The first main acts confirmed for the 2008 Mela were international singing sensations, Imran Khan & Labh Janjua. The stars were flown in from Netherlands and India respectively for this event. In addition to music, there was bollywood dancers, fashion shows and live performances from local and national acts. Main stage performances commenced from 12pm.

Below are some of the acts that performed at the 2008 Cardiff Multicultural Mela!

DOLFIN (ZEE TV)

He's cheeky, he's funny, he's Zee Muzic Presenter Dolfin and he was back in Cardiff due to popular demand! Since starting his career in 2003, Dolfin has seemed to take the Asian media and music industry by storm. He managed and compered the 2008 Zee Carnival and Melas across the UK from Edinburgh to Bristol. Amongst his media achievements include interviewing the likes of Shilpa Shetty amongst others!

IMRAN KHAN

Imran Khan is arguably the biggest Punjabi singing sensation in the world right now after his chart smash debut single 'Ni Nachle'. Hailing from Holland, he is headlining many of the Melas across Europe including the much established Norway and Bradford Mela. His passion for singing started at the age of 12, with him always listening to Punjabi music, and it never stopped, hoping that one day people will listen to what he has to give to theAsian music scene. He never gave up his dream and believed that everyone has a gift from god and you should never give up, keep going until you achieve it.

LABH JANJUA

A gifted talent was born, when Labh Janjua's vocals were introduced to the world with the international hit 'Mundian To Bach Ke' by Panjabi MC. Having worked with many artists in the Bhangra industry, Labh delivers uplifting and extraordinary performances in each of his songs. He entered the Bollywood market in 2003 and there is no turning back as he churns out the hits. Most recently, Labh janjua's vocals on the song 'Soni De Nakhre Ne,' was featured in the Bollywood hit film 'Partner'. Labh Janjua was also recently nominated for best male playback singer at the IIFA awards 2008 in Bangkok.

ANUSHA

Anusha is a Cardiff born and raised British Asian singer & songwriter. Recently she has had the pleasure of representing British Asians whilst supporting Mutya Buena and Shayne Ward on his sell out UK tour up and down the country. Out of all the places she has performed at, there is no place quite like home and she can't wait to perform at the Mela in her own hometown, Cardiff this year.

FUSING NAKED BEATS

Fusing Naked Beats, have a unique versatile style which is slowly evolving the contemporary Asian scene into an altogether more urban, edgy soundscape with a new direction. Fusing Naked Beats express a variety of different types of musical styles. From traditional Asian music and its rhythms to experimenting with hip-hop and electronic music. Fusing Naked Beats were nominated in 2008 for 'The Best Asian Underground act' at the UK Asian Music Awards.

SHIZZIO

Shizzio is currently the only asian artist to cross over successfully onto an urban platform with his hit record 'Arabian dance,' currentlybeing played on both asian and non asian stations. The video features 'pimp my ride host' and radio 1 urban legend DJ Tim Westwood and choice fm and MTV Base presenter Kat Man. The video also recently won best video on channel U, once again a feat never ever been achieved by an asian artist. Shizzio is currently working with the likes of Tigerstyle, Lethal Bizzle and Wiley. Shizzio has just come back from India as he is in a new bollywood movie released early next year.

BOBBY SINGH

Bobby Singh is currently working on his solo material which is set for release next year; already his vocals have been used by Panjabi MC as well as other well known artists. The 36 year old city-born son of Punjabi immigrants, now a professional singer with four children is the embodiment of that overused political buzzword 'multicultural.' Appropriately, this truly Welsh Sikh is performing at Cardiff's multicultural event.

EASTERN SOUL

Eastern Soul will bring the Indian & Pakistani golden oldies into the current day. This new generation twist will include upbeat drumming mingled with fine quality of strumming guitars. Performances will include covers of foot tapping Bollywood and Pakistani songs . "Be there to shake your soul "Lead Vocals: Aizaz, Rythms Guitar: Ankush, Lead Guitar: Waqas & Drums: Amrtiraj.

AARYA

Unsigned artist Aarya is 17; a singer/songwriter; and an artist in her own right. She has been singing seriously for around 3 years now but her passion for singing started as a 3 year old girl singing at her grandmother's house. Apparently back then she was a song writer too! She sings everything from soul, RnB, jazz to fusion and enjoys the ability to sing everything! Her Indian origin has influenced her song writing and singing voice.

JEVI-DESI BOYZ

Jevi-Desi Boyz are a desi band of five lads that started up about 18 months ago, when they were all new to their instruments. They have come a very long way since then, and created a new sound and a grove for the Asian music. Each one the band members has a passion of what they do and they hope to bring a lot more to you. Band Members: Jevi (Vocalist) Jimmy (Keyboards) Hari (Keyboards) Tabz (Bass) Raj (Dholi) Bill (Drum Kit) Jeevan (Dholak).

ANISH

Anish is the name to listen out for. Having been performing for the past two years he has shown his true colours to audiences around England and Wales. By the age of 21 he has already performed (as a Keyboardist) for International artist Sonu Nigam and has performed and DJ'ed for International Lions club in London. He is a freelancing singer and is very quickly becoming recognised as the next potential star. He is known for his dynamic voice and explosive performances that he consistently delivers leaving audiences mesmerised.

INSPIRASIAN DANCE

Promoting Bollywood & Asian-Fusion Dance, for all!

Inspirasian dance are a Multi-cultural dance group who provides various services for almost any occasion/ project. Performances & Workshops for special occasions & corporate events, any location Workshops available in schools & colleges, any location.

Main styles covered are Bollywood, Bhangra & Kathak with a contemporary twist...

BLITZ BOYZ

Blitz Boyz Talented Blitz Boyz are a breakdance crew from Newport. Theseyoungsters are currently Welsh Junior Champions andwere ranked 4th in the world hip hop competition in Germany in 2007. This high energy act is sure to dazzle all and provide amazing entertainment.

HALFOUINE DANCE

This dance company is led by Hannah Corr, who is a teacher, performer and choreographer with a life-long love of dance and Earth traditions. She has beenstudying Middle Eastern Dance for 8 years and has since developed an in depth knowledge of Egyptian dance, rhythm and costume as well as having experience of Kurdish, Algerian and Moroccan dance. She believes dance to hold powerful healing qualities that enable us to access the deeper parts of ourselves.

SALSA BEUNA

Shahid and the fabulous Lekha, will be performing and teaching salsa at the Cardiff Multicultural Mela. An experienced salsa teacher and performer, Shahid is representing Salsa Buena which is made up of himself and his regular teaching and dance partner Irene Constantinou (Official Welsh Salsa Champion) who teach and perform salsa in and around Cardiff. They teach fun and friendly salsa classes, from absolute beginner level to improver/intermediate level.

FIORA & NOELANI BELLYDANCE

Fiora Touliatou is a bellydance performer, teacher, artist and holistic therapist. Originally from Greece and currently based in Cardiff, she has performed at venues both in UK and in Athens. Along with her students, Fiora has formed the Noelani group, a multicultural bunch of girls bound together by their love of bellydance! Fiora promotes bellydance as an ancient art form and therapeutic dance.

ASIF KHAN

If you enjoyed 'Signature' on 'Britains Got Talent' this year, you will enjoy Asif Khan's performance at this years Mela. This high energy dance act willfuse the very best in Western music with the very best in Bollywood.There are many more performers at this years event, so arrive early at 12pm midday to ensure you do not miss a thing!

SULTAN-HU

Sultan Hu is made up of Ismael Ali who plays the guitar and is the main singer with more than 20 years of music experience. Hussain is on vocals and drums, and Jean on guitar, who also has 20yrs of music experience. They have produced 3 cds to date. Sultan-Hu are an international Sufi band, who try to spread a message of harmony, love and integration through their music. Recent performances include playing at Glastonbury music festival. Also playing at the One somerset multicultural festival at the end of April 2008.

K-SOUND

Kunal is a Human Beatboxer known as KSound who specialises in playing Harmonica, Didgeridoo, Accordion and Panpipes while doing vocal percussion and sound effects at the same time. He has been beatboxing and teaching for 8 years. Currently he is producing, writing and presenting an Asian comedy series called Desi Punga for Brit Asia TV. Desi Punga and is due for release in 2008.

FASHION SHOW

And finally, one of the highlights of the mela was a brilliant fashion show put together by local business, Visible Changes. The fashion show showcased the very best in East and West fashion. The fashion show was choreographed by Nafisa Illahi. Many thanks to Farah Illahi for the 2008 Fashin Show.

Local singers, musicians and other artists also took centre stage as people from across Wales were invited to take part and perform on the main stage in 2008.

The Cardiff Multicultural Mela was formed in collaboration with acts and is an opportunity for anyone who loves to sing/perform/dance to get involved in theMela. Cardiff Multicultural Mela is all about opportunity and is open to anyone of all ages.

The organisers are excited to be able to offer the public a chance to perform new works that have never been heard before and are keep to provide a platform for this.

Anyone interested in performing in the 2009 Mela can register their details on the 'Contact Us' page.