Tony Singh Pabla

[Munda UK Da]

There is nothing left to say other than Tony's passing is unfair and a tragedy. I can't imagine what his family have been through and what they are going through. I didn't know him personally but I made a few trips to his shop and always enjoyed my visits there even if I didn't buy anything.
I haven't posted on here in a very long time, mainly due to the spamming posts which the Panjab 2000 team are constantly trying to battle against. However Panjab 2000 was my home during my teens upto my mid twenties, it was the twitter of Bhangra to me and for that I wanted to thank Tony.
Thank you Tony for giving the fans a forum on which to share opinions and keep up to date with the industry. I feel a part of me has gone with you, I didn't even know you but the influence of Panjab 2000 which will forever be your legal has left a mark on me. Thank you and rest in peace

[AJ]

I haven't been here in a very long time and nothing has ever compelled me to come back, until now. I'm shocked and deeply saddened by Tony's passing, and I felt this would be an apt place to leave my thoughts.

Echoing the sentiments above, I spent many happy years here and met some great people. I believe this forum would never have reached the fame (and sometimes notoriety) it did without Tony's efforts (not forgetting Tej and co). He was a true ambassador for the game, by which I mean the 'music'. Whilst he was a mini celebrity in his own right, his passion for the music was untrue. There were, and remain, very few people like him in the industry.

Friends Electric was a favourite place of mine, a cavern of old music and memorabilia that harked back to a golden era. I spent hours there with Tony discussing music, something that all aficionados will understand when you meet a like-minded person. To say he was a fountain of knowledge is an understatement and, as the cliché goes, what he didn't know about bhangra wasn't worth knowing. Years later I was sad to see it close, but understood that the time of the Asian music shop had come to an end.

I hadn't seen Tony for many years but always retained fondness when I looked back to all the good times.

Tony, you'll be greatly missed and I wish you rest in peace, my dear friend.

[Maplin]

When the UK Bhangra/Desi scene was at its peak, it was populated by sharks and scammers. However within that cess pool there were genuine people and it was those people who kept things moving, always pushing forward and supporting talent. Many of those people were not known to the public but the artists knew them because of the contribution they made to their careers. Tony Pabla was one of those good people and I’m proud that I was able to call him a friend. The advice, guidance and contacts he shared with me, helped me out greatly back in the day. He was always available on the other end of the phone when I needed to talk to somebody or when I needed to make something happen.

My biggest regret is losing touch with Tony. I would often see his posts appear on my FB time-line and I would always say to myself that I should drop him a message for a catch up but I never actually did that and now I can never do it! I was truly gutted when I learnt of his passing.

If you can hear me Tony, you’ll always have a special place in my heart Brother. RIP.

I also have a message for those P2K Legends whom I hope will see this. I would like to reiterate the comments made by Munda UK Da. This message board was home to many people during “the golden years”. Many friendships were forged here and many relationships were also broken. However we all mutually LOVED our music and that’s why we always argued and laughed with one another. I know I upset many members but it was because I gave a **** so if I did offend you, I apologise. I was very young and very passionate about the music. With all that said, it was Tony who gave us this unique platform to communicate with one another. We all owe him for those memories.

Maplin out.