He has been creating a name for himself in the US and in November Londoners will get a chance to hear this truly unique artist perform live.
Born to emigrant Sri Lankan Tamil parents and named after Bhima, a central character in an ancient Indian text called The Mahabharata, Bhi Bhiman (pronounced ‘Bee Bee-men’) came of age in 1990s St. Louis, reared on Soundgarden and Nirvana. But here the album ‘BHIMAN’ covers a wide stylistic range, from country and soul, to West African-influenced folk. Through every deviation of style, Bhiman’s powerful voice and love of wordplay carry the listener on a compelling journey.
“What a voice” The New York Times
“Wry and subversive, the writing and performances here are first-rate, folk-based and undeniably unique.” The Washington Post
Bhi will be performing the track ‘Guttersnipe’ from debut album ‘Bhiman’ live on Later With Jools Holland, on Tuesday Nov. 6th – BBC2, 10pm. The program reaches millions of viewers across the globe and is one of the best platforms for international music. South Indian musician Raghu Dixit performed in 2011 and his album jumped to the number one spot on the itunes World Music Chart and remained there for a number of weeks. Here’s the video for the track "Guttersnipe."
“Guttersnipe will transfix you into that special kind of lump-in-the-throat, moist-eyed stupor of utter gratitude that this song, and this singer, even exists. It’s that good.” My Old Kentucky Blog
Shows in the UK
He will be visiting the UK to play as part of the London Jazz Festival and ‘A Weekend With Lucinda Williams’ at Royal Festival Hall, on Saturday November 10th and Sunday November 11th.
He recently announced two more shows. He will be playing at the Union Chapel, Upper Street, London at lunchtime on Saturday Nov. 10th as part of the Arctic Circle Daylight Music Sessions (free show!). Plus, an intimate gig at the Heavenly Social, Little Portland St., London on Nov. 20th.