Manika Kaur is an Australian religious singer, songwriter and philanthropist from Melbourne.
Early life Kaur was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, to parents who were active members of the Sikh community."Manika Kaur: Singing for a Cause", Hindustan Times In 2006 she married and moved to Dubai."Sikh YouTube star Manika Kaur", Invincible Music She currently resides in London with her three children.
Career In 2012, Kaur released a music video for her song "Guru Ram Das Rakho Sarnaee", telling the life story of Guru Ram Das through shadow puppets and hand shadowgraph by Amar Sen.
Bandhanaa (re-released as Satnam Waheguru) Kaur's debut album, Bandhanaa, was released in 2008 by Shemaroo Entertainment. The album was produced by Sukhbir Singh."Manika Kaur: Sacred Words", Six Degree Records In 2014, the album was re-mixed and re-released as Satanam Waheguru by Invincible Recordings."Asian Kirtan Star Manika Kaur Releases Satnam Waheguru", Invincible Music
I Bow To You Waheguru In 2015, Kaur's second album was released by United Sound Recordings through Proper Music Distribution. Its title track, "I Bow to You Waheguru", was produced by Talvin Singh."Manika Kaur's Sense of Peace" World Music Central
The album features collaborations with Rakesh Chaurasia, Jyotsna Srikanth,"Gentle voice, powerful spirit" Urban Asian Soumik Datta, Bernhard Schimpelsberger,"Manika Kaur: I Bow to You Waheguru" Noise Bliss and Reiner Erlings. She performed material from the album on the Sikh Channel, BBC London, and ABC Australia TV.
Sacred Words Kaur's third album, Sacred Words, was released in 2018 on Martin 'Youth' Glover's label Suriya Recordings and was released in the US on imprint label partner Six Degrees Records. It features collaborations with Scottish folk musician James Yorkston, Jyotsna Srikanth (violin), and Tunde Jegede."Music Preview: Manika Kaur soothes the soul with Sacred Words" Thrive Global
EK Manika Kaur's fourth album, EK, was released in 2021. It was produced by Oskar Vizan and Vinod Gadher and incorporates themes influenced by Sikh teachings. The album combines traditional Sikh kirtan with elements of world music. Contributing artists include Jyotsna Srikanth, Jesse Bannister, Soumik Datta, Kirpal Panesar, Suhail Yusuf Khan, and Sanjeev Shankar.
Yoga Ambient (remixes) Released in 2020, Yoga Ambient (remixes) features reinterpretations of Kaur's previous works by producer Martin "Youth" Glover. The album blends kirtan vocals with ambient and downtempo electronic styles and is intended to complement activities such as yoga and meditation.
Journey (The Ambient Remixes) Also released in 2020, Journey (The Ambient Remixes) includes remixed versions of Manika Kaur's devotional music, produced by Martin "Youth" Glover. The album integrates ambient and electronic sounds while maintaining the spiritual nature of the original compositions.
Discography Year Album or non-album single Featured artist(s) Composer(s) Label2008BandhanaaShemaroo Entertainment2014Satanam WaheguruInvincible Recording2015I Bow To You WaheguruRakesh Chaurasia, Jyotsna Srikanth, Soumik Datta, Bernhard Schimpelsberger, and Reiner ErlingsTalvin SinghUnited Sound Recordings2018"Aval Allah" (single)feat. James YorkstonManika Music2018Sacred WordsJames Yorkston, Jyotsna Srikanth (violin), and Tunde JegedeTalvin Singh, Tigerstyle, and Oskar VizanSuriya Recordings2018"Tu Sultan" (single)feat. James YorkstonManika Music2020Yoga Ambient (Remixes)Rakesh Chaurasia, Jyotsna Srikanth, Soumik Datta, Bernhard Schimpelsberger, and Reiner ErlingsManika KaurSix Degrees Records2020Harbour of Inner LightsRakesh Chaurasia, Jyotsna Srikanth, Soumik Datta, Bernhard Schimpelsberger, and Reiner ErlingsManika KaurSix Degrees Records2021Magic Mantra (single)Jyotsna SrikanthManika KaurUnited Sound Recordings2021Diwali Di Raat (single)Jyotsna SrikanthManika KaurUnited Sound Recordings2022Mool Mantra Extended Version (single)Talvin SinghManika KaurUnited Sound Recordings2022Waheguru the Journey Simraan Extended Version (single)Manika KaurUnited Sound Recordings2024Pavan Meh (single)Rakesh ChaurasiaManika KaurUnited Sound Recordings2025Siddhartha (Radio Edit single)Martin GloverManika KaurSix Degrees Records2025Wakan Tanka (Radio Edit single)John ThorpeManika KaurSix Degrees Records2025DevoceanMartin Glover, Roopa Panesar, Giuliano Modarelli, Jesse Bannister, Kabiraj Singh, Sukhvinder Barj, Michael RendallManika KaurSix Degrees Records
Philanthropy Through her foundation Kirtan for Causes, Kaur raises awareness for issues such as equality, global access to feminine hygiene products, and education of females of all ages around the world."Music Preview: Manika Kaur releases sublime silky smooth Sacred Words" CelebMix
Her foundation currently supports the education of 100 programme participants"Kirtan brings a sense of peace" Just Say It How It Is and supports the education of over 200 children. iSing Magazine Kaur raised over one million dirhams (approx. £210,000) through her first album, which she donated to finance a new Gurdwara (Sikh temple) in Dubai."Manika Kaur" Zee Companion All of the revenue from Kaur's work go to support her charity.
Awards Kaur won the 2016 Sikh Award"Winners 2016 List" The Sikh Awards for Sikhs in Entertainment"Sikh Awards in London honour global Sikh diaspora" India GB News and placed sacred Sikh vocal music and Kirtan in the World Music Charts Europe for the first time.
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