| Following the undoubted success of the first London
Mela in 2003 at Gunnersbury park, I’m glad to say that
Mela 2004 was even bigger and better. It was great to
see such an event produced by the Ealing Council.
This
was to celebrate Independence day by bringing all the
Asian community together to show that we are free.
  
The Mela was packed when we arrived.
The whole look of the Mela with huge flags, layout of
bazaars, stages, food and funfair made it an overall
day out event for all ages. The security was very well
organised to make sure the event was safe. Finally a
mela that had no fights or problems. Miracles do actually
happen.
  
You’d think that being
rich and getting all the fame and glory, these fantastic
singers would be rude or stuck up but NO. Jay Sean,
Rishi Rich & Juggy D are wonderful human beings
with a big heart. All they were doing backstage was
pleasing there fans by signing autographs and taking
pictures. I got a chance to get them out of there busy
schedule and chat to the 3 of them. We also got a chance
to chat to the beautiful Veronica. She is defiantly
a amazing girl who has time for her fans
  
Raghav was on stage
singing his no1 tunes that all of his fans went wild
on. Not only is he good looking but a gem of a guy taking
pictures with the little children. We at DesiDesi got
the opportunity to talk to him about his songs, response
from his fans and how much he loves the UK.
  
Once the name ‘The Rishi
Rich project’ were announced and both Rishi and Juggy
came on stage, the crowed went mad screaming for them.
Juggy started with the tune ‘Billo’ got everyone dancing
including myself. The highlight of his performance was
his dance. Those moves, those grooves HAI HAI.
   
The talented and gorgeous
Veronica came on stage. With Juggy D singing there smash
hit tune ‘U&I’ from the film ‘Hum Tum’. Both livened
up the whole crowed making them all have there hands
in the air.
  
Its happened before,
and happened again. - Jay Sean and screaming girls just
trying to get his attention. Both Juggy and Jay are
amazing performers starting off with Eyes on you, sohniye,
dance with you and many more from there forthcoming
album which will be releasing soon. (Juggy’s album on
the 23rd on Aug and Jay Sean’s in Sept)
  
‘We have our Sikhs,
Hindus, Muslims here today. Being from different cultures,
the one thing that’s brought us together is the music’
- Juggy D’s words on stage reminding us all about how
lucky we are.
  
Stereo Nation were created
the same magic the others did on stage. Starting off
with ‘Gwandiyan’ Got Taz high on the tune making others
sing along with him. He dazzled the stage with his performance
with his melodies and dynamic dance grooves.
  
And that was just the
main stage! Mela 2004 had a line up of action packed
stages and activities that got everyone involved in
and amused all. Club Asia was there on a stage getting
people to come on stage and perform on tunes that were
played.
There was a ‘Classical
mela’ - Raag Mela where you had Qawwalis, singers such
as Subir Nandi, Fatema Tuz Zohra, Abida Sulatna and
Shakila Zafar.
There was the ‘Mela
cabaret’ which had a lineup of fashion bites, Dhol V’S
Tabla, djs and many more.
  
‘Heritage maidan’ which
contained documentaries, screenings and presentations
of the Asian history.
Overall we at DesiDesi.com
had a fantastic day. This mela will be once to remember.
I’d like to thank Becky who gave us the opportunity
to cover this spectacular event and make sure were could
bring you more close to places that you could not see.
Hopefully we get enjoy it all again in Mela 2005.
We at DesiDesi would
like to wish you all ‘Happy Independence day’
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Article and Photos by Rupinder Badwal & Harminder Thind
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