News

RepresentAsian announces Bristol club night showcasing South Asian talent

They want to "promote South Asian presence, celebrate the culture and change the narrative"

RepresentAsian has announced its debut club night in Bristol, due to take place at The Crofters Rights.

The line-up includes Bristol-based DJ RISHI, baile funk specialist DJ Adeevah and co-founder Yusuf Suave.

Read this next: 10 South Asian diaspora dance music collectives you need to know

Launched in 2021, RepresentAsian is a podcast that celebrates South Asian influence and talent in the dance and underground music community; it was the brainchild of booking agent and DJ Yusuf Suave and culture journalist Safiya Bashir.

The organisers say to "expect to hear the sounds of Bhangra and Bollywood cut in with your favourite garage, UK funky, afro house and more."

Read this next: What do your parents think?: 4 South Asian DJs share their family's reception to a music career

Speaking to Mixmag, Safiya said: "Growing up in Bristol, Yusuf and I have always been aware that we've lived in a really vibrant and diverse city.

"However, when we turned 18 and first started going out we were finding ourselves on predominantly white dance floors listening to white DJs."

"Thanks to amazing collectives such as the Daytimers and No ID, we're seeing a movement of South Asian Brits reclaiming their culture and heritage through music.

We want to continue this momentum and celebrate DJs in our hometown of Bristol, in the clubs we grew up going to."

Read this next: Exploring Identity: What does it mean to be South Asian in the UK in 2021?

On its information page, RepresentAsian describes itself as "the podcast and 1020 radio show that champions South Asian DJs in the UK underground.

"Through conversations with a selection of DJs, hosts Safiya and Yusuf bring together voices from the South Asian diaspora to promote their presence, celebrate the culture and change the narrative."

Read this next: A deep dive into South Asian electronic music

The debut club night is due to take place on February 18 at The Crofters Rights, to find out more and book tickets visit the event page here.

Listen to a mix from Yusuf Sauve here.

**Aneesa Ahmed is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on* Twitter*