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© 2006 Pukaar. Rights Reserved.

The Band


Members of the band together with Arshad Mahmood, September 2004. Arshad Mahmood is a Lollywood star from Pakistan.

Below you will find a brief description of the band members and their role within the band.

Romail
Romail Gulzar

Romail is from Pakistan, with a huge heart for music. It is Romail's passion and vision that keeps Pukaar going, and his traumatic but inspirational history that produces much of our music. Romail is a songwriter and has been making music worldwide for nearly 10 years. Romail likes to dabble on any instrument he can get his hands on, but plays the pivotal role of MC during Pukaar gigs. He may start on stage, but he nearly always ends up amongst the crowd, spurring us all on with his moves! Pukaar is Romail's life.


Barry
Barry Upton

Barry is a very successful hit songwriter, arranger, musician and producer of various forms of popular music. He is also an accomplished studio engineer and stage performer having appeared around the world in various capacities. Some of his original work includes Cheeky Flamenco - Top 30 hit with the Cheeky Girls and we would be proud to boast that he is the man behind Steps Gold - Number 1 Greatest Hits Album with the hit single 5, 6, 7, 8. He has joined Pukaar as DJ and a singer. He and Romail are working very closely to create some more magical tunes. Wallah!


Johnnie
Nirmal Singh

Nirmal (who better likes to be known as Johnnie) is a very talented Indian drummer. From the age of 7, much of his spare time has been spent studying numerous Indian drums such as the dholak, tablas, dhol and congas. Now a well-established musician, Nirmal plays with several bands nationwide. When you see him on stage, look out for the amazing speed of his hands as he plays the Dholak!



Charles
Charles John

Charles has had full training in semi classical music from Pakistan Arts Council, Lahore and is inspired by renowned artists such as Akhtar Hussain Sadiq and Azhar Manzoor. He has over 30 years of experience in producing music. He has produced over 20 Gospel albums and has performed and produced music for Pakistan Television and Radio in Lahore. Being a maestro of Keys he has performed with top artists from Bollywood to Lollywood. He has had the honour to work with some great artists including Anand Ji, Bappi Lahiri, Ghulam Ali and Arshad Mehemood. He is great at vocals and can also play the Guitar, Harmonium, Accordion, Piano, Drums and the Tabla. His experience and talent as a musician, sound engineer and a teacher is a great asset to Pukaar.


Billu
Billu Gandhi

Billu is a very exciting percussionist mastering the art of Tabla, Congo, Bongo and Dhol. Born in East Africa, he has been involved in fine arts from a very young age. His first performance was at the age of 5. His work has included working with the pioneers of bhangra, Alaap, originally called Sangeet Sangarm. The band was founded by Billu’s older brothers, Harjit and Channi. Alaap’s first Album-Teri chunni de sitare was a hit all over the world which resulted in their first tour to Africa, Canada, America, Singapore and Australia. Since then Billu has performed alongside top musicians with the likes of Bollywood legends Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle, UB40, Robert Palmer, Jaspinder Narula, Abhijeet and Babul Supriyo. Billu is a very gregarious individual and he always has a tip or two on percussion. He is heavily involved in regular music workshops. So don’t miss him in Pukaar’s next workshop. Having joined Pukaar in December 2005, it has been a pleasure having him on board.


Moise
Moise Ichama

Moise! Yes this man has a wonderful talent just like his name. He is the latest addition to the band. Moise has joined us in March 2006 as a dynamic Bass Guitarist. Lets make some Moise!!!


Jeanpy Bembwana
Jeanpy Bembwana

Jeanpy is from Congo. In April 2006 he joined Pukaar as a solo artist. Music has guided him through his life and various experiences. Sounds of his guitar and melancholic voice represent his culture.


Ajmal Mughal
Ajmal Mughal

Ajmal is a talented musician from Pakistan and he has been playing sitar for last 30 years across Asia and Europe and now is serving local community in Southampton. It is a pleasure to have Ajmal on board with Pukaar.