Cultural Curation and Community Workshops in NYC
A look at the intersection of music, history, and community building through workshops, panels, and archival projects.
This clip from the Instagram #frequencyBRWN event gets to the heart of what I do. It’s about creating diverse, inclusive spaces where music from all parts of the diaspora can be celebrated and where we can build real community, both online and on the dance floor.
On stage for a panel discussion at the 1497 South Asian Lodge. I love these opportunities to sit down and talk about the intersection of culture, community, and art, sharing stories and ideas with other creators.
Here I am with Gracia Brown from NYU's A/P/A Institute, going through my personal collection of flyers and photos. This archival work with the Fales Library is about preserving the history of Basement Bhangra and NYC's South Asian diasporic nightlife for future generations.
My workshops are all about hands-on experience. This poster for the Brrrrhangra Dance Party at Lincoln Center shows how I partner with groups like Ajna Dance Company to create free, all-ages events that get everyone moving and learning about Bhangra.
This event at the Museum of the Moving Image combined a film discussion with a Bollywood Disco party. I often collaborate with artists like director Saleem Nasir Gondal to host talks that explore the cultural DNA of filmi classics and their influence on the diaspora.
Activism is central to my work. Here I am with Meena Harris and Padma Lakshmi in Philadelphia, canvassing and using my Punjabi to get out the vote. It’s about showing up for our communities in every way possible.
Attending a Diwali celebration at the White House with President Joe Biden. Being invited to these spaces is a recognition of the cultural work our community has been doing for decades, bringing our sounds and stories to the forefront.
About Featured
I don't just spin records. My work spans the museum floor, the academic lecture hall, and the grassroots organizing space. Whether we are digging into the archives of Basement Bhangra or exploring the sociopolitical roots of South Asian diaspora music, the goal is always to create a space for real talk and connection.
Whether I am at the Brooklyn Museum, NYU, or hosting a grassroots block party, the approach is the same: connecting our past to the present moment. My featured work is not just about entertainment, it is about education and archiving our diasporic history.
I offer tailored experiences ranging from deep-dive music history lectures to interactive workshops that mix movement with theory. We can analyze the evolution of Bhangra, dissect the role of cinema in shaping South Asian identity, or explore how nightlife can serve as a catalyst for social change.
If you are an institution looking for a guest speaker, a community group planning a festival, or a corporate team needing a fresh perspective, let us build something authentic. My sessions are grounded in years of hands-on experience and archival research, providing not just a performance, but a genuine conversation.
Looking for something else?
Explore specific services or event types.
More from Speaking Engagements & Workshops by DJ Rekha
More services by DJ Rekha