Reggae star and Birmingham music legend Apache Indian has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours.

Recognised internationally for his fusion of bhangra, reggae and pop, the 53-year-old singer from Handsworth gained prominence in the 1990s with a string of hits including Boom Shack-A-Lak, Chok There and Don Raja.

Born Steven Kapur, the music artist gained a huge following in the UK, Canada and the USA, especially amongst music fans on South Asian heritage. In India, his tours regularly sold-out as crowds there received him with superstar status.

Apache Indian - aka Stephen Kapur - has had had several top 10 singles globally including the iconic Book-Shack-A-Lak Island Records
Apache Indian – aka Stephen Kapur – has had several top 10 singles globally including the iconic Book-Shack-A-Lak

Over the last 30 years, he has sold more than 11 million albums, had several top 10 singles globally and has toured the world eight times.

With 90s hits Arranged Marriage and Ragamuffin Girl behind his belt, the star’s songs can be heard on soundtracks for big Hollywood and Bollywood movies including Scooby-Doo, Dumb and Dumber and Anjaam.

Having collaborated with the likes of Sean Paul, Boy George, A. R. Rahman, Maxi Priest, Shaggy and Malkit Singh, Apache Indian continues to make music while teaching recording and performing skills to a new generation.

Apache Indian with Shabba Ranks in the 1990sApache Indian
Apache Indian with Shabba Ranks in the 1990s

In 2013, he opened the Apache Indian Music Academy at South and City College in Birmingham. The BEM award recognises his services to young people and music.

Describing it as an “absolute honour” and the “biggest thing in my life and career”, the singer-songwriter said he was left “speechless” by the award.

He also praised the representation of several south Asian names in this year’s Queen’s New Year honours, describing it as “the most ethnically diverse list yet”.

Apache Indian performs with singer Fleur East at AIM Academy in BirminghamAIM Academy
Apache Indian performs with singer Fleur East at AIM Academy in Birmingham

The Cabinet Office said Apache Indian’s music created a “whole new genre” – often referred to as ‘Ragamuffin’ – and commended him for being one of the first artists to write songs “about several taboo subjects, such as alcohol addiction, arranged marriages and Aids”, with his tracks often highlighting “sensitive topics, which challenge traditional values”.

They added that the artist had also provided “a voice to a new emerging generation in Britain”.

Apache Indian founded the AIM academy to help young people get into the music industry AIM Academy
Apache Indian founded the AIM academy to help young people get into the music industry

In 2013, he founded AIM Academy (Apache Indian Music Academy) to pass onto young people the opportunity he had when he first started out.

The project aims to help students aged 16-19 realise their dreams to become musicians, writers, DJs, producers and singers.

Following the announcement of his BEM, Apache Indian received congratulations from singer Fleur East, TalkSport host Tom Ross, BBC presenter Farzana Chaudry, retired British professional kickboxer Kash “The Flash” Gill and England cricketer-turned-TV personality Monty Panesar.

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