WINNIE The Mega Dhol Blaster | Geet the Mega Band | Satvinder Rana | Aajkal Show (EP9) | Aajkal.TV

WINNIE (also known as Narinderjit Singh Winnie) is a renowned UK-based dhol player and a key figure in the British Bhangra music industry. Winnie came to the forefront in the 1980s as part of Geet the Mega Band from Wolverhampton which became one of the pioneering live Bhangra acts of the era. They put Wolverhampton firmly on the map, performing regularly at venues like The Civic Hall and the Dome, touring Europe, performing at WOMAD and achieving notable success as recording artists. The band won awards including the OSA Asian Song Contest, Best Newcomer and Best Upcoming Artist at the Asian Pop Awards in 1989 and 1991. They released popular albums such as Hit That Dhol (1992), Chillin’ (1991), and others, blending energetic dhol beats with traditional and modern Bhangra sounds. Winnie’s powerful, high-energy dhol playing earned him the nickname “original Dhol Blaster.” He also collaborated on projects like Dhol Blasters with Gurcharan Mall. Beyond performing, Winnie worked as a social worker for many years and taught Bhangra through to young people. He served as a positive role model for young Punjabis in the community. He has also been involved in preserving and promoting the legacy of British Bhangra music through various initiatives. In more recent years, Winnie reunited with former bandmate Atma Ahir for new music, including playing dhol on tracks like “Morni.” He remains active in occasional performances and community events, and is celebrated by fans and fellow artists for his contributions to the “golden age” of UK Bhangra. Winnie represents a bridge between the classic live-band era of Bhangra and its ongoing cultural impact in the UK. His thunderous dhol style and ambassadorial work have left a lasting legacy in the UK Bhangra scene. Here he talks about not only his journey through the annals of Bhangra history but also the origins, emergence and subsequent take over of Bhangra dancing and Bhangra pop music on the world stage.