Renowned British-Asian music pioneer Apache Indian (BEM) is back with a brand vibrant new single, “Back to the Top”, officially dropping on Friday, 5 September 2025. A defining figure in the UK’s Asian music scene and a true global trailblazer, Apache Indian continues to craft fresh music monthly while thrilling audiences worldwide.
A global innovator, Apache Indian burst onto the music scene blending bhangra, dancehall, and pop, a genre-bending fusion he dubbed “bhangramuffin”. He first made waves with tracks like “Movie Over India” and “Chok There”, ultimately signing with Island Records in the early 1990s. His debut album, No Reservations, earned a distinguished Mercury Music Prize nomination and helped elevate ragga music into the international mainstream
His breakthrough came in 1993 with the iconic hit “Boom Shack-A-Lak”, which soared to No. 5 on the UK Singles Chart. The song also conquered charts across Ireland, the Netherlands, Austria, and New Zealand
Iconic Legacy, Enduring Impact
“Boom Shack-A-Lak” has taken on a life of its own, featuring in popular films such as Dumb and Dumber (1994), Bio-Dome (1996), Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004), Dumb and Dumber To (2014), Grimsby (2016), Babes (2024), and That Christmas (2024).
“Back to the Top” — A bold statement, produced by the brilliant Devinder J Music from the West Midlands, his sixth collaboration with Apache this year, “Back to the Top” uplifts with its energising soundscape. Expect funky live instrumentation, fresh flows, and catchy melodies delivering a simple yet powerful message:
“Leave the past behind, feel good again, take your energy back to the top and don’t look back.”
A vibrant, feel-good anthem perfect for these times, this single gives listeners a joyous, forward-facing soundtrack.
Career Highlights
Year Milestone
1993 No Reservations album; “Boom Shack-A-Lak” hits UK No. 5 in the UK Charts
1994 Brit Awards nominations; “Boom Shack-A-Lak” music video wins Black Music Award
2000s–2020s continued album releases; contributions to global compilations; music academy initiative
2021 Awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to music and youth
2025 Releases “Back to the Top,” the latest chapter in his dynamic career
As he embarks on this new chapter with “Back to the Top”, Apache Indian proves once more that he’s not just a musical icon, but a resilient visionary whose sounds continue to resonate across generations.
