CHILDHOOD friends Simon Nakra and Juggy Rihal teamed up to form the group MasterClass. The talented duo released their acclaimed debut single Ajj Nachna this year and have big plans for the future. The Midlands-based producers each selected 10 songs they love:
JUGGY RIHAL:
Soniye Je Tere Naal by Kulwinder Kally: Amazing composition. Great melody, great lyrics and sung very well!
Gidha Pao by Mohinder Kaur Bhamra: This family anthem always lights up the dance floor.
Back To Life by Soul II Soul: I’m a 1980s child and grew up listening to these guys.
Ain’t Nobody by Chaka Khan: This also always brings back childhood memories.
Khat Tukdhe Tukdhe by Sardool Sikander: A very meaningful song with great lyrics, melody, composition, music and amazing vocals of Sardool Sikander.
Lokan Nu Naach Vikhaiye by The Sahotas: I was a big fan of The Sahotas back in the day. The music, vibe and tempo of this song gets a big thumbs up.
Akhiyan by Nachhatar Gill: What an amazing song, with fantastically arranged and composed music. It of course also has great vocals.
I Just Can’t Stop Loving You by Michael Jackson: How can anyone not be a fan of this guy and his songs?
Right Here by SWV: This was a track I used to listen to during my sixth form days. It’s a nice laidback listening tune.
Naina De Buhe by Lakhwinder Wadali: An all-round greatly produced track. Vocals, percussion and musical instrumentation have been very cleverly utilised without compensating or overdoing anything.
SIMON NAKRA:
Amplifier by Imran Khan: Possibly my favourite r’n’b Punjabi song. So well-produced, it gets me moving on the dance floor.
Mundian De Bach Ke by PMC: A massive dance floor hit that broke a lot of barriers for Punjabi music. The Busta Rhymes sample along with the dhol and tumbi killed it.
Lak Noo Hala De by Achanak: This song from one of my favourite bands back in the day got me into Punjabi music. I loved the pieces so much that I learnt to play them.
Dowain Jaaniya by Heera: I remember singing and dancing to this classic song along with my siblings during our youth. It brings back a lot of great memories!
Naram Jehi by Malkit Singh: The king of bhangra for so many years. I loved so many of his songs but this one stood out for me.
Purple Rain by Prince: One of my all time favourite artists. There is such an emotional feeling to this song.
Next Episode by Dr Dre: One of the most influential artists that inspired me to make music. Chronic 2001 is one of my favourite albums. This particular tune goes on repeat and gets my head rocking!
A Lovely Day by Bill Withers: A feel-good tune that I listen to for a pick-me up. I smile each time I hear this song!
Do You Remember by Jill Scott: An amazing artist! I loved the whole album. When I need to relax and forget about the world, this song is just perfect.
Times Like These by Foo Fighters: The energy in this song is electric! I play this so loud in my car and bop away like there’s no tomorrow.
