero Ash and Chazin in latest release ‘Rise Up’

The factors that shaped the great Apache Indian – Birmingham, Bhangra and Bob Marley – remain a strong force in their music. A pioneer of the reggaeton wave in India in the 90s, his popular songs such as ‘Boom Shake a Luck…’, ‘Chalk There’, ‘Arranged Marriage’ and ‘Om Numah Shivay’ were a staple for the MTV generation who imbibed Reggae with its Bhangra mix.

His latest release is called ‘Rise Up’ (released on 12 May), which he co-wrote with singer-rapper Dinero Ashe, who was also the composer of the number. The song also features singer-composer Shibani Kashyap. The song has been composed by Shibani, Apache and singer-composer Chazin in collaboration with Dinero. Chazin is behind the creation and arrangement of the song, launched by Hungama Artist Aloud, a platform for independent musicians.

Speaking from the UK on a Zoom call, Apache says, “The pandemic has left the world in a bad shape and people are shying away from talking about it. So we thought it was a perfect topic to write about. Dinero has been a dear friend and I have always wanted to work with Shibani.”

Apache always filled a message in their music and believed in using the medium to highlight issues. “Artists can’t always talk only about good things and sing only love songs. If there is a situation, musicians should write about it and use their name and stage. We should use our skills Must be able to do things and try to inspire people and make a difference.”

Apache saw there wasn’t much pop or reggae in the 90s. He says, “Now there is the Internet and musicians are familiar with many genres. They should be a part of whatever genre they feel comfortable with and contribute to that genre.” bat bat kind of songs. “Artists represent their culture and they should represent their times and the problems of their city. When I spoke on issues related to caste system and arranged marriages in my song, I was criticized.”

sound beyond music

Last year the Apaches were awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours, for the creation of a new genre – popularly known as ‘ragamuffin’ music – and the Apaches in Birmingham. His service to aspiring musicians through Indian Music Academy. However, he was also in the news last year for his critical stance on the BBC Radio Asia network and called for its closure.

Explaining why he did it, Apache says, “There are a lot of problems with that station in the UK. The station isn’t really representing British Asian music. Artists often complain of the racist bias they face. During the pandemic, when there were no gigs, the artists only had radio and the station was not supporting artists. They should remember that the station is supported by artists and that radio DJs had none until then. Won’t work unless he gets music from artists, yet he doesn’t play his music. As a result, there are no Asian artists’ music on the UK charts. I don’t intend to pull the station down, but rather a To work together and resolve issues.”

Indian Roots

Apache’s parents moved from Punjab to UK and their early influences were from their maternal grandmother who was from Jamaica and this is reflected in their music. This is closely followed by the Bob Marley effect, including the famous dreadlocks. “Bob Marley passed away on my birthday (May 11th) and there is a connection. Reggae and Bob Marley gave me the consciousness I needed. Although I enjoyed listening to it, I found Bollywood music to be just escapism. .we weren’t talking about violence.,or drug menace..we weren’t addressing any issue.. even in bhangra dance and music, which i love, there is no message. i like reggae I found hope and started using issues from the Indian context. When I put those two things together, it didn’t seem like a big formula but it worked.”

Apache doesn’t think his dreadlocks are Jamaican influences, “Dreadlocks are inspired by the sadhus of India, even Jamaicans agree on that,” he laughs.

Shibani brings a ray of hope

Singer-composer Shibani Kashyap was part of the independent music boom of the 90s and had expanded her repertoire into Bollywood, international collaborations and live concerts. When Dinero Ash invited her to lend his voice to his composition ‘Rise Up’, she was more than happy to accept. “I was thrilled to get this call from Dynero, he is my dear friend. During the lockdown, there were no shows happening and we were working on new music. We were going through all the negativity and challenges and a lot of sadness all around And we realized why not come up with a song that would give us a ray of hope. So when Dinero came up with this song and told me that he would get an Apache Indian in the project, I was very excited. A lot of Apache big fan.”

The project began with Shibani and Dinero working out of Delhi and joining Apache in the UK. Shibani says, “Dinero sent me the lyrics of the song and I adapted it to my style. ‘Rise Up’ has so many genres coming together, reggaeton, raggamuffin, rap and melody, it’s a great song.”

Declaring that this is the era of collaboration, Shibani explains why it’s a viable option: “Collaboration brings about cross-promotion of my audience with other artists and vice versa. Plus, it’s a lot of fun and a lot more.” Brings a plethora of excitement and fusion and amalgamation of genres.”

Shibani has also collaborated with artists on some popular and hugely successful projects. But she calls ‘Rise Up’ special because ‘Legend’ Apache is a part of it. Shibani says, “This song will infuse our positive energy and I am sure we will make a difference.”

Dinero’s rap to the rescue

Composer-rapper Dinero Asho

Dinero Ash recalled the worst of the pandemic when the death toll was at its highest and people were desperate for hospital beds, medicine and oxygen. “Every day we were hearing reports of people dying and everything seemed to be on the downside. When business came to a standstill, the government came forward to support farmers and corporates. Even Canada, the US and the UK Like countries were supporting too. Not every business but artists. There was sadness and sadness in their families. I thought music was the best way to express positivity and that leads to ‘Rise Up’,” said singer, rapper and musician Dinero Aish says he didn’t think beyond his friends Apache and Shibani to be a part of that track. “No matter whether we were working out or not, we’ve always been in touch. When I mentioned ‘Rise Up’, Apache gave a thumbs up. The song is an emotion and it came from our hearts. With the inclusion of Reggae Star and Melody Queen, the song gives off a distinct vibe, sound, slant and style.”

Dinero grew up in America and absorbed reggae and simplified the distinction between reggae and rap, “If your track has fast words, it’s rap, and when sung in melody, it’s reggae.” I hear singers say they rap because they can’t sing. There isn’t much awareness of the difference between reggae and rap.” A fan of Kishore Kumar, Dinero also loves to sing the tune.

In the meantime, he hopes that Apache can visit India so that they can tour together. “Every time he (Apache) books a ticket, something happens and the trip gets cancelled. When he comes we can do a tour and get up on stage and have some studio time as well,” says Dinero.