Rich Mix put out call for Bangladeshi sounds to celebrate 50 years of independence

East London studio Rich Mix are looking for music and sounds from Bangladesh for a special event celebrating the countries independence.

As part of "Bangladesh 50", Rich Mix’s celebration of 50 years of Bangladesh’s independence, the organisation is hosting a night of music featuring an exclusive mix of Bengali sounds by DJ SAMIA.

Village Gathering a night of music, will take place on Friday, December 10 from 7:PM at Rich Mix studio, East London.

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

Curated by Maryam Abdullah, the night of music includes appearances from Propa Rezwana Anwar and Shakila K.

Rich Mix is looking for people to send in their favourite Bengali tunes and audio recordings of songs sung and passed down. They want songs that remind people of their childhood, family members or are intrinsic to their identity.

Speaking to Mixmag, SAMIA said: “You can send your favourite Bangla songs or even music by Bangladeshi Producers. It's not restricted to Bangla protest music though, it can be uplifting and joyful music from the Diaspora and beyond.

“Personally, I would encourage Asian underground music from past and present that moves you and makes you want to dance.”

Read this next: What it's like to go clubbing as a British South Asian person

She said that playing an event with such social and historical value is “one of the biggest honours of my DJ career and life to date”.

SAMIA says: “Playing music for my community, sent to me by the community and beyond is a dreamy situation to be in. It definitely helps the growth of my learning and knowledge of Bangladeshi music I haven't heard before too.

“[I am excited to] bring my parents and family to an event so they can see me DJ, whereby they can finally relate to the environment, people and the music.

“We need to normalise these spaces and events in the mainstream that promote/encourage DJ's and crowds who don't drink.”

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

Speaking to Mixmag, Martha Rumney, Producer, Rich Mix and Maryam Abdullah, Curator of the event said: "We want to get people together in a space, up on their feet, dancing and singing.

"The events that come later in the festival have a focus on conversation and reflection, so for the opening, we wanted something that felt utterly joyous, representative of the celebrative nature of the anniversary of Bangladesh. We want people to have a good night out!".

Read this next: What Do Your Parents Think?: 4 South Asian DJs share their family's reception to a music career

Rich Mix is an East London based charity looking to connect some of the most diverse communities in the area through cultural events and programmes.

Submissions for tracks and audio samples are open until November 22.

For more information on how to submit your tracks and recordings or to buy tickets to the event, visit the event page on the Rich Mix website here.

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