Speaking Engagements & Workshops
Available across Canada
I run interactive talks and workshops where we explore South Asian music, Bhangra history, and community stories, mixing real dance floor experience with learning and discussion.
Pricing Guide
Signature Keynote & Cultural Talk
Core Engagement
- Duration: Up to 90 minutes total (60 minute talk followed by 30 minute Q&A).
- Format: Lecture style with multimedia integration (audio clips, historical footage, slide deck).
- Customization: Content strategy tailored to client themes. Topics include Evolution of Bhangra, South Asian Identity, LGBTQ+ Activism, and Art of Curation.
Production & Tech
- Visuals: Curated slide deck with archival imagery and vintage photos projected during the talk.
- Audio: Playback of curated music samples (Bhangra, Hip Hop, Bollywood) to demonstrate historical points.
- Rights: One time limited rights to record the session for internal organizational archiving.
Coordination & Extras
- Pre event: 45 minute virtual briefing to align on demographics and a 30 minute technical check.
- Post event: 15 minute meet and greet with VIPs immediately following the talk.
- Photography: Allowances for official event photography.
Interactive Music & Culture Workshop
Workshop Structure
- Duration: 2 Hours maximum.
- Option A (Movement): Basement Bhangra style dance lesson combined with the history of the steps.
- Option B (Listening): Deep dive listening session analyzing tracks, samples, and the fusion of genres.
- Interaction: Direct audience engagement, Q&A, and practical demonstrations throughout the session.
Setup & Gear
- Equipment: Use of professional DJ controller provided by Rekha (venue provides audio output).
- Curation: A specific playlist designed for the educational journey.
Audience & Materials
- Capacity: Suitable for intimate groups (20 to 50 people) for high interaction or auditorium settings (up to 200) for demonstration style.
- Takeaway: Digital handout or playlist link provided to attendees post event.
Panelist or Moderator Feature
Engagement Scope
- Role: Participating as a Subject Matter Expert (Panelist) or Host (Moderator).
- Duration: 60 minutes on stage.
- Topics: Expertise in Cinema, Nightlife Economy, South Asian Politics, and Music Production.
Rights & Value
- Marketing: Use of DJ Rekha's name and likeness in event promotional materials (flyers, social media).
- Social Amplification: One Instagram Story mention tagging the event (subject to alignment with brand values).
Logistics
- Prep: Review of talking points and fellow panelist bios (includes 1 hour off stage work).
- Arrival: 30 minutes prior to stage time for mic up and briefing.
About Speaking Engagements & Workshops
What I Do
I see every dance floor as more than a party—it's a spot where stories, culture, and community come alive. When I speak or run workshops, I bring the energy of nightlife into spaces where we can actually talk and learn from each other. Whether I’m at a university, museum, or community center, it’s all about connecting our roots to what’s happening now.
What We Can Explore
I’m all about getting real. My sessions go deep into the history of Bhangra and how South Asian sounds moved from Punjab to the streets and clubs of NYC. We chat about the desi diaspora, building chosen family, and making our own space here. I love digging into how art and activism mix—like turning a dance floor into a place for change, or archiving moments from my Basement Bhangra parties for NYU.
Want something hands-on? I’ve got you—think Bhangra dance class, filmi classics deep listening session, or a South Asian music history workshop. For the academic heads, I do lectures tying music, city life, and culture together. If there’s a film screening, I’m up for Q&A about identity and art.
Who I Roll With
I’ve worked with Brooklyn Museum, Lincoln Center, NYU, Museum of the Moving Image, DRUM, Sakhi, and a bunch of other folks who care about community and culture.
Why I Do This
At the end of the day, it’s about building something real and celebrating what makes us us. Yaar, jab basement bhangra hota tha na, sab ek saath boliyan gaate the (When Basement Bhangra was on, we’d all sing together). If you want to connect or share your story, I’m here for it.
Meet your Expert
DJ Rekha
206 connects in last 3 months
My Story
Hey, I’m DJ Rekha. Been spinning beats and building wild, welcoming dance floors for a long time now. Basement Bhangra started as a way to blast Punjabi music in NYC clubs, and it just blew up! I’m not just about the music - I collect flyers, photos, all that, cause our party history matters. Donated my stash to NYU so anyone can see how our scene grew. For me, it’s all linked - the beats, the people, the stories.
My Work
DJ, Producer, Curator, Educator - I play festivals, clubs, private parties, and curate events. I also give talks on music and culture.
South Asian Diasporic Dance Music Sets - Bhangra, reworked Punjabi tracks, retro filmi grooves - all mixed for dancing, global vibes always.
Inclusive Dance Party Vibes - Energy’s high, everyone’s welcome. Dance like you’re the Bollywood star you know you are.
Signature Events: Basement Bhangra & Bollywood Disco - Started Basement Bhangra NYC and Bollywood Disco party series. Community, culture, and wild nights from Queens to Brooklyn.
