Kaka Mohanwalia

Kaka Mohanwalia is the name on everyone lips, with his singing debut on the smash hit ‘2 Much Glassy’ on the Genie Records label and on the highly anticipated ‘Groundshaker 2’ album by Aman Hayer, this fresh and funky singer is bringing a folk twist to traditional UK Bhangra music.
AsianFx caught up with the upcoming singer, to find out a bit more about this new artist and what he’s all about.

1. How did you get into the music industry?

I came into the music industry through the one and only - Aman Hayer. He is like a elder brother to me and has guided me for over 10 years through learning instruments and now in singing.

2. Which instruments can you play?

I can play two instruments the Dhol and the Dholki. I have been playing them both for over 20 years now.

3. Who is your inspiration?

I would have to say Aman Hayer, Sukshinder Shinda Paji & Jazzy B. Not only am I very close to these guys but I am lucky enough to see first hand how they work behind closed doors and I can truly say I have never ever seen or heard 3 more gifted people in my life. They have exceptional talents between them.

4. What is your latest project?

I have recently completed the song ‘Dil Labna’ on the GroundShaker 2 album; it’s a very traditional song with a heavy dhol beat. Aman Hayer done a great job as usual on the production and I enjoyed recording this song in particular.
I am also featuring on a follow up to Genie-Us, which is titled ‘2 Genie-US’ and will feature various artists from the UK and India.
Meanwhile my solo album is currently being produced by Aman Hayer.

5. Tell us more about the producer side to you, is it true you was a part of the production team of ‘Groove Productions?’

I did start off in a group called Groove Productions under the guidance of Aman Hayer, but I left 3 years ago to concentrate on my singing career. Groove Productions now consists of DS-Deo and Amba Aujla. They are currently producing a few tracks for various artists.

6. You are a man of many talents! You are also a part of a band, is this true?

Yes it is, I have been a part of Sukhshinder Shinda’s live band since it was formed. I play dhol and do backing vocals on stage with Shinda Paji.
I have also been part of Jazzy B’s live band since 2001.

7. Have you ever performed anywhere other than the UK?

I have performed in many countries with Aman Hayer, Sukshinder Shinda and Jazzy B including Dubai, Kenya, Canada, USA, Norway, Germany, Italy, Denmark and many other places.

I am going on tour with Jazzy B and Sukhshinder Shinda in March 2008 and will cover USA (LA), Australia (Brisbane) and New Zealand (Auckland)

8. What do you like to do in your spare time?

I work hard in the gym - I think it’s important to keep fit and healthy.

9. Describe yourself in three words.

Man Utd Fan.

10. Name three things you can’t live without.

The gym, my Playstation 3 and the TV.

11. Which newcomer do you think has the most potential to hit it big?

I would say that Dev Dhillon has got massive potential, he is a very very good singer who sounds abit like the brilliant late Surjit Bindrakhia so watch out for his new album. There are also plenty of other really good singers coming through like Jas Dhami, Jassi Jallundari and Michel Mattu.

12. Finally, have you got any messages for your fans?

Yes I would like to thank all fans and music lovers for their support and love across the world and wish them good health and happiness.

FAVOURITES:

• Colour: Orange
• Number: 11
• Sport: Football
• Song: Nazra Tor by Sardool Sikandar
• Panjabi/Hindi Film: Shaheed Udham Singh
• English film: Borat
• Actor: Will Smith
• Actress: Angelina Jolie
• If I ruled the world for one day I’d be: Playing for the greatest team in the world – Man Utd!
• Life motto: Live everyday as it was your last.
• Love or lust: Love
• Turn ons: Sense Of humour
• Turn off’s: Stuck up people
• In ten years time I would like to be: Looking back with no regrets
• AsianFx is: a breath of fresh air for Asian Radio in the West Midlands!