Jugni 21st Century Can you imagine the shock of seeing Arif Lohar dressed in a parka jacket fronting a rock band singing “Jugni”? This assault to the senses has recently been making the rounds on the local music channels. I’m in two minds about this. I usually appreciate it when artists re-invent themselves and constantly change people’s perception of them. But Arif Lohar’s re-working of the popular folk tune “Jugni” is well, embarrassing.
I guess in a drive to reach a wider audience, Lohar decided to pair up with Mukhtar Sahota, the popular bhangra remixer, to create a hip-hop rock version of “Jugni” complete with a Matrix-style video. But it just doesn’t fit. The “Jugni” I remember was a spiritual, upbeat and highly catchy folk tune that had been covered many times by our local singers. This remix version manages to strip the song of any joy and turn in into something overproduced and sinister sounding.
However, this is not a bad album. In fact if it wasn’t for the awful remix for “Jugni:, this is an album full of some pretty hot bhangra remixes. My favorite being “Mirza” which showcases Lohar at his campy best. The bhangra techno beat is bouncy and dark at the same time. Other great songs are reworkings of standard bhangra tracks “Kamlee” and “Sher Punjab Da” are infectious and really put one in the mood to bust some hardcore moves.
I have to admit I am a huge fan of some authentic dirty bhangra remixes and I think Lohar delivers an awesome punch whenever he sticks to his strengths. This is a great shaadi album and this close to wedding season, I think it will be a handy thing to own.