It's official

Easy on the eyes, he has an all-embracing old world charm that is cutting through the clutter of Bhangra trends, economic shifts and perhaps a little industry turmoil. Hailing all the way from Vancouver, Canada - Raju Johal talks exclusively with Simply Bhangra about music, inspiration, the Vancouver music scene, and of course longevity in Bhangra Music World.

Raju, welcome!

Thank you very much.

Tell us about yourself; how or why did you get into music?

I have to thank my parents, especially my Dad, Kamaljit Singh Johal, for being passionate about music and dancing. He was successful in his own way within the music and bhangra circles, so that really helped a lot.

It was with his encouragement that I started and really continued with music. At the age of three, he started by teaching me the Dhol. Then at the age of six, I got into singing. It was with persistence that I had the opportunity to learn classical, ghazal, Punjabi folk and Hindi music from my teacher, Ustad Devinder Singh Hundal Ji. We have been working together since 1996. From a personal standpoint, I honestly love music and am grateful for the opportunity to make music.

How long you been in the industry?

My informal music career started out very young; I was three years old when I discovered my love for music and singing. During my teenage years, music was always in the background, but I focused more on school, which led to performing at various Bhangra competitions for the last eight years.

What is your favourite moment of your music career?

Hmmm. So far, I have had two favourite moments. First would have to be releasing my first EP