Sohan Kailey: Educating young minds with music and dance

Leading UK children’s entertainer discusses his unique journey, the Bhangra Tots storytelling initiative, new kids’ album, and offers key advice for parents

• Asjad Nazir
• 27 August, 2024

By: Asjad Nazir

SOHAN KAILEY has delighted audiences with his unique brand of family-friendly entertainment for more than 20 years.

Born in Wolverhampton, and now based in Solihull, the children’s entertainer has used his versatile talent as a dancer, creative artist and actor to create magic for young audiences.

He has held inclusive workshops in bhangra, creative arts and storytelling, in schools and also the wider community, inspiring youngsters to learn about the diverse world around them.

Kailey recently added to his impressive body of work by releasing the children’s album, Let’s Naach (Let’s Dance). This debut album has entertaining songs in English and Punjabi, with meaningful cultural messages.

Eastern Eye caught up with the multi-talented artist to discuss his work, new album and key advice for parents wanting to educate their children.

What have been some memorable highlights from your action-packed journey, with countless shows?

Every live event is memorable, whether it’s in front of 10 or 10,000 plus people. You need to give your maximum at every show. Key highlights have included appearing on the CBeebies Bedtime Stories Live Tour 2023 (BBC). Bhangra dancing on Come Dine With Me (Channel 4), winning multiple awards including for services to bhangra music and arts. Performing at The Birmingham Commonwealth Games Festival 2022, London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester. There have been many more.

What is it like working with your wife on the projects?

Amazing! My wife Aruna brings a lot of creativity, direction and production value. Being a trained dancer, she often helps with the choreography. She also assists with my music video editing and lyrical content. (Laughs) She needs patience to work with me, though. But team work makes the dream work.

Tell us about your Bhangra Tots storytelling?

Bhangra Tots was formed back in 2008, when I worked with my Maggie Lewis at Dudley Performing Arts. This brand has gone from strength to strength. The interactive dance and storytelling experience for the early years, foundation stages has really connected with youngsters. I take everyone, including parents, on an imaginative journey to Punjab in north India, to learn all about bhangra and its cultural meaning. We meet Bhangra Bunny (a puppet character) and friends. It’s a dancing journey all about the importance of farming, cultivation, eating healthy, wellbeing and having lots of fun.

Where are the performances done?

I perform Bhangra Tots in nursery schools, family events, storytelling events, and various festivals, including literary ones. I even get children’s birthday party requests and have been commissioned for large projects with the Sure Start Early Years campaign.

What inspired you to create your debut album Let’s Naach (Let’s Dance)?

This dream come true project enabled me to create songs for children and families that would be sung in English and Punjabi, with links about the meaning of bhangra, agriculture, and farming. The project came about for my love for children’s and family entertainment. There was nothing out there with a bhangra theme for kids in a style I wanted, so was an ideal concept. It was much needed.

What else motivated this album project?

As a youngster, being British born there was no one who looked or sounded like us on TV. Even the bhangra songs from bands had no content for children. So, it was time to change all that. I wanted creative and immersive themes on the album with fun music videos. For children and families to sing and dance along to on their travels. The songs on my album take children and families on pretend creative journeys around the world.

Tell us about some of the songs on the album.

Bhangra Rave is about the importance of farming and agriculture. And having respect for all farmers around the world. Dinosaur Rock Bhangrasaurus is a fun song about a dinosaur party. It helps children learn about dinosaurs and fossils and tells the imaginative tale of attending a dinosaur wedding and doing bhangra. All the songs are fun, very inspiring and cover important topics such as recycling and protecting our planet. There’s even a song called Bhangra Pirates of the Curry Bean Seas. The album is sung in English, Hindi, Punjabi and Spanish.

What has the response to the album been like?

The response from parents, school teachers and children has been very good. Everyone has been so excited to hear something new, meaningful and child focused, which is the key. Parents have described it as cultural, very educational, engaging and entertaining. It has received airplay across diverse radio platforms. We are keen to hear from other radio stations and TV channels. It has certainly opened more doors for me to appear at family entertainment shows.

What advice would you give parents selecting books and songs for young kids?

Always select age-appropriate material for young children. Storybooks and songs that really help to inspire children to learn and understand about the diverse world we live in. Pick content that boosts literacy, communication skills, language, imagination, and inspires creative pretend play. Picture books with songs and rhyming words are popular with toddlers. There is a whole range of books and songs available now, including many connected to south Asian culture. Ultimately, select suitable, fun, relatable material that helps the mind to grow and get accustomed to their environment.

What are your future plans?

I want to do more national shows and go on international tours with my album and perform a full-scale show. I am looking for tour bookers, festival and event organisers.

Let’s Naach (Let’s Dance) is available on music platforms to stream and download. www.sohankailey.com, and YouTube: @sohankailey