Aaja was a fusion of house, dub and dance music.
Not only the music, but the lyrics were an important part to the album. Lyric writer
Chaman lal was to collaborate with The Sahotas for the opening track "Sahota show te
jake". The thoughts behind the lyrics were reflected in the younger Bhangra audience.
Technology was changing, sequencers and computers were being used more and more in the
music world. This was a change that the Sahotas were adapting to. The quality of the sound
was just as important as the songs for the Aaja album. The sound engineer Purdy Bhogal,
who is also the live sound engineer, incorporated his experience, with the recording and
mixing of the album.
The Sahotas felt as though they knew this album was to be a hit. They worked all
hours of the day to put the album together. Multitone records were very pleased with the
finished product and anxious to release it.
The cover design was the next thing the Sahotas had thought a great deal about. The
image was to get away from the typical, stereotype glitter boys and to opt for a more hard
edge that worked with the music.
Soon after the release in November 1989 it received great reviews through the Asian
media and created a worldwide fan following amongst the younger audience.
The Sahotas took numerous awards for this album, including platinum and gold discs for
the outstanding sales. Television appearances on "Big World Café" and
"Blue Peter" were amongst the shows they performed from Aaja.
The Sahotas had worked hard rehearsing the album and wanted to make the live shows more
spectacular. They incorporated lighting effects and pyrotechnics designed by The
Sahotas' close friend John Tranter and his team of technicians. The shows were very
successful continuing for a two year period. The Sahotas are continuously being told that
their unique style and professionalism at their live shows provides a breathtaking
experience.
"Aaja" Created a new groove which was to influence the
whole of the Bhangra Industry.