Voodoo Queens live session, the second session from the upcoming BBC Radio Sessions Volume 2 f
Beggars Arkive
Share second session from BBC Radio Sessions Volume 2 boxset
Voodoo Queens
Recorded for John Peel in 1993
Released today (26 Feb) is the Voodoo Queens live session, the second session from the upcoming BBC Radio Sessions Volume 2 from Beggars Arkive, the band were signed to the Too Pure label. Spanning decades from 1978 to 2000, each BBC session has been remastered at Abbey Road and pressed to its own 12” clear vinyl record. These sessions capture the raw energy and unique spirit of BBC Radio’s Peel Sessions, featuring exclusive recordings from bands on Beggars Banquet, Wiiija & Too Pure.
Voodoo Queens were an indie punk band from North London and one of the rare predominantly female British Asian groups. Their lineup included Anjali Bhatia (vocals, guitar), Ella Guru (guitar, backing vocals), Stefania Lucchesini (drums), Rajni Bhatia (keyboards) and Anjula Bhasker (bass). Rebecca Lunn later stepped in for Anjula, with Mary Deigan replacing her on bass in 1994.
Releasing via the Too Pure label, their 1993 single “Supermodel Superficial” and album Chocolate Revenge earned them cult status. Though short-lived, they left a lasting impact on the feminist punk movement in Britain.
Peel first encountered the band in November 1992 while they were on tour with Cornershop. Their performance left such a strong impression on him that he invited them to record a session, boosting their presence in the UK alternative scene. He likened the experience of seeing them live to his first time watching the Slits. The session was recorded in January 1993, at a time when Anjali was still employed at the Virgin Megastore on Oxford Street.
Voodoo Queens, BBC Session Tracklist:
1 / 1 Kenuwee Head (Dude Idol)
1 / 2 Summer Sun
2 / 1 Princess of the Voodoo Beat
2 / 2 Supermodel Superficial
The whole collection is available to pre-order now as a completed box, extremely limited in number, only 250 complete boxsets are being sold. The box itself features a bespoke design with metallic details, with each individual record sleeve in the box being unique to the artist.
