After many years of successful events with the likes of Nitin Sawhney, Talvin Singh, Asian Dub Foundation and many more, 2010 sees the launch of 'Shaanti 11, a UK music development organisation that shall continue with the philosophy of creating positive messages and community cohesion through championing and celebrating innovative South Asian music, arts and visual communication. Our aim is to enhance and improve the creative economy and music practice across London, Birmingham and throughout the West Midlands region.

Shaanti 11 shall produce live shows, community panel debates and discussions, workshops, music-led events and arts festivals with local, international and established artists, not from a commercial point of view, but more for a socially conscious and celebration that will revel in the cross genre defying sounds and visuals it was always known for.

Having been an outstanding leader in the creative sector, South Asian music and arts environment for more than eleven years, Shaanti continues to play a leading part in advising and shaping policy for South Asian music development in this country. Having achieved this by their ethical and committed engagement with communities and artists in the UK, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Canada and the USA. Shaanti’s often-pioneering programming is at all times coupled with a deeply developed ethos on multi-cultural Britain, equity and collaborative practices.

As an advocate for South Asian arts and entertainment on a very human level across a complex and innovative range of cultural and community manifestations. Shaanti also has had an exemplary record of successful leadership and advocacy for entertainment, new media, events and design through numerous programming, consultancy and commissions. Having made an outstanding contribution to both applied and experiential research, development whilst promoting heritage they have brought with them in the South Asian and British music scene is also clearly displayed with the success of their work.

With their vibrant programming and festivals Shaanti have made an individual and permanent impact on the regional landscape here in the UK and beyond. True pioneers in their own right, their first event struck a chord from humble beginnings in 1999, and they’re now one of the most established and respected music and arts institutes in the UK with a proven track record of success in attracting new audiences, predominantly from the South Asian community.

Set up by Manga and Sharnita K Athwal the pair recognised a hunger amongst the public raised on both eastern and western creative sector, Shaanti’s developed from a small underground commercial movement to a mainstream commotion and has grown into a pioneering, and innovative arts developments agency championing South Asain music. Shaanti has expanded and managed with significant success to rise above musical and cultural obstruction and most importantly of all, represented and celebrated music from all corners of the globe.

Having been at the forefront of this creative-explosion Shaanti have created and pioneered and unique culture: defying convention for hybrid sounds. The biggest and best names in the industry from Europe, US India and Pakistan have supported their vision and their award-winning programming has launched many careers from 1999 to the present day.

Shaanti strive for excellence. Their work ethics are high and they bring out the potential of every project they conduct, the development and achievements of this team are paramount. They prides themselves in offering the South Asian and British communities opportunities to undertake real challenges and is motivated to achieve their full potential by giving strategies that they need to succeed, develop their confidence and competence.

Shaanti is an UK institute that provides the most powerful source of ideas and passion, vision and achievement that are crucial for recognition, heritage and union via multi-cultural Britain. In addition, their influence and thought leadership in the creative services celebrates vision, passion, and cultural and creative performance.

QUOTES
‘Shaanti are an exceptional collective who have raised the profile of the Asian underground music and clubbing scene in the UK. Their ability to stay at the cutting edge of arts and entertainment made them perfect collaborators for Arts Council England’s Decibel Expo festival launch in Birmingham. With their unique hybrid of conceptual, popular and traditional artforms, they delivered a spectacular showcase that received a phenomenal reception from audiences and representatives of the arts community in the West Midlands. Their vision and following goes from strength to strength, informing and influencing other creative and artistic minds to develop their own talents.’
Diane Morgan, Decibel Expo Creator, Arts Council.

‘Shaanti was commissioned to organised the closing party for our 2002 ImagineAsia project. They demonstrated a superb understanding of our needs and had a creative and professional approach. What was also excellent was their cutting edge fusion of live and remixed British Asian music inter-cut with iconic film imagery.’
Cary Sawhney, Head of Diversity, British Film Industry.

‘We have supported Shaanti since it's early beginnings at bonds in Birmingham ,we realised they had a special passion and were destined for great things with their unique blend and fusion of all musical styles…

We have worked with theme many times and as an artistic - musical force they are totally professional and deliver beyond what we expect every time.’
Phil Basi, ITV.

'It was a pleasure for Channel 4 IDEASFACTORY to work in partnership with Shaanti throughout 2004. Shaanti brought a different perspective and added an extra dimension that would not have been found elsewhere. Shaanti acted professionally, delivered beyond our expectations and we look forward to working with them in the future.'
Andy Anderson, Project Coordinator for Channel 4.

'We worked with Shaanti as they were commissioned to program the main stage at the Galaxy Leeds Festival 2004. Their advice in presenting, coordinating their artists, sound and technical requirements was second to none. They performed an excellent colourful display of fusion music, which as a first for Galaxy, as we have only just started programming this specialist music of this genre. We’re extremely delighted that the festival went well and the results were fantastic especially for the network. It was a brilliant success and a excellent branding exercise for the station. Thanks to Shaanti for their advice and direction which help us gain a better understanding of the South Asian community’s musical demands.'
Jimmy Endicott, Marketing Manager for Galaxy (Leeds).

‘With Shaanti’s expertise and knowledge of the Asian music scene, help us tap into the Asian market with confidence whilst releasing Urban Underground, a 3 CD box set compilation. Their track-listing was radical and ahead of the time, their professionalism sat snugly against their down to earth attitude and their innovative PR and marketing skills took the project to another level which made this compilation a international success. Working with them was a match made in heaven: two dance leaders from both sides of the spectrum united to create one of the most diverse albums of 2003!’
Duncan Collins, Decadence, Ministry of Sound Recordings.

"Shaanti is one of the most forward looking clubs in the world. It has its roots in one genre, but is always pioneering new sounds and thus forever evolving and keeping things interesting.

"This has been possible as a result of several factors: the chunkiest sound system, the curious ears of its regulars, the excitement which fills every perso in the place and the open minded ethos of Manga, Shaanti's founder. For any serious music lover anywhere in the world this is the place to be right now.'
Martin Morales, Outcaste Records

Past projects have included working with Nitin Sawhney, Wiley, Asian Dub Foundation, Talvin Singh, Boy Better Know, Panjabi MC, State of Bengal, Joi Sound System, Rishi Rich Project, DJ Cameo, Badmarsh and Shri, UK Apache, Indian Rope Man, Bobby Friction, Nation Records, Magikstar, TJ Rehmi, Adam Regan – Leftfoot, Jay Stuart – Acid Jazz, Outcaste All Stars, Bobby Friction, Cornershop, Transglobal Underground, DMC Champaign -DJ Nasha, Midival Punditz, The Outernationists, Bhangra Knights, Future World Funk, Pressure Drop, Martin Morales from Outcaste Records, Afrika Bambaataa, Nightmares On Wax, Deedar to name just a few.
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SHAANTI’S ACHIEVEMENTS, 1999

In November 2001, Shaanti was approached by Radio 1 for a full live club broadcast. The collective rocked it at the legendary Que Club for ‘One Live in Birmingham.’

In 2003, Shaanti were approached again to host ‘One Live in Nottingham.’ Shaanti set the standard for not compromising Asian Underground sounds as they presented Fusion Breaks and Eastern Drum and Bass loud and direct across the airwaves, making them the first ever Asian club night in history to have a live broadcast on Radio 1.

Following on from the success of the live broadcast, they were again approached by the station to help to put together an radically Asian show. Shaanti was asked to present a pilot for the network, which promoted and celebrated Asian Music. For added strength Manga convinced Radio 1 that a double-act would work, so he asked in his long-time Uni friend and resident DJ, Bobby Friction to join them.

The pilot had potential and Radio 1 verbally agreed that they were the new faces of Radio 1, until the last hour, as a new presenter came Nihal on board. Sadly the team was spilt and Friction was offered the job. Thanks to Shaanti and Manga and their introduction to Ian Parkinson, Friction’s career has since flourished from strength-to-strength. Manga however was asked to be involved as a third guest presenter reporting on events and music news across the UK, to which he kindly declined.

In May 2003, in conjunction with dance label Ministry of Sound/Decadance, Manga and Athwal released their first album ‘Urban Underground’ followed by a 16 cities club-tour across the UK. The album blasted it out to stir their creative juices whist experimenting and redefining their club sound. Urban Underground oozed Desi Urban and Underground cool and yet at the same time had a huge dance floor impact. As two dance leaders from both sides of the spectrum united as one saw the creation of one of the hottest albums of the year.

Urban Underground is a 30-track three-CD set featuring dance music from Asian-oriented artists such as Panjabi MC, Ganja Cru, and Badmarsh & Shri. Expertly selected by both partners these are the tracks that are blowing up the clubs from Nation to Shaanti to Bar Bollywood. Artful Dodger, Panjabi MC in remix & originals form, Jamieson, Swami and classics from Beenie Man, Q Project & Renegade.

Also in 2003, the British Council supported Shaanti on a three-day bi-monthly tour in Sopot, Lublin, Warsaw in Poland, which ended in 2004.

In October Shaanti won ‘Best Asian Underground/Fusion Act’ and they were also nominated for ‘Commitment to the Scene’ Award at the first UK Asian Music Awards. Other awards in the past have also included; Best Club Night at the Asian Pop Awards 2001, Best Alternative Club Night by Muzik Magazine 2001 and Best Club Night by the readers of Snoop Magazine 1999. Other nominations also include: ‘Best Asian Underground/Fusion Act’ 2002, 2003.

As time went on, so did their events and Athwal and Manga felt the need to branch out and create a whole new vibe. In November 2003, they launched an exclusive new night called Funkshaan – a second night to join the club collective. The night was designed for true music enthusiasts who require a stylish ‘up for it’ clubbing experience with the highest quality of music from the biggest names in the business.

November also saw Shaanti join the weekend line-up on Galaxy when the show Urban Fusion was first launched. Manga presented the show every fortnight back to back with RDB but from October 2004, Shaanti secured the weekly slot. With the rise of Asian music into mainstream arena, it’s just another step to witness stations like the Galaxy Network who programmed a slot to the award winning collective.

Manga said: “We’re thrilled to be the first Asian club night to be given our very own show in radio history. Shaanti has always been at the forefront of championing new ideas and sounds. We’re relentless in our pursuit to present the finest talent, an eclectic mix of sounds as well as presenting the baddest names from the universal underground scene every week to clubbers on their way home. For those who have yet to buy our beats or attended our club nights, this new show will let them see just what they’ve been missing out on!” The show ended in April 2008.

Other nominations include: Best Underground Act at the UK Asian Music Awards 2005, and Best Asian Underground Act and Best Radio Show (Shaanti on Galaxy) at 2006, UK Asian Music Awards.

After running the club-night Shaanti and Funkshaan for a number of years and the recently launched Indo-Funk and Bindi-Beat Box, they decided that they wanted a separate outlet for their alternative taste, and with their obsession and vision of dance music, gave them motivation to start a label in which to release the finest Asian and global music from around the world.

Launching their independent record label Shaanti Play Records with their first release, a compilation titled ‘Fused Rocking Beats Vol.1’ which concentrates on today’s thriving dance genre. Released on October 31st 2005, with 14 exclusive and unreleased tracks from a multitude of artists and producers. The album was intended to be a first part of a series which brings together a collection of the finest drum-n-bass, Eastern breaks, R&B, Hip-Hop, fusion house, Asian electro, fused-up bhangra and experimental global dance music and a European national fifteen day tour.

In August 2006 – Shaanti Play Records announced a new partnership with Absolute via Universal Records.Absolute handled Shaanti Play Records sales, marketing and distribution support for physical and digital releases on a global basis for Shaanti Play Records distributed via Universal.

As part of the deal, the companies will take on board new compilations, new artists signed by the label and the existing Shaanti Play catalogue. Absolute clients past and present have included: Editors, Imogen Heap, All Around The World Records, Dannii Minogue, Hall & Oates, Heather Small, Paul Carrack, Marillion, Herbie Hancock, Raphael Saadiq, Polyphonic Spree, (distributed via Universal).

What Sharnita K Athwal and Manga has done with Shaanti Play Records is fuse culture, music and current trends into one innovative diverse-produced, exciting album,” said Mark Dowling, Label Manager of Absolute. “Absolute and Universal is going to help further develop the Shaanti brand by providing a powerful outlet for bringing their music to popular attention, around the world,” he said.

Sharnita of Shaanti Play Records says: “We can’t think of a more natural partnership than this one with Absolute and Universal. “We are thrilled to be working with them. The deal represents yet another way to grow our audience by tapping into Absolute and Universal’s global network. It also enable us to scale our operations to match the anticipated growth of our label,” she said.

To launch the new partnership, Absolute will globally market and distribute a range of physical and digital Shaanti Play Records titles via Universal. Among the first release will be ‘Disco Warrior’ their first single followed by ‘Mighty Asian Beats.’ Manga, Co–Founder of Shaanti Play Records explains what to expect: ‘Disco Warrior’ and ‘Mighty Asian Beats is our first single and compilation to be released internationally from Shaanti Play Records via Absolute and Universal. For Absolute, Universal and Shaanti Play Records ‘Mighty Asian Beats’ will document productions that will stand the test of time,” he adds.

The response was amazing, especially in the mainstream media. DJ Magazine: gave it 4/5 and said ‘this is the most exciting and vital cultural crossover since The Clash discovered reggae,’ while Songlines said ‘this is a trawl through the sounds of urban Britain at night, and it is a mix of the sublime and brutal’. While other magazines like Hip Hop Connection said: ‘’the sounds of the continent aren’t all bollywood cheddar, a theory proved by the Shaanti compilation. Its an interesting cross section of a broad scene deserving much more outside attention’. Plus Annie Nightingale the queen of breaks was the first person to play the track Disco Warrior on Radio 1.

In February 2008, Shaanti won another award at the UK Asian Music Awards. Held at the The Royal Festival Hall and hosted by West End star Priya Kalidas alongside B4U Music VJ Salil, attendees to the event were treated by performances by some of the UK’s finest Asian musical talent and also a few international artists.

Further adventures for Shaanti over the summer of 2008, saw them being commissioned by the Big Chill Festival on Sunday 3 August, to program a music tent featuring Nitin Sawhney, Asian Dub Foundation and Manga. They rocked the first ever music tent celebrating Asian sounds to over 7,800 People! To only return as guests in 2009.

2010 sees this Birmingham based institute roots firmly placed in the industry, with its firm policy of quality over quantity have been the guiding principle for these guys: making them music's great-untapped resource centre for regional, national, international and beyond for South Asian arts.

“What started out 11 years ago with only 50 people in attendance has steadily grown into a international arts and music development institution, far exceeding anyone's expectations," said Manga, founder of Shaanti. "We are all very proud of this accomplishment and grateful to our loyal followers and to all the artists like Nitin Sawhney, Talvin Singh, Asian Dub Foundation, Cargo and everyone who played for us and who helped get us here."

With commissions now confirmed in Birmingham, London and Manchester, plan’s of many new artists collaborations via Shaanti Play Records in 2011, the launch of Shaanti South Asian Music Consultation and Champion Sounds, a showcase incentive showcasing and platforming future Asian sounds, as well as many music festivals and exciting new programming up and down the country 2010, marks a very exciting time for this award winning UK institute.
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ABOUT SHARNITA K ATHWAL & MANGA

From the humble beginnings at London’s leading ethnic Media and PR agency Media Moguls, to the present day and running The Hockley, furthermore to this in 2006-2008 Athwal in was the only Asian female columnist for Night Times newspaper and music review editor for Eastern Eye and Clickwalla.com. She was also the first Asian woman to launch the UK Asian Music Awards Magazine. As Editor she collaborated with many established artists such as Nitin Sawhney, DJ Ritu, Mark Strippel from the BBC Asian Network. In 2008, Shaanti withdraw their nomination for an award as Athwal was asked to be on the judging panel, making her the only female judge for the UK Asian Music Awards alongside Nihal from Radio 1, to only return as judge in 2010. Athwal hard work in the industry was recognised as she was also chosen as Women 2 Watch '50 Most Creative and Cultural Women in the UK" by the Arts Council.

Other publishing credits also included being a freelance Editor for a number of freely distributed magazines celebrating diversity and culture including Diwali, Eid and articles appeared in the successful Asian Business Directory and Works for Me newspaper owned by LootLab's parent company, publisher Loot.

While Manga, Founder of Shaanti broadcasting skills Manga as well as his regular TV appearances on lifestyle show that included BBC’s Award Winning Lifestyle Show Desi DNA, Zee Music and Zee TV. Manga was also the Musical Director for Anim8 (Music Mania), a music youth initiative designed by Sampad and Birmingham City Council and has also worked with Apna Arts in Nottingham, Birmingham’s City Council, Midlands Art Centre, Boost Workshops, Southbank Centre, Gigbeth, Mega Mela at the NEC on music-based workshops and panel debates. Other award nominations all include Commitment to the Scene at the UKAMA in 2003.

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SHAANTI'S PAST COMMISSIONS AND PROJECTS

Angel Row Gallery - Nottingham
Angika Bhakti Dance Group
Apna Arts
Art and Music Group
Arts Council – Decibel Festival
Asian Pop Awards
Barclays Bank
BBC Haymarket Exhibitions Ltd - Clotheshow 2002
BBC Haymarket Exhibitions Ltd – Mega Mela 1999
Birmingham Film Festival 2001
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Birmingham TV & Film Institute
British Film Institute
British Film Institute Closing Party for Bollywood Film Season, 2003
Café Lazeez
Cargo, London
Channel 4
Channel 4’s Idea’s Factory
Charlton TV
Commonwealth Film Festival
Fabric – FABRICLIVE
Made in Britain – Parv Bancil
Madrick TV
Ministry of Sound
NEC Group
O2 Music
Radio 1 - BBC Music Live in Birmingham, 2001
Radio 1 - BBC Music Live in Nottingham, 2002
Sampad
Southbank Centre 2006
The Association of Black & Asian Probation Officers
The Drum Centre
The Imperial Cancer Research Fund
Urbium Group
Watermans Arts Centre
Xlantic Music Group

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
Bi-Monthly Shaanti Club Tour with the British Council – Poland, 2003 to 2004
British Council – Rome, Shaanti Closing Party for The Sangeet Mela (which in India means Muisca Festival) was the first festival of traditional Indian music and electronics, fashion, literature, cuisine and more, held in Rome 2003
Shaanti/Sultra Funk in Amsterdam
Shaanti in Tuscany, Italy 2002
Le Batofor, France 2000

UK FESTIVALS
The Big Chill Festival 2009
The Big Chill Festival 2008
City of Culture Bid 2008 - Sprit Festival
Galaxy FM – Leeds Mela 2007
The Big Year, 2006, 2007
Peterborough Mela 2005
World United Cannon Hill Park, Shaanti Club Tent 2005
Coventry Council - Godiva Festival 2005
Ealing Council – London Mela 2005
Love Music Hate Racism 2004
Birmingham Arts Fest 1999, 2000
Nottingham Council – Nottingham Mela 1999, 2002, 2003
Edinburgh Council - Edinburgh Festival 1999
Whitechapel Gallery - The ‘zerozerozero’ Festival 1999

SHAANTI CONCERTS
Panjit J feat Deedar, The Hockley, 2009
Asian Dub Foundation, Cargo, London, 2007
Transglobal Underground, The Marquee, London, 2007
Transglobal Underground, Cargo, London, 2006
Nitin Sawhney Semi-live & Acoustic, The Factory, Birmingham, 2006
Nitin Sawhney Semi-live & Acoustic, Cargo London, 2006
Talvin Singh presents Tabtek in The Birmingham, 2006
Talvin Singh presents Tabtek in The Marquee, London 2006
Asian Dub Foundation Tank European Live Concert, The Factory 2004

SUPPORTING EVENTS
Mother India, by Kala Phool Sun 11 April at The Town Hall
Mother India Weekend with Sampad, Fri 9 April, The Town Hall
Nitin Sawhney, London Undersound, 28 October 2008, The Town Hall
Drop Beats Not Bombs Festival, May 2008
Sampad: Raju Mali & Ensemble Perform Urban Jungli @ Bass Festival, June 2008
BASS Festival 2007
The Anoushka Shankar Project feat. Ravi Shankar 30 May,2008, Symphony Hall
Nitin Sawhney: A Throw Of Dice, 27 Oct 2006, Symphony Hall
Drop Beats Not Bombs Festival, May 2005
Nitin Sawhney and Birmingham Symphony Orchestra 2004
Amjad Ali Khan - Master of the Sarod with special guest Talvin Singh 20 May 2005, Symphony Hall with Sampad
Roots DeVille, June 2004, Custard Factory
Birmingham Jazz present: Bishi, with Sampad 16 April 2004, Hockley

COMMERCIAL UK CLUB VENUES & RESIDENCY
The Custard Factory, Birmingham
The Bomb Nightclub, Nottingham
Bonds Nightclub, Birmingham
Bridge and Tunnel, London
Brixton Telegraph, London
Chi Bar, Birmingham
Dragon Eye, Birmingham
Air Club, Birmingham
FiftyTwoDegreesNorth
Medicine Bar & Warehouse - MED BAR, Birmingham
Medicine Bar & Warehouse - MED BAR, London
Miss Moneypenny’s Nightclub
Moog Bar – Nottingham
Circo Bar, Birmingham
Que Club

ARTISTS WHO HAVE PERFORMED WITH SHAANTI
Adil Ray (BBCAN)
Afrika Bambaataa
Aki Nawaz from Nation Records
Arun Ghosh
Asian Dub Foundation
Badmarsh
Bishi
Bobby Friction (BBCAN)
Boy Better Know
Cornershop
Deedar
Deep, A.C and Terra feat. Des-C
Dhol Foundation
Dhruva Ganesan (USA)
DJ Krash
DJ Nasha (India)
DJ Sanj
DJ Suki
Dr Zeus
Dum Dum Project
Eagle – I
Earthtribe
Foreign Beggars (Mc Chori Salah. Sonny Jim)
Fundamental
Future World Funk
Gaudi (Italy)
H.Dhami
Invasion
J C and The Sona Family
Janaka Saleleta (USA)
JC 001
Joi
Juttla
Kray Twinz
Magikstar
Manjit (USA)
Martin Morales (Outcaste Records)
MDK Cartel
Mentor
MIDIval PunditZ
Mo Magic
Nasha
Nathan Flute Box Lee
Nerm and D-Code (BBCAN & Radio 1)
Nightmares on Wax
Nitin Sawhney
Outcaste Records
Outnationalists
Panjabi Hit Sqaud
Pathaan
Phil Medley
PMC
Pressure Drop
Raghav
RDB
Rich from Nation Records
Rich Reason (Warehouse Project)
Rishi Rich Project
Rock I-D
Shai Funk (India)
Shiva Soundsystem
Skepta
Specialist and Tru Skool
State of Bengal
Stereo Nation
Suk Knight
Sunit and Raxstar
Sunny Ji (BBCAN)
Swami
Swaraj
T J Rehmi
Talvin Singh
Tigerstyle
Transglobal Underground
UK Apache
UK Apache
Wiley