Bohemia (rapper)
Roger David (born October 15, 1979), better known by his stage name Bohemia (Punjabi: بوہیمیا, ਬੋਹੀਮੀਆ, stylised BOHEMIA or Raja), is a Pakistani American rapper and record producer.[2][3][4][5][6]
Bohemia | |
---|---|
Birth name | Roger David |
Also known as | Raja |
Born | [1] Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan | October 15, 1979
Occupation(s) | |
Musical career | |
Origin | Oakland, California, United States |
Genres | |
Years active | 2001–present |
Labels |
|
Website | thepunjabirapper |
Early life
Bohemia was born on October 15, 1979,[1][7] in Karachi, Sindh and did his schooling in Peshawar, Pakistan. At the age of 13, he moved to the United States with his family.[8] He belongs to a Punjabi Christian family; his ancestors had converted to Christianity from Sikhism.[9]
Career
In early 2000 he moved to join his cousin in Oakland who was working at a West Oakland recording studio and introduced him to a young hip-hop producer called Sha One (Seth Agress). Discovering that they both shared a deep interest in music, they made plans to form their own record label, which they subsequently called "The Outfit Entertainment". After Sha heard Bohemia reciting something he had written in Punjabi he asked him to rap it over one of his beats. Over the next few months, he wrote a library of lyrics. This would become the arsenal for his debut album Vich Pardesan De (In The Foreign Land) – an autobiographical story of his life as a Desi youngster adopting to the streets of America, which he and Sha One produced together. Their first single "Sha Te Ra" was released as a music video, but the song itself was not included on Vich Pardesan De.
The following album, Pesa Nasha Pyar [Money, Intoxication, Love] became the first full-length Punjabi rap album released by a major label. It was recorded and produced by Sha One and Bohemia in their downtown Oakland studio. After nearly two years of perfecting their sound and style, a seamless fusion of Bohemia's Punjabi vocals, and Sha One's English hooks, the album was finally released. He subsequently signed a multi-record deal with music label Universal Music Group. In 2006, Pesa Nasha Pyar was on the Top 10 downloads of Maxim, and No. 3 on Planet M chart India.[10] His first album Vich Pardesan De get nominated in BBC UK top ten albums. Da Rap Star, his third album, received four nominations at the UK Asian Music Awards and PTC Punjabi music awards. It also remained at No. 1 on Planet M chart for several weeks.[11]
He performed the title track for Warner Bros film Chandni Chowk To China, appearing in the film with Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone.[12] A few months later he did the title track for another Akshay Kumar film, 8 x 10 Tasveer.[13] In 2011, he gave a song as a present to Akshay Kumar for his first Hollywood production Breakaway.[14]
In May 2012, Sony Music India signed Bohemia. As part of the association, Sony Music managed his music albums, launches and shows under its management program.[15][16]
In September 2012 he released his fourth album Thousand Thoughts.[17] In 2013, it won Best Non-Resident Punjabi Album award at PTC Punjabi Music Awards.[18] At the Coke Studio Sessions, he was the first rap artist, appearing in their fifth season where he performed three songs. Bohemia has also recorded a collaboration with Sonu Kakkar and Jamaican American artist Sean Kingston.[19]
In 2015, Bohemia launched his own music label Kali Denali Music.[20] Bohemia appeared in XXL magazine in New York.[11]
In 2017, Bohemia released his latest album Skull & Bones: The Final Chapter.[21]
On July 26, 2018, first single "Sandesa" from his upcoming album Skull & Bones: Volume 2 was released, which turned out to be a remixed version of one of his unreleased singles. On November 27, 2018, Bohemia released first original single "Koi Farak Nahi" for his album Skull & Bones: Volume 2.[22] In an interview Bohemia said that he is coming back with his brand new album Skull and Bones Volume 2 which is scheduled for release in 2019 on his own label, Kali Denali Music, and has many featured artists on it.
At the end of 2018, Bohemia went on a tour in India, where he performed in Chandigarh, Delhi, Mumbai, and Rajasthan. He also appeared on an Episode on No.1 Yaarian With Raftaar and Salim Merchant.
In February 2019 Bohemia released the third single "Umeed" from the album Skull and Bones Volume 2.
Awards and nominations
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
2010 | "Da Rap Star" | Best Punjabi Album at PTC Punjabi Music Awards | Nominated |
2010 | "Da Rap Star" | Best Sound Recording at PTC Punjabi Music Awards | Nominated |
2010 | "Da Rap Star" | Best Punjabi Music Director at PTC Punjabi Music Awards | Nominated |
2010 | "Da Rap Star" | Best International Album at UK Asian Music Awards | Nominated |
2013 | "Thousand Thoughts" | Best International Album at PTC Punjabi Music Awards | Won |
2015 | "Excellence Music" | Award of Excellence - Music at FOG Festival Of Globe | Won |
2015 | "Music Career" | Make it large at Mirchi Music Awards Punjabi | Won |
2016 | "Jaguar" | Best Duo at PTC Punjabi Music Awards | Nominated |
2016 | "Patola" | Best Duo at PTC Punjabi Music Awards | Won |
2017 | "Hathiyar 2" | Best Duo at PTC Punjabi Music Awards | Nominated |
2018 | "Special Award" | International Punjabi Icon at PTC Punjabi Music Awards | Won |
Discography
Albums
Year | Album | Music Director | Artist | Label |
---|---|---|---|---|
2002 | Vich Pardesan De | Bohemia | Bohemia | The Outfit Entertainment |
2006 | Pesa Nasha Pyar | Bohemia | Bohemia | Universal Music India |
2009 | Da Rap Star | Bohemia | Bohemia | Universal Music India |
2012 | Thousand Thoughts | Bohemia | Bohemia | Sony Music India |
2017 | Skull & Bones: The Final Chapter | Bohemia | Bohemia | T-Series |
2020* | Skull & Bones: Volume 2 | Bohemia | Bohemia | Yash Raj Films |
*album announced, yet to be released
Mixtapes
Year | Album | Music Director | Artist | Label |
---|---|---|---|---|
2016 | KDM Mixtape Volume 1 | Various | Various | Kali Denali Music |
Film soundtracks
Year | Movie | Song | Music | Co-artist(s) | Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2009 | Chandni Chowk to China | Chandni Chowk to China (CC2C) | Bohemia | Akshay Kumar | |
8 x 10 Tasveer | I Got the Picture | Bohemia | J.Hind | ||
I Got the Picture (Remix) | |||||
2011 | Breakaway | Sansaar | Sandeep Chowta | Canadian English/Punjabi film | |
Desi Boyz | Subha Hone Na De | Pritam | Mika Singh, Shefali Alvares, Yo Yo Honey Singh | ||
Tu Mera Hero (Subha Hone Na De) | Mika Singh, Shefali Alvares | ||||
Subha Hone Na De (Remix) | |||||
2015 | Faraar | Taur | Bohemia | Gippy Grewal | Punjabi film |
2016 | Dishoom | Subha Hone Na De (Remix) | Pritam | Mika Singh, Shefali Alvares | |
2020 | Street Dancer 3D | Dua Karo | Sachin-Jigar | Arijit Singh | |
Maraven Yen Adayaalam | Amit Mishra | Tamil Version | |||
O Deva Deva | Telegu Version |
Singles and collaborations
Year | Track | Artist | Music director/Album name | |
---|---|---|---|---|
2003 | All Around The World | Bohemia ft. AMAN (Amaar & Siege) | Bohemia | |
2006 | Evury day | Bohemia | Bohemia | |
2007 | Keep It G | Bohemia ft. Kurupt | Bohemia | |
2009 | Kala Doriya | Bohemia ft. Dj Chintu | Bohemia | |
2009 | Chalo | Bohemia ft. IQ | Bohemia | |
2009 | Sher-E-Punjab | Bohemia ft. Mika Singh | Mika Singh | |
2009 | Dunali | Bohemia ft. Mika Singh | Bohemia ft. Mika Singh | |
2010 | My Shoes | Bohemia ft. MiddleMan ft. Mr. Kay & | Bohemia | |
2010 | Sh Sh Sharabi | Bohemia ft. Gippy Grewal | Bohemia ft. Gippy Grewal | |
2010 | Holi Holi Nach | Tarsame Singh Saini ft. Bohemia | Tarsame Singh Saini | |
2010 | Hathiyar | Gitta Bains ft. Bohemia | Jatinder Shah | |
2010 | Daru | Gitta Bains ft. Bohemia | Gitta Bains | |
2010 | What Have I Learned | Bohemia ft. Jennifer | Bohemia | |
2011 | Bandookaan | Desi Beam ft. Bohemia | Desi Beam | |
2011 | Bulawa | Bohemia ft. Pakman & D-Naar, | Bohemia | |
2011 | Jee Karda | Bobby B ft. Bohemia, | Bobby B | |
2012 | Chadd Ditta | Bohemia ft. Mixman Shawn | Bohemia | |
2012 | Maar Charapa | Sir Punj ft. Bohemia | Sir Punj & Rishi Rich (Unreleased Track) | |
2012 | Adhi Raat | Jasmine Sandlas ft. Bohemia | Bohemia | |
2012 | Jaane Jana | J.Hind ft. Bohemia | J.Hind | |
2012 | Paigam | Bohemia | Bohemia | |
2012 | Talli | Gitta Bains ft. Bohemia | Tigerstyle | |
2013 | Rooh (the Soul) | Bohemia | Bohemia | |
2013 | Rooh Remix | Bohemia ft. Pardhaan | Bohemia | |
2013 | My Ride Remix | The Bilz & Kashif ft. Glasses Malone, Bohemia, Drega, Nivla | ||
2014 | Phenomenon | Bohemia | Bohemia | |
2014 | Bad Boy | D Major ft. Bohemia | Tigerstyle | |
2014 | Brand New Swag | Bohemia ft. Haji Springer & Panda | Bohemia | |
2014 | Yaad Anah | Bohemia | Bohemia | |
2014 | Preet | Haji Springer ft. Pree Mayall & Bohemia | Haji Springer | |
2014 | U n Me | Sean Kingston ft. Sonu Kakkar, & Bohemia | Iraj | |
2014 | Akkha Mumbai | Mun E. Fame ft. Bohemia | Mun E. Fame | |
2014 | Fire | Gitta Bains ft. Bohemia | Haji Springer | |
2014 | Saheli | Gurdeep Mehndi ft. Bohemia | Gurdeep Mehndi | |
2014 | Wake N Bake | Bohemia ft. Avenue OB | Avenue OB | |
2014 | Main | Bohemia | Bohemia | |
2014 | Meri Bandook | Haji Springer ft. Bohemia | Haji Springer | |
2015 | Devil inside | Haji Springer ft. Bohemia | Haji Springer | |
2015 | Koi Ni Parwaa | Haji Springer ft. Bohemia | Haji Springer | |
2015 | Jaguar | Sukh-E ft. Bohemia | Sukh-E | |
2015 | Tension Stress (Bengali) | Master-D ft. Bohemia | Master-D | |
2015 | Yaaran De Siran Te | Nishawn Bhullar ft. Bohemia | Rupin Kahlon | |
2015 | Akhiyaan | Tony Kakkar ft. Neha Kakkar Bohemia | Tony Kakkar | |
2015 | Akhiyaan Unplugged | Tony Kakkar ft. Neha Kakkar Bohemia | Tony Kakkar | |
2015 | Stolen | Sahyba ft. Bohemia | Rishi Rich | |
2015 | Patola | Guru Randhawa ft. Bohemia | Preet Hundal | |
2015 | Salute | Bohemia | Bohemia | |
2015 | Taur | Bohemia ft. Gippy Grewal | Haji Springer | |
2015 | Level | SunnyBoy ft. Haji Springer Bohemia | Haji Springer | |
2015 | Mere Baare | Bohemia | Haji Springer | |
2015 | Muqabala | K. S. Makhan ft. Bohemia | Prince G | |
2016 | Setti | Gippy Grewal ft. Bohemia | Jatinder Shah | |
2016 | Muqabla |
|
Haji Springer & Shaxe Oriah | |
2016 | Gametime |
|
Haji Springer & Shaxe Oriah | |
2016 | Zaalima | Waqar Ex ft. Bohemia | The Magician | |
2016 | Gang Bang Operation |
|
Deep Jandu | |
2016 | Club Pub | Bohemia & Sukh-E & Ramji Gulati & Ali Quli Mirza | Ali Quli Mirza | |
2016 | Challa | Gitta Bains ft. Bohemia | Deep Jandu | |
2016 | Hathyar 2 | Gitta Bains ft. Bohemia | Deep Jandu | |
2016 | Teri Kamar Pe | Tony Kakkar ft. Bohemia | Tony Kakkar | |
2017 | Tamasha | Sajjad Ali ft. Bohemia | Sajjad Ali | |
2017 | MTBK | Bohemia & Lazarus ft. Deep Jandu & Shaxe Oriah | Shaxe Oriah | |
2017 | Weed Da Saroor | J Lucky ft. Bohemia | Deep Jandu | |
2017 | Nothing (Remix) | Raxstar ft. Bohemia | DJ Harpz | |
2017 | No Make Up | Bilal Saeed ft. Bohemia | Bloodline Music | |
2017 | Patake | Satti Satvinder ft. Bohemia | Haji Springer | |
2017 | Gold Digger | Gud Luck ft. Bohemia | Deep Jandu | |
2017 | Thoddi Wala Till | Simranjeet Singh ft. Bohemia | Mix Singh | |
2017 | Car Nachdi | Gippy Grewal ft. Bohemia | B Praak | |
2017 | Dada Giri | Sab Bhanot ft. Bohemia | Sab Bhanot | |
2017 | G Wagon | Goldy Goraya ft. Bohemia | Deep Jandu | |
2017 | Mahi Aaja | Rahul ft. Bohemia | Bohemia | |
2017 | Thinking About You | Sofia Chaudry ft. Bohemia | Bohemia | |
2018 | Zeher | Deep Money ft. Bohemia | Deep Money | |
2018 | Good Life | Deep Jandu ft. Bohemia | Deep Jandu | |
2018 | Gumrah | Bohemia | Bohemia | |
2018 | Gaddi | Bohemia ft. Pardhaan | Sukh E | |
2018 | Khatra | Bohemia ft. Gitta Bains | Prabh Near | |
2018 | Malang | Balsehri ft. Bohemia | Prince Saggu | |
2018 | Woofer | Vicky ft. Bohemia | Sukh-E Muzical Doctorz | |
2018 | I Don't Wanna Say That | Bohemia ft Gitta Bains & Gurlez Akhtar | Prabh Near | |
2018 | Sandesa (from SnBv2) | Bohemia | Bohemia | |
2018 | Aaja Ni Aaja | Bohemia | DJ Shadow Dubai | |
2018 | Mai Terra Akshay | Babbal Rai ft. Bohemia | B Praak | |
2018 | Unity | Karan Aujla ft. Bohemia | Deep Jandu | |
2018 | Munde Mar Jaange | Raghveer Boli ft. Bohemia | Jay K | |
2018 | Shoulder | Jaggi Jagowal & Karam Jeet ft. Bohemia | Laddi Gill | |
2018 | Oh Kudi | Sab Bhanot & Bohemia | Bohemia | |
2018 | Jackpot | Asif Ballaj & Bohemia | Ali Mustafa | |
2018 | Rajj Rajj Ankhiyan Roiyan | Mamta Sharma ft Bohemia | Ramji Gulati | |
2019 | Robo The Punjabi Lion Anthem | Bohemia | Bohemia | |
2019 | FOREIGN | 3AM Sukhi & BOHEMIA & J.HIND | Haji Springer | |
2019 | Umeed (From SnBv2) | Bohemia | Bohemia | |
2019 | Manaka Da Munda | Jass Manak ft. Bohemia | Sukhe Musical Doctorz | |
2019 | Assi Trendsetter | Meet Bros Ft. Bohemia | Meet Bros | |
2019 | Pagol (Bengali) | Deep Jandu Ft. Bohemia | J Statik | |
2019 | Same Beef | Sidhu Moose Wala Ft. Bohemia | Byg Byrd | |
2019 | Kadi Kadi (from SnBv2) | Bohemia | Bohemia | |
2019 | Khaas Bande | Gagan Kokri ft. Bohemia | Randy J | |
2019 | Khatarnaak | Gippy Grewal ft. Bohemia | Desi Crew | |
2020 | "Phir Ek Tera Pyar" | Bohemia ft. Devika | Shaxe Oriah | |
2020 | Nishana Ft. Jazzy B | Saga Music | Shaxe Oriah | Lyrics: Bohemia & Gitta Bains |
2020 | Kaisa Nasha | Noveen Morris, Bohemia j.hind | KDM Playlist Vol. 1 | Saga Music & Kali Denali Music |
2020 | "Aish" | Bohemia | Skull and Bones V2 | |
2020 | "Paar" | Bohemia & Abrar-Ul-Haq | Saga Music & Kali Denali Music | |
2020 | "Attitude" Raman Romana ft. Bohemia (rapper) | Yash Raj Films | Mr. WOW | Lyrics: Deep Fateh |
2020 | Crown Prince Ft. Jazzy B | Tips | Harj Nagra | Lyrics: Parry Sarpanch |
2020 | Black EyeBrow | Lucky Love ft. Bohemia (rapper) & Pallavi Sood | Prabh Neeaar | Lyrics: SK Sahib |
2020 | Raaz | Bohemia (rapper) | Skull & Bones V2 | Lyrics & Music: Bohemia |
Coke Studio
- School Di Kitaab
- Paisay Da Nasha
- Kandyaari Dhol Geet
MTV Spoken Word
- Purana Wala
- Jaane Jana
References
- "TDIM – Bohemia's Birthday – 15th Oct". MTV. October 15, 2013. Archived from the original on June 27, 2014. Retrieved May 14, 2019.
- "Cricketer Tanvir's brother files law suit against rapper Bohemia | Pakistan Today". www.pakistantoday.com.pk. Retrieved May 12, 2019.
- Staff, Images (August 10, 2018). "Pakistani-American rapper Bohemia set to make acting debut". Images. Retrieved May 12, 2019.
- "Bohemia dedicates new song Gumraah to victims of abuse | Pakistan Today". www.pakistantoday.com.pk. Retrieved May 12, 2019.
- Tribune.com.pk (December 27, 2010). "Pakistani rapper Bohemia in Bollywood again". The Express Tribune. Retrieved May 12, 2019.
- "Bohemia to perform live in Delhi on Friday". The Statesman. December 12, 2018. Retrieved May 12, 2019.
- "Bohemia (rapper)". OVERSEAS PAKISTANIS FOUNDATION. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
- Mahmood, Rafay (January 27, 2012). "Bohemia: More than just forties and shorties". The Express Tribune. Retrieved August 31, 2018.
- Gurleen (September 24, 2018). "Sad News: Punjabi Rapper Bohemia's Father Passes Away". Ghaint Punjab. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
- Bohemia (August 30, 2012). "Bio". Thepunjabirapper.com. Retrieved July 25, 2014.
- "Bohemia Bio | Bohemia Career". MTV. Retrieved June 27, 2014.
- jfsocc (January 16, 2009). "Chandni Chowk to China (2009)". IMDb. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
- manojharisree (April 3, 2009). "8 x 10 Tasveer (2009)". IMDb. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
- "Sansaar [Breakaway 2011]". Bohemia The Punjabi Rapper. September 3, 2011. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
- "Sony Music signs Punjabi rapper Bohemia". Daily News & Analysis. Dnaindia.com. May 29, 2012. Retrieved June 27, 2014.
- "Sony Music signs singer Bohemia". Times of India. May 29, 2012. Retrieved October 14, 2012.
- "iTunes – Music – Thousand Thoughts by Bohemia". iTunes. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
- "PTC Punjabi Music Awards winners". The Times of India. March 25, 2013.
- "BOHEMIA, IRAJ, SEAN KINGSTON". BOHEMIA. Archived from the original on March 3, 2015. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
- "Main". BOHEMIA. Archived from the original on February 23, 2015. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
- "Skull & Bones by Bohemia". iTunes. February 13, 2017. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
- "Koi Farak Nahi - Single". iTunes. November 27, 2018. Retrieved November 27, 2018.