Community Building & Cultural Activism
From block parties to civic engagement, I bring the energy of the dance floor to support the movements and communities that define our culture.
On the ground in Philadelphia with Padma Lakshmi and Meena Harris doing get-out-the-vote work. My activism extends beyond the DJ booth into direct community organizing and civic engagement.
This "Basement Bhangra Beyond" graphic thanks our community partners like SAYA, Sakhi, and DRUM. My events are always a collaboration, built on mutual support with organizations doing critical work in the South Asian and allied communities.
A poster for the Chinatown Block Party, where I collaborated with DJ YiuYiu. These cross-cultural events are about building solidarity and showing how our music and movements can grow together.
The poster for Basement Bhangra Bacchanal, highlighting our partnership with Caribbean and Indo-Caribbean groups like Jahajee Sisters. This work is about celebrating the connections between Bhangra, Soca, and Chutney music and the communities they represent.
Performing at the South Asia Institute's Summer Celebration and Fundraiser. I often lend my skills to support cultural institutions and non-profits that are dedicated to uplifting South Asian arts.
Spinning at a book celebration for author Bushra Rehman in Queens. Supporting fellow artists and creating a vibe for local cultural events is a fundamental part of my community work.
Another graphic from a SummerStage event, listing the community partners who will be tabling. I make sure these groups have a visible platform at my events to connect directly with the audience.
Pictured with President Joe Biden at the White House. This level of engagement is a platform to advocate for our communities and bring visibility to the cultural and political contributions of the South Asian diaspora.
About Community Building & Activism
I don't just show up to play music; I see every gathering as a chance to amplify the groups doing real work on the ground. When we collaborate, we can bring in partners like DRUM or Sakhi to table at your event, turning a simple performance into a community-led experience. If you are looking to host an event that actually moves the needle, let’s talk about how we integrate that.
Music is the entry point, but the culture is why we stay. Whether it is a block party in Queens or a fundraiser at a cultural institution, my focus is on weaving activism into the vibe. I have spent years archiving our South Asian diaspora history and bringing that knowledge into spaces, from universities to the White House.
I approach event production by asking: who are we uplifting? My events at SummerStage or block parties with Chinatown Records are not just for show; they are intentionally inclusive, providing a space for grassroots groups to connect directly with the audience. I do not believe in separating the party from the politics. If you are bringing me in, be ready to create a space that is as educational as it is energetic.
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