Desi-Box.com | News, Music Videos, Interviews, Bollywood, Bhangra, Urban

Take a look back at the Asian music scene just a few years ago and it’s a very different story, with a different sound and different faces. However, many people share the same opinion on which artists in particular helped get the Asian music scene noticed. Along with H Dhami, Jay Sean and Juggy D worked closely with music producer, Rishi Rich, which rapidly caught the attention of many. Not only did Rishi help launch them as Bhangra artists via the Rishi Rich Project but he helped support them along the way.

Many people picture these times as the good old days, left simply as a distant memory, however, this year’s London Mela changed all of this as Jay Sean reunited with who he referred to as his “brothers”, Juggy D and Rishi Rich.

Critics are often quick to regard Jay Sean down as the man who forgot his roots following his signing to Cash Money Records in 2008. However, despite being signed to one of the most successful music labels in America, he came back to perform at an event which is targeted directly at British Asians. Also, as he said himself, “I’m back in my hometown” of West London, living in America may be ideal and convenient but Jay has clearly not forgotten where he came from – neither has he forgotten the people that helped him on his journey to success.  It’s been four years since he last performed at the London Mela but the man who stole the show on Sunday proved that he had not forgotten some of his oldest, most dearest fans and gave them a stunning performance.

Initially, Jay Sean sang Juggy D’s renowned Punjabi part of the song, Dance With You, that arguably brought them so much attention all those years ago. This suggested he would be performing it alone. Despite this, fans were not let down as Juggy D was welcomed on to the stage straight after and Rishi was seen playing along on the keyboard to their original vocals. While Jay now has more muscle now and, in his favour, less hair, the vocals were the same and the performance was just as on point as it always was. Juggy D was as energetic as ever and got the crowd jumping, shouting, screaming and all sorts – always a sign of a fantastic performer. If anything, Rishi Rich looked the most proud having seen both artists from the start of their career to the present day. While he modestly tried to stay closer to the back of the stage on his keyboard, Jay and Juggy D both drifted back to him to give him a mention as the three of them stood side by side.

While Jay played some of his other well loved songs such as Down and Eyes on You, nothing could have beat the reunion that stopped the screams (temporarily) and put huge grins on everyone’s faces. For many it became history rather than just entertainment.

This simply goes to prove the sincerity of artists who have, as Jay Sean says himself, “made it” in returning to where they started and still incorporating those who helped them achieve their huge success, into their music. 

By Kiran Kaur