Wise Buddah secures Asian Network shows

BBC Asian Network has commissioned Wise Buddah and their production partner Three Street Media to produce four new weekend shows.

The shows, which started this weekend, include two new strands, Yasser and Kan D Man & DJ Limelight, which make up the station’s new music offering, plus existing programmes The Official Asian Download Chart and Panjabi Hit Squad.

Executive produced jointly by Three Street Media founder Reajuka Sharma and Wise Buddah’s Clare Chadburn, the four commissions are the first radio shows to be made by Wise Buddah for the BBC Asian Network and the first ones produced independently by Three Street Media.

Wise Buddah Head of Content Simon Willis: “Reajuka and the team at Three Street Media have a unique insight and passion for progressive British Asian music, youth culture and lifestyle. Together with Wise Buddah’s understanding of modern radio I think the audience can expect something pretty special.”

‘Yasser’ will be the home of new, unsigned and live British-Asian music, picking up the BBC Introducing baton from Bobby Friction who moves to a weekday slot, while ‘Kan D Man and DJ Limelight’ will now focus on unsigned British Asian Rappers and producers and the latest underground dance beats for their on-air club night show.

‘Panjabi Hit Squad’ will continue to set up Saturday nights with Desi anthems and the ‘Hit Squad House Party’ while the Official Asian Download Chart, presented by station newcomer Suzi Mann, will receive a makeover, including a new format and original features, when Wise Buddah and Three Street Media takeover production in December.

“We’re so delighted to be part of Asian Network’s new line up,” said Sharma. “And we’re excited to be working with dynamic, entertaining new talent like Yasser and Suzi. I hope the audience will want to get involved and interact with these shows through social media, commenting, liking and sharing posts as we continue to support, nurture and encourage an ever growing British Asian music scene.”