Bombay Rockers Exclusive
Known for creating music that’s a funky fusion of Bhangra and hip-hop, Bombay Rockers are at it again. After burning up dance floors from Denmark to Dubai with Indo-pop gems like “Ari Ari” and “Sexy Momma”, the boys are back to “Rock tha Party” with a brand-spanking-new CD, Out of Control, which will be released later this year. And guess what? We were actually able to steal Naf and Thomas away from their busy tour schedule long enough to answer a few questions for us. And that’s not all. We’re offering you a chance to win autographed items from Bombay Rockers! If you are amongst the lucky, you’ll receive either an autographed T-shirt or CD. If you are a little less lucky but still lucky nonetheless, you’ll receive an un-autographed CD or some other goodie from your favourite Rockers. So just complete the form below for your chance to win!
But first, check out our exclusive interview with Naf (Navtej Singh Rehal) and Thomas Sardorf from Bombay Rockers!
Tell us about Bombay Rockers. How did you start out?
Thomas: Bombay Rockers met up in early 2003 back in Denmark, where we are both based. Basically, we hooked up through a label. The Indian Punjabi scene was on, and one of the guys at the record label knew Naf. We hooked up in the studio, and that’s where the magic happened.
Tell us about your album Out of Control.
Thomas: We are working very hard right now, giving the album its finishing touches. It should be ready in a month or so.
Why do you think it’s important to support animal protection?
Thomas: It’s very important to treat animals right. They were here before us.
Naf: They are living creatures, just like us. It is really sad when species become extinct.
What do you think are some possible solutions to prevent animals from becoming extinct?
Naf: I think money is very important. We must provide funds to those organisations that are doing work for animals.
Thomas: And we should stop buying mink, wearing fur, using ivory. The reason why animals are killed for fur, elephants for ivory, is because there is a market for it.
Naf: The reason why the animals are going extinct is that big multinationals don’t care about any species. They just want their job done.
Are either of you vegetarian? Do you have any favourite veggie dishes or a favourite restaurant in India?
Naf: Yes, I am a vegetarian. I am a huge fan of Indian cuisine as there is a huge choice for vegetarians. In fact, my favourite restaurant happens to be in Mumbai itself. It’s called Moti Mahal.
Do you know anything about factory farming and how animals are treated in factory farms?
Naf: I have heard about them and the cruel treatment of animals in factory farms. I have been a vegetarian since I was a kid, and I thank god that I don’t eat meat. Factory farms are like a mass load of animals in cages stepping on each other. It’s terrible.
One of our biggest campaigns is against KFC, and we have undercover video footage of workers at KFC’s supplier farms who are cutting off the beaks of baby birds and slamming animals against the wall. What would your message be to the president of KFC about how the company should treat chickens?
Thomas: I have eaten at KFC once. Although I have not seen the KFC video, the sad thing is, the food at KFC also tastes like crap. I think they should completely shut it down. My message for the KFC president is to treat chickens better and for people who eat at KFC – come on, guys. Cut it out.
Music is about expression. What do you have to say about animals imprisoned in cages who cannot even engage in their most natural activities?
Naf: It is terrible. I have visited India many times and have seen monkeys and bears treated very badly. Animals should not be kept in cages and used for entertainment.
What would your message be to young people about protecting animals?
Thomas: Treat animals as if they are human beings. We all live on this Earth, and there is no reason to treat animals worse than you treat human beings.
Naf: They are living creatures, like us.
What’s next for you?
Thomas: We have some gigs in Denmark followed by a tour to India, Pakistan, Thailand and the US.
If you’re a resident of India, complete the form below by 31 October for your chance to win cool stuff from Bombay Rockers. If you live outside India, don’t despair – www.peta2.com has contests just for you!
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