Yorkshire based pianist plays the hits of Bollywood at Asian weddings

Imani Hekima plays the hits of Bollywood at Asian weddings

Imani Hekia is becoming a big hit on the Asian wedding entertainment circuit with his original take on Bollywood music. The Yorkshire born pianist got into Bollywood music after answering an advert in a local paper for a wedding piano soloist and hasn’t looked back since.

The 43-year-old musician, who is of Jamaican descent, admits that many people are surprised to find he isn’t Asian because of his love of Bollywood hits. However his popularity as a Bollywood pianist has encouraged him to pursue this avenue further and Imani is now planning to release an album of Bollywood hits later in the year.

The talented pianist, who regularly performs Jazz at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds, described how he learnt to play Bollywood tunes in just three months after accepting a booking for an Asian wedding. Imani learns music by ear rather than reading sheet music, so he sat down and listened to Bollywood CDs and YouTube clips to build up his repertoire. After working the Asian wedding circuit for several years Imani now boasts a repertoire of over 70 Bollywood songs.

Many couples choose to have musicians play while guests are arriving or dining during their wedding day. A Bollywood pianist would certainly create a talking point and be something a little different to ensure your big day stands out from the crowd.