Meet Beant, a rising rap artist and curator from Leamington Spa, is making waves in the UK music scene with his unique fusion of British rap and Punjabi folk music. Known for his standout tracks like ‘Brown Geezas’ and ‘Way Too Much,’ Beant seamlessly merges the raw energy of British rap with the soulful essence of Punjabi culture, staying unapologetically British while epitomizing his ‘desi’ core.
His journey began in his teenage years, when he would write rap lyrics, spitting bars in classrooms, laying the foundation for his musical career. In 2023, Beant released his debut EP, ‘The Rules Of Engagement’, pushing creative boundaries and establishing himself as a fresh, authentic voice among the internet-smitten generation, all while staying deeply connected to his roots.
Beant’s love for music traces back to the Gurdwara, where he first encountered Kirtan and learned Dilruba. “I never practiced enough to get any good!” he laughs, but it was there that his passion for music truly ignited. His path into the world of digital content creation came later when he began documenting his experience teaching English to children in Italy on TikTok. It was during this phase that the 25-year-old emerging star ventured into Punjabi and Sikh-related content, starting with a video breakdown of Sidhu’s YSL. “I enjoyed making that video so much, I started creating more content,” he shares, and the community began to grow.
In 2023, Beant founded ‘Lishkara,’ an event series dedicated to authentic Punjabi folk music. “The idea germinated from one of my elders who urged me to bring my internet audience into a physical space,” he explains. Since its inception, it has become a platform for showcasing talented Punjabi folk musicians like Preet, Dhami Amarjit, and Jet Karra, creating a stomping ground for younger audiences to connect with the roots of Punjabi music.
Blending his British upbringing with his Punjabi roots is at the heart of Beant's artistry. Collaborating with producers and friends, he strives to create a sound that captures his British-Punjabi identity. “I’m inspired by artists like Skepta and Nines as much as I am by Manak and Bindrakhia,” he says.
Looking back at his highs and lows, Beant recalls the electric energy of performing live at JAWANI 4EVA, where freestyle rapping and audience interaction were highlights. “There’s something freeing about engaging the crowd in the moment,” he shares. As a curator, one of his proudest moments was watching Preet perform at the first ‘Lishkara’ event. “Her vocals were unmatched, and the audience was so connected with the performance.”
He further elaborates, “Art is a huge part of culture, and creating new art that draws upon existing culture is a way to preserve and build it. We aim to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation, providing an authentic space for Punjabi folk music while introducing it to fresh, younger audiences.”
With a keen eye on the future, Beant is excited about the resurgence of the Punjabi underground scene in the UK. “The diaspora is keen to learn about legends like Manak and Chamkila. These artists have so much to offer,” he says, reflecting on the potential for Punjabi music to reach new heights. He’s also excited to see more Punjabi sounds entering global platforms like Amapiano and Red Bull Culture Clash, marking a new era of musical exploration.
Beant’s music fuses the past and the future, so get ready for a new wave of sound that’s as raw as it is real, with the power of culture glinting in every verse.