My Top Ten: Mehsopuria's musical influences

By Mehsopuria

Bob Marley: During my childhood his music was huge in Handsworth, where I was born and raised. Although Bob passed away before I could really appreciate his music, it was still regularly heard and spoken of many years after him. The reggae sound he pioneered worldwide influenced my subconscious mind. Bob’s music was freedom and his one love slogan transcended racial barriers.

Madonna: The superstar had an ever-changing image and an awesome ability to reinvent herself. I loved that her songs were never the same and she captured a generation. She was one of the few female artists to rival males in terms of being such a great artist. From an image aspect, she definitely influenced me to be different and quirky.

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan: I was listening to Khan saab as kid, when the whole qawwali sound was not so commercial. His music was an amalgamation of Punjab, India and Pakistani folk traditions crossed with a very Sufi element. He sang many kalaams of Baba Bulleh Shah, which at the time of listening I didn’t know would make their way into the inflectional subconscious mind of mine and appear when I wrote Ranjha Jogi in 1999 and released it in 2004.

N.W.A: The influential group became a movement for the then youth of the States, which transcended over to the UK. They helped make hip-hop commercial as a genre while still keeping it the sound of the streets and for the streets. Those heavy drum beats, snares and hi-hats are often in my tracks and again it’s a sound that was part of my school days. Dre, Cube and Eazy-E were as thug as you could get for rap artists of that time. They also influenced my whole cap and baggy jeans look to an extent.

Freddie Mercury and Queen: As an individual and group, the songs that came from them were incredible. His singing range was sublime and the melodies he left behind are a treasure. Bohemian Rhapsody is a work of art that takes me back to different times in my childhood. He left behind I Want To Break Free, We Will Rock You and many great songs that will live on forever.

Elvis Presley: Another iconic legend whose style, songs and genius were ahead of his time. His timeless music appealed to people from different races. I find myself at times listening to his songs, as they were part of my childhood. He was a real artist and drew people towards him. You didn’t have to be a rock ‘n’ roll fan to appreciate Elvis.

Chamkila: The hugely controversial Punjabi artist was unrivalled as a talent. He was blessed with an ability to write, compose and sing songs, which will never grow out of date and forever be remixed.  He was killed when I was still at school and it was after as I grew up that I started to appreciate his lyrical ability. His melodies have impacted many songs, artists and lyricists since. Lyrically his use of vocabulary and ability to play on words is something I learned and used when writing.

George Michael and Wham: His songs were not only part of my childhood but also becoming an adult. George’s melodies were perfect for the pop genre. There wasn’t a Christmas I remember not hearing his song on TV, in the shopping centres, on radio or somewhere. I find myself at times listening back to some of his great tracks and knowing he was an artist that impacted me in some way. His vocals were superb and he’s missed by the music industry.

Michael Jackson: The king of pop was an all-round musical genius. The greatest performer had an image that was unmistakable and an aura that attracted the world towards him. MJ sang so many songs that were not only ground breaking, but also true greats. His image was ever changing and something that influenced me. Jacko was a special talent and an artist I loved to watch on TV as well as listen to.

Surjit Bindrakhia: My idol and the greatest folk Punjabi voice that has ever graced our industry. His wonderful voice captured me from school days and college. When everyone else was listening to the bands from UK, I was only listening to this great artist. Having the pleasure and honour to spend the day in his company in 2003 before he dropped the evergreen Duppatta Tera Satrang Da is something I’ll cherish forever. He delivered so many anthems that will be a part of Punjabi music forever. Without doubt the biggest influence on my career. Without Bindrakhia there would never have been a Mehsopuria.