Nottingham’s music scene is buzzing with the resurgence of West Bridgford’s Masti, a band that redefines Bhangra by blending traditional Punjabi beats with popular English songs.
This unique fusion has catapulted the group to national fame, captivating audiences across the UK with their high-energy performances and innovative style.
Born from the legacy of the 1980s Bhangra sensation Nayi Roshni, Masti is a family affair, combining the talents of original members Amjad and Surinder with a new generation performer, Aamir. Their journey is not just about reviving a musical heritage but also about pushing boundaries, as they transform well-known English tracks into Bhangra hits that resonate across diverse audiences.
“We’re a fusion band who transform English songs into high-energy Bhangra songs,” Aamir explains. “This resonates across all audiences and has gained us national recognition, regular performances with the BBC (including this morning!), and festival gigs across the UK to crowds of up to 10,000 people.”
A recent highlight of their success is their Christmas single, a Bhangra remix of “Jingle Bells”, which they released just yesterday. The track has already become a viral sensation, garnering over 1 million views on TikTok. The band will be performing the song across multiple BBC Radio stations in the coming week, bringing their infectious energy to even wider audiences.
@thisismasti_ Bhangra Christmas Mashup! Jingle Bells x Dama Dam Mast Qalandar – the mashup you never knew you needed! 😂 Full song available on Spotify and all other streaming platforms! Merry Christmas everyone! #PunjabiChristmas #JingleBells #PunjabiTikTok #Bollywood #Bhangra #XmasNumber1 ♬ original sound – thisismasti_
For Aamir, Masti is the realisation of a childhood dream. As the son of Amjad, one of Nayi Roshni’s original members, Aamir grew up inspired by his father’s musical journey. Amjad stepped away from music three decades ago to focus on family life, but Aamir promised himself he would one day bring his father back to the stage. Today, that promise has not only been fulfilled but exceeded beyond expectations.
Since their formation, Masti has taken the UK by storm, winning Best Band at the prestigious UK National Bhangra Awards. Their reimagining of classic English songs as Bhangra anthems and their high-energy performances have earned them fans from all walks of life. The viral success of “Jingle Bells” is just the latest example of their ability to innovate while staying true to their roots.
Masti’s infectious performances have also made them a regular feature on BBC platforms and a favorite at major festivals. “Our audience loves the family dynamic, the English-to-Bhangra mashups, and our high-energy, entertaining style,” Aamir says.
With upcoming performances at festivals with audiences of up to 20,000 people, the future looks brighter than ever for Masti. “Who knows?” Aamir jokes. “We might even be playing ‘Jingle Bells’ in July!”
Fans can follow Masti’s journey on Instagram (@thisismasti), Facebook (Masti Band), and their website www.masti-music.com. From viral hits to award-winning performances, Masti is more than a band—it’s a fusion of family, tradition, and innovation that’s taking the Bhangra world by storm.
