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Starting off in the early 80’s San-j Sanj pioneered the daytimer club scene as a DJ and Promoter. Not resting on his laurels Sanj fulfilled one of his other dreams by going into music production, his first 12 inch single; titled Xzecutive, sold around 4000 copies on white label thus making Sanj (Xzecutive) the first ever Brit-Asian DJ to release a 12 inch single. This led to a turning point when Sanj alongside his brother Amit signed a contract with Multitone Records in 1990 to remix their vast Bhangra and Bollywood catalogue, the result was Extra Hot 1, now known as a milestone in remixing, Sanj followed this up with Garma Garam 1, remixes of Amitabh Bachchan songs – This is known to be the first ever Bollywood remix album. The early 90’s for San-j Sanj were extremely busy with International tours, recording albums. By the late 90’s San-j Sanj introduced Bollywood music to his live sets, even though it was ahead of its time the movement had begun. By 1999, Sanj launched the first ever Bollywood Club Night in London – Escapizm @ Bar Chocolate playing a mix of Bollywood with club beats such as Garage, Drum and Bass, House and RnB, dubbed as BomBass. The club night was appreciated, this resulted in Sanj becoming resident DJ for Kuch Kuch Nights launched at Bar Bollywood – the night since has become the longest running Bollywood club night in Europe, celebrating 16 years in 2016. Next for San-j Sanj was a stint in radio with Westside Radio and BBA, it was from here that Sanj was noticed for his radio ability and swiftly moved to the newly branded Club Asia in 2001. Sanj broadcasted “The Show With No Name” this show, was the first on commercial radio to have a mix of Indian and English songs; the mix of music was so successful that it became the sound for the station. Sanj was headhunted in 2003 by the BBC Asian Network and worked on the chart show for 18 months. In 2005, San-j Sanj returned to Club Asia and also launched his club night 2WiCE as SPiCE, this club night became the biggest weekly Bollywood club night in London, running for over two years. 2007 – Sanj was chosen as the London champion to curate Soho Road to Punjab which was an exhibition based mainly on how Bhangra developed in London. Whilst juggling his DJ career, radio and events. Sanj has mentored and nurtured many names that have made it in the industry.
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Sandy Shah
