other talented musicians. By using western instruments with Punjabi folk instruments the group produced a new style in Punjabi music and modernised the sounds. Adding to that, hit melodies and great lyrics, the rise of Punjabi music and Bhangra started. Amongst the many awards he has received are Lifetime achievement for Punjabi music from the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Mary Draycott, at the 13th anniversary celebrations of the BBC Radio’s Punjabi Programme. He is the first-ever singer to be given the life time achievement award by BBC.

His daughter, Mona Singh, has followed in his footsteps and performed at Royal Albert Hall in London. He lives with his wife Dhan in UK. Channi Singh is the first British Asian to be appointed as a honorary Senior Lecturer of Music, Liverpool University. He has composed music for Feroz Khan's films and Bollywood films such as Yalgaar, Shaktimaan, Janasheen and Top less.

"Channi Singh has contributed to Punjabi Music for over three decades and has performed all over the world. He is highly respected by the Punjabi Community. Alaap has performed with Sir Jimmy Seville, UB40 and performed at Madison Square Garden in USA, Al Nasr Indoor Stadium in Dubai, and Royal Albert Hall in London. The band was described as ‘Simply the Best’ by The Gurkha Battalion in Bosnia. He has also performed in Canada, Australia and other countries. In 1992, Alaap became the first Asian British bhangra band to perform in Pakistan"