RENOWNED radio presenter Nihal is releasing a new compilation album – ‘The Asian Collection’ this summer.

Nihal Arthanayake, one of the leading torch-bearers of the Asian music industry for many years, has collated over 50 tracks that create an explosive mix of Bollywood and British Asian classics. It is released on the Sony label.

The compilation includes huge hits from iconic artists such as: A.R. Rahman, Anoushka Shankar, Nitin Sawhney, Apache Indian, Panjabi MC, Bally Sagoo, Raghav, Dr. Zeus, Diljit Dosanjh, Honey Singh, Talvin Singh and Jazzy B.

With over 50 tracks on the album, The Asian Collection is the first ever time a major label has been able to bring so many iconic artists and styles together.

The album features a wide range of tracks from familiar mainstream artists who have embraced Asian sounds into their contemporary releases, such as Jay Z, Missy Elliot and Pussycat Dolls.

It also includes a sprinkling of Bollywood in the form of tracks from well-known films such as Desi Girls (Dostana), Rang De Basanti from the film of the same name, Tu Hi Mera (Jannat 2) and Tere Naina (My Name Is Khan).

He said, “The album is actually like your own private version of a Mela, with an eclectic mix of sounds from the subcontinent. When you go to a Mela you’ll hear Bollywood from one area, Bhangra and Asian R&B blaring from the main stage, classical music from one of the cultural tents and everything in between.

“Selecting the tracks is always challenging as there is so much music to choose from. I wanted the album to showcase the diverse sounds that have emerged from both the UK and the subcontinent.

“The album features some great classics that everyone will recognise, no matter what their ethnic heritage, combined with some big Bollywood tunes that are guaranteed floor fillers and family favourites.”

The album is available from July 31.