A Nottingham-based family bhangra band has landed a record deal after their energetic festive remix, 'Jingle Balle', captivated millions online. The group, called Masti, has been signed by Kiss Records to professionally re-record the viral track in time for Christmas.
From Family Jam to Global Viral Sensation
The band's journey began in 2023 when performer and DJ Aamir Rana, 36, decided to bring his father Amjad and uncle Surinder back to the stage. The duo had previous experience in the 1980s band Nayi Roshni, which saw two albums reach the top three in the UK Asian music charts.
Their first gig featured a bhangra version of Queen's 'We Will Rock You', which led to regular performances. The Christmas hit was born when the BBC asked them for a festive song last year. "We chose to reimagine Jingle Bells," Aamir explained. After performing it, they made a fun video which Aamir posted online. "I woke up to half a million likes, the number kept going up and it just exploded into the millions," he said.
The Signature Masti Sound and Professional Recording
Masti's unique appeal lies in its fusion of iconic English songs with Punjabi bhangra anthems, driven by the powerful sound of the dhol. "Jingle Balle" has now been mixed by noted music producer Pete Ware and features Kulwant Singh Bhamra on the tumbi. Kulwant is famed for his work on the classic track 'Mundian To Bach Ke' by Punjabi MC.
Aamir describes the band's dynamic: "No one has managed to bridge the gap quite like this. You've got my dad singing in Punjabi and Hindi with me on the English vocals, intertwining the two. There's a lot of chemistry on stage." The viral video spread rapidly on TikTok, reaching audiences in Pakistan, India, Italy, and Fiji.
A New Full-Time Career in Music
The success has catalysed a major life change for Aamir. He left his job as a director of business development at an AI company during the lockdown to pursue DJing and performing full-time. He now DJs at multiple events and weddings each month. "The best thing I ever did was leave my job to DJ full-time. I love what I do," he stated.
Masti's profile has risen significantly. They have appeared on BBC Children in Need for BBC Radio Leicester's Thousand Mile Challenge and won Best Band at the UK Bhangra Awards 2024. The newly recorded single, Jingle Balle, is released today on international channels including B4U, B4U New York, and Zee Music.
Reflecting on getting his family back on stage, Aamir recalled, "I grew up listening to my dad's songs and I kept saying to him, 'I'll get you back on that stage one day'. He'd just laugh." Now, with a record deal and a viral Christmas hit, the laughter has turned into celebrated success.
