Last issue I wrote about how we, British Asians are making our way into the mainstream music industry.

Today, I'm going to tell you why it's important to support the Asian music industry. As you're aware, counterfeiting or bootlegging is rife here in the UK, with both music produced here in the UK and Pakistan and India.

It is quite easy to recognize a counterfeit product by the quality of the printing and on the cover of the CD.

Usually it is a photocopy using an average photocopier, the CD will usually be a very cheap CD as the bootlegger will want to keep his cost down and will use the cheapest that he can find and it won't be shrink wrapped.

But the biggest giveaway will be the price!!! The average price of a British produced CD will be between £9.00 and £10.00 for an album and between £2.00 and £4.00 for single. Tapes tend not to be bootlegged because of the high cost involved and their decline in sales.

A bootlegger depending on his level of unscrupulness will sell you a fake CD for as little as £2.00 or even pass it of as an original for £9.00-£10.00!!! So why shouldn't you buy of a bootlegger?

Well, firstly you as a consumer are getting an inferior and shoddy product. Secondly, the bootlegger has absolutely no regard for your consumer rights because he's just init to make a quick buck.

Thirdly, you are putting jeopardy the future of the British Asian music industry! How? Well let me explain to you, ok, your average Asian record label is not a multi-million pound international company, rather it is likely to be a small company.

When they sign an artist to their label their average investment into releasing an album is in the region of £30-£50,000, and it has to recoup its investment from sales.

And it doesn't take an Einstein to work out that bootleg sales are going to affect it.

Away that's enough lecturing from me this time if you agree or disagree with me write or e-mail me, but don't forget to support your local shops (who sell originals), and your very own artists and music industry by BUYING ORIGINAL!!!

P.S you can be ASIAN and haggle if it's the price!!! Try it!!! Peace and love till next time.