Birmingham's iconic reggae artist Apache Indian has been celebrated for his cultural impact, receiving a prestigious award while speaking proudly of his dual heritage and the community that shaped him.
A Surprise Honour for a Music Legend
The singer, famed for his global hit 'Boom Shak A Lak', was presented with an Honorary Music Champion award at the Multicultural Business and Community Champion (MBCC) awards. The ceremony took place at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole Hotel on Saturday, November 29. Apache Indian was initially scheduled to perform but was surprised on stage with the trophy during the star-studded event.
Roots in Handsworth, Pride in Britain
In his acceptance speech, the artist eloquently described the fusion of influences that define his music and identity. He explained that while his parents hailed from Punjab in India, his childhood in Handsworth was steeped in Caribbean culture, thanks to a neighbour from the Windrush generation.
"My Nanny next door was from the Windrush generation. From a Jamaican household, I went back to a British household and then a British school," he recounted.
He emphasised a deep-seated pride in this multicultural narrative, which he shares with the world through his music. "We are proud of where we come from, that culture, that story, that we’re taking around the world," he stated. "We wave the flag for not just for Birmingham but for being proud to be British in this country."
Celebrating a Decade of Community Champions
The MBCC awards are now in their 10th year. The glitzy evening also honoured other notable figures, including actor Adrian Lester, EastEnders star Rudolph Walker, and broadcasters Vanessa Feltz and Eddie Nestor, alongside unsung heroes from across the UK.
Founder Zoe Bennett praised Apache Indian as a "true icon, a trailblazer and an inspiration for anyone who dares to dream." She highlighted that the award recognised not only his phenomenal music career but also his wonderful work mentoring a new generation of performers.
Apache Indian concluded his speech with a tribute to the area that forged him, asserting the ongoing importance of "this great place of Handsworth in Birmingham." His words underscored a powerful message of unity, cultural pride, and the vibrant identity of modern Britain.
