The Archive: Press, Merch & Legacy

People always ask where the music comes from. It isn't just about the latest tracks; it is about the lineage of South Asian sounds in New York City. When I started Basement Bhangra, we were not thinking about legacy. We were thinking about finding a space for our community to exist, dance, and be loud. Years later, looking at those flyers—the hand-drawn ones, the photocopied ones—I realized they are not just paper. They are evidence that we were here, taking up space in venues from the Lower East Side to Brooklyn.

That is why I donated my personal archives to the Fales Library at NYU. I wanted the next generation of DJs, curators, and dancers to see how we built this scene. You can trace the evolution of the South Asian diaspora just by looking at the lineups and venue changes over the last two decades.

The legacy lives on in more than just library records. Our merchandise, available through the Sangament Shoppe, is how you can rep that history every day. Whether it is a classic Basement Bhangra hat or a shirt that nods to our history of activism, it is about connection. When you see someone wearing this gear, you know they get it. They know the history of the parties, the struggle, and the joy. Bringing this context into my current sets—whether it is at a museum gala or a private birthday bash—is what keeps the energy real. It is not just playing music; it is honoring the culture, the people who showed up before us, and the new energy you bring to the floor.