"have so many memories making songs to shows and was a good genuine person"
Popular Punjabi music producer, DJ Gurps has sadly passed away at the age of 34.
The London-based DJ died on the morning of Sunday 17th June 2018
While very little is known about the producer’s sudden passing, his loss has been felt by many in the British Asian music industry.
The British-Asian was best known for his work in the London DJ-ing circuit.
Fusing different styles and mixing beats was a passion Gurps began from an early age. He regularly used his talent as a dhol drummer and dholak percussionist to create a foot-tapping East-meets-West kind of sound.
Playing alongside DJ Rags for the ‘Mix and Blend Roadshow’ at the age of 16, Gurps’ style began to gain considerable popularity amongst club-goers.
Urban beats remixed with Punjabi and Bollywood rhythms were a huge hit at Asian weddings, afternoon functions and late-night club events.
Soon after, he delved into music producing, releasing his debut album, Expectations in 2009. He eventually became one of Calibar‘s top DJs and became a regular at high-end corporate events.
In 2010, Gurps was nominated for ‘Best Club DJ’ at the British Asian Music Awards. He also won the ‘Judges 1st Place Award’ at The International DJ Showdown in Vancouver.
As a teenager, he was highly influenced by the prominent 80s and 90s Asian urban sound of Panjabi MC and Bally Sagoo and American hip-hop stars, P.Diddy and Notorious BIG.
The Punjabi DJ was also inspired by Gurdas Mann and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
In 2012, he released two more popular chart tracks, ‘Ghabru Gulaab Warga’ and ‘Ous Kurri 2’.
Years later, he would collaborate with Deep Jandu, Farah and Ronnie Gill for the 2016 smash single, ‘Branda Da Craze’.
Gurps’ talent took him to the likes of India, Los Angeles, Vancouver, and Paris. He also played alongside some of biggest stars in the Desi music industry, including Panjabi MC, Jazzy B, Sukshinder Shinda, Raghav, Rishi Rich Project and Talvin Singh.
Over in the US, he fulfilled his dream of working with American hip-hop artists like 112, Sean Paul, Kanye West, Timbaland and Chris Brown.
The news of his sudden passing has no doubt shocked many, and many in the Asian music scene have shared their respects and condolences to the DJ’s family.
Calibar posted a heartfelt statement on their social media channels:
“We are deeply saddened at the loss of one of our dearest team members DJ Gurps who has been part of our family from a very young age.
“Gurps loved nothing more than to be on the stage performing as a DJ and he had an immense passion for putting a smile on peoples faces by making them dance on their special days.”
“It is a devastating loss for us and we thank everyone for their support at this difficult time.
“RIP Brother there will always be an empty feeling here without you and we hope you continue your musical journey in the heavens.”
Singer H Dhami tweeted:
“Lost for word’s. In total shock & disbelief bro #DJGurps is no longer with us. May god bless your soul RIP brother.”
Lost for word's. In total shock & disbelief bro #DJGurps is no longer with us.
May god bless your soul ? RIP brother. pic.twitter.com/EMBPWAYQ1J— H DHAMI (@HDHAMIMUSIC) June 17, 2018
Roach Killa simply said: “No words.. R.I.P #DjGurps.”
Gutted! ? #DJGurps Will Be Missed! pic.twitter.com/nPQS0p7Uoz
— GV (@GV_music) June 17, 2018
Panjabi Hit Squad also tweeted: “Sad to hear about @djgurpsmusic. Nice guy and great DJ. Prayers to all his family.”
Sad to hear about @djgurpsmusic. Nice guy and great DJ. Prayers to all his family ??
— Panjabi Hit Squad (@PanjabiHitSquad) June 17, 2018
Manak-E added:
“So sad to hear the shocking news that my bro DJ Gurps has passed away… have so many memories making songs to shows and was a good genuine person.. will never be forgotten #RIP #DjGurps.”
So sad to hear the shocking news that my bro DJ Gurps has passed away… have so many memories making songs to shows and was a good genuine person.. will never be forgotten #RIP #DjGurps pic.twitter.com/ai5OqasLmc
— Manak-E (@manakemusic) June 17, 2018
@djgurpsmusic bro, you left this world too early. Woken up to the shocking news. I won’t forget all the laughs we had. RIP brother ? #DJGurps pic.twitter.com/ONk3MOkHdr
— MC Special (@mcspecial) June 17, 2018
RIP DJ Gurps. Although we never met, We had many mutual friends in the industry who all tell me he was wonderful guy. May his soul rest in peace.
— Maz Bonafide (@MazBONAFIDE) June 17, 2018
Just woke up to news that DJ Gurps has passed away & at such a young age. Our thoughts & prayers are with his family, Caliber Roadshow & friends.?????? may Waheguru Bless his soul & give strength to his family.
— KALIKWEST (@kalikwest) June 17, 2018
Fans of the DJ also paid tribute:
https://twitter.com/AlkaSharmaxxx/status/1008329252360671232
From Bhangra to Bollywood, club nights and chilled-out sets, DJ Gurps was a powerhouse of talent and creativity.
While his loss is a blow to the British Asian music scene, many will remember the Punjabi DJ and his work.
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