Desi-Hall 101: Get to Know Roach Killa

Words by DJ Rekha

As noted in our “Ten Dancehall Songs To Ram a Desi Dancefloor” countdown the other day, dancehall plays big in the South Asian diaspora, and has been a major influence on its own sound, bhangra. For that reason, we’ve extended bhangra boss—and the author of that Toppa Top 10 list—a regular space here to spotlight Desi artists forging links between the music of the West Indies and that of India and its neighbors, or what our own Eddie STATS has dubbed “Desi-hall.” First up on Rekha’s agenda is Toronto via Libya and Pakistan’s Roach Killa, who’s set to make his US debut this week in New York City.

It is an unwritten rule that any new bhangra joint must be blessed by the ragga stylings of Roach Killa. Born in Libya to Pakistani parents, and raised in Toronto, Roach Killa is a globetrotter who rolls deep with dancehall heavyweights like Spragga Benz and rising Punjabi stars like Garry Sandhu in equal measure. Even the Godfather of the desi raggamuffin sound, Apache Indian, has collaborated with the MC, who has a million-plus YouTube hits.
Here is a quick primer on his range and style, which includes hip-hop and dancehall flows. Catch him tonight at Brooklyn Bowl and at Basement Bhangra at SOBs on Thursday, Feb. 3.

“Yaara Dil Dara”

Roach’s first 1-million-view YouTube video, “Yaara Dil Dara” was produced by frequent collaborator and Bhangra super producer, Surinder Rattan. This track has more of an R&B vibe, that desi Brits just cant get enough of. Aided by Punjabi vocalist Saif Ali Khan, the video is set in Spain, of course.

“Hey Gal” feat. Apache Indian

This is the second single from his first album, The Revolution. Bonafide dancehall fire with legend Apache Indian, and a video full of Jamaican dancing and champagne glasses.

“Revolution”

It’s not just about killing: here Roach, showing his humanitarian side, dedicates this roots reggae song to flood victims in his parents homeland of Pakistan.

“Dil De De”

One of last years biggest bhangra hits, with the genre’s newest rising star Garry Sandhu (who was recently deported back to India, after encountering some visa troubles in the UK). Bouncing and groovy, the lyrics request simply, “please give me your heart.”