Indianapolis, Dec 17, 2019 (Yes Punjab News)
‘Heer’ from Denmark Anita Hjorth Lerche has earned yet another international recognition to adorn her showcase. Indianapolis-based Anita, who considers Punjab as her second home, is back home after receiving the “Special Contribution Award” from the UK Bhangra Awards recently held at luxurious Regency Banqueting Suite, Hagley Road in the heart of Birmingham (UK).
Radio Host at Rukus Avenue Radio, Anita is, however, not a person to rest upon the laurels she has so far earned. Billboard Top-5 Charting internationally acclaimed award-winning singer, songwriter and composer Anita Hjorth is excited for 2020 that will include “new music releases and touring”.
“Every award and recognition I have ever received have always been inspirational and motivated me to do more. The “Special Contribution Award” from the UK Bhangra Awards is very unique and it might be one the highest accolades so far of my career.
Founder Bobby Bola and Culture Unite are the organisers behind the largest and most prestigious Bhangra event in the UK. The aim is to promote Bhangra, Punjabi Culture and Unity of all communities,” said Anita Lerche on her return from Birmingham.
“I feel extremely grateful to have been nominated for a Special Contribution Award, UK Bhangra Awards 2019. Thank you so much to all my loyal fans and friends, who have supported me over the last 14 years. Punjabi music and culture is rich and colorful, and I’ve always been very proud to call Punjab my second home. “
Ambassador at Christel House International Anita Lerche says, “It was like a dream winning the “Special Contribution Award” and I feel extremely grateful to UK Bhangra Awards for honoring my work towards promoting Bhangra, Punjabi culture and Unity worldwide.
This award is extra special, because it is based on public voting, and I have had fans and supporters voting for me from all over the world. It has been nearly 15 years since this journey into Punjabi music began and the “Special Contribution Award” is truly motivational. I am excited for 2020 that will include new music releases and touring”.
Elated Anita’s husband Soren Hjorth said, “I couldn’t be more proud of my wife. I see her hard work on a daily basis and getting recognized for awards like this is a testament that others also notice her perseverance and dedication to the Bhangra music and culture”.
Thank you for all your love and support.
Anita Hjorth Lerche thanked and appreciated her husband’s outstanding continuous support in her career. “You are my own Viking and without you I could not follow my dreams and do the work I do. I love our Team Hjorth-Lerche.”
A towering international personality and interfaith leader Kanwal Prakash Singh wrote “Anita, Congratulations on your winning at the UK Bhangra Awards 2019, the prestigious Special Contribution Award for your music, singing, Bhangra dancing and celebration of Punjabi culture and the arts. Wishing you many future honors for your talents and deep commitment to the arts and cultures, especially music and dance as an important bridge to our shared humanity.”
Known for his “Lines for Distinctions” the world famous artist and winners of hundreds of international awards for his outstanding contribution, KP Singh, who did his Bachelor of Arts from Panjab University, Chandigarh, said ” Looking forward to your continuing to receive special accolades and recognition for your emerging as a celebrated international artiste with many diverse talents and gifts.”
Anita has received congratulatory messages from all over the world for earning yet another international award.
UK Bhangra Awards 2019 united and delighted on a truly magnificent occasion that created many memories for all to cherish. This showpiece took place on Saturday 30th November 2019. “We congratulate event CEO and organiser Bobby Bola along with his team at Culture Unite for another smash hit extravaganza, said Anita, who signs in 16 different languages of the world,” said Anita.
With the release of her album “Heer from Denmark’ in November 2006, Anita became the first non-Asian woman from the west to create a solo album in Punjabi. After months of living in Himachal Pradesh (India), learning about the culture, practicing Punjabi and recording music, Lerche finally released her first Punjabi album Heer from Denmark’ in 2006.
“Bhajans” was Anita’s fourth solo album release and highlights devotional Bhajans (eight) sung in Hindi with music that includes traditional Indian instruments fused with elements from New Age. The music tracks were recorded in Punjab and New Delhi, with the vocals recorded in Indianapolis, Indiana, and the entire album mastered at Capitol Records in Los Angeles, California.
As part of the 150th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi, artists from over 124 countries contributed musically in paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi through his favourite bhajan (prayer) ‘Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye’. From Denmark Anita Lerche was among those celebrates who paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi.
LIVE PERFORMANCES: The red carpet family event celebrating its 6th anniversary was filled with 24 Awards, live performances,dinner, dance, exhibition and workshops. People from all generations, communities and cultures were treated to an experience like no other. Attendees included members of the Bhangra industry fraternity, VIP’s, dignitaries, general public and media.
“There was superb hosting by Manpreet Darroch, Amber Joseph and Apna Bhajan Jagpal who kept the audience captivated throughout. A special mention goes out to event coordinator Chandni Kahn for her fantastic stage management and contribution towards this successful journey,” said Anita.
There were breathtaking live performances by Inderjit London, Kamal Chopra, Subaig Singh, Jin and Seetal, K Mohito, Gurdeep Kainth, Khadija Dilnawaz, Pally Matharu, Vinay Bangar, Haripa Dancers, Bhangra Smash Up, Beat Asylum, Dance Bhangra, 4All2 Envy Entertainment, Birmingham Crew DJ’s.
CEO and organiser Bobby Bola was quoted as saying “The team at UK Bhangra Awards thank everyone that has made this event a huge success in promoting Bhangra, Culture and Unity. Together we have reached out to a global audience and created probably the biggest Bhangra event in the world”.
UK Bhangra Awards 2019
Best Publication: Mann Jitt Weekly
Best Website: DesiBlitz.com
Best Radio Presenter: Shandy Kambo (Awaz FM)
Best TV Presenter: Mohanjeet Basra (Akaal Channel)
Best DJ Roadshow: Birmingham Crew DJ’s
Best Dhol Artist: Beat Asylum
Best Dance Group: Jodi Dancers
Best Mela: Luton Mela
Best Songwriter: Balkar Laltonwala
Best Music Producer: High Beats Music
Best Musician: Juggy Rihal
Best Band: The Harvey Sahota Band
Best Record Label: Kiss Records
Best Video Producer: Panam Verma
Best Music Video: Shin Hayer ft Kaka Bhaniawala – Teri Photo
Best Single: Subaig Singh – Yaar Belli
Best Album: Nikka Sev – 1501
Best Newcomer: Kulstarr and K Mohito
Best Female Singer: Jeet Kaur
Best Male Singer: Subaig Singh
Best Urban Artist: Japjit Kaur
Best International Artist: Kamal Chopra (Malaysia)
Special Contribution Award: Anita Lerche and Shazad Sheikh
Lifetime Achievement Award: Bhujhangy Group.
