Young Adult Soiree Features Prominent Festival Musician DJ Aza's Latest Successes
In the early 1990s, the UK witnessed the birth of a unique musical movement – the Asian Underground. This fusion of traditional South Asian musical elements and electronic, hip-hop, and dance music quickly gained traction, with small clubs and venues showcasing this genre. Pioneering artists like Talvin Singh, Nitin Sawhney, and DJ Ritu (Ritu Khurana) played a significant role in promoting the scene [3].
The Asian Underground reached mainstream recognition in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with landmark releases and events. Artists like Talvin Singh won the Mercury Music Prize (1999) for his album "OK" that blended classical Indian music with drum and bass, raising the movement’s profile internationally [1]. The period marked the moment when Asian Underground music reached not only niche audiences but also wider mainstream recognition in the UK.
Fast forward to 2021, and there has been a resurgence of interest in the Asian Underground. This revival is part of a broader trend of renewed interest in South Asian diaspora music and culture within the UK and internationally. Key figures like Ritu Khurana and the establishment of new clubs and events dedicated to the genre suggest that the Asian Underground is experiencing a renaissance, bringing its pioneering fusion of styles to younger audiences [3].
One of the standout events of this resurgence is Jawani Nights, launched by DJ Aza at XOYO Birmingham in March '24. This full-throttle underground experience with a Punjabi twist has become a staple of Birmingham's clubbing culture. The initial reactions to the first few events were remarkably favourable, with the audience engaging with the music in ways Aza had not anticipated [2].
Demand for Jawani Nights has been overwhelming, with consistently over 1000 tickets sold for every event. DJ Aza has been working on remixes, bootlegs, and bass mixes, taking inspiration from DJs in India who are blending music in unique ways [2]. Jawani Nights is gearing up for its final session of the year at XOYO Birmingham, with a stacked lineup featuring some of the most exciting names in the scene.
DJ Aza has an instinct for picking up-and-coming talent who understand the cultural nuances of Punjabi music and can mix it effortlessly with modern bass sounds. He envisions Jawani Nights as a sanctuary, a space where people can truly escape the stresses of daily life and find a sense of solace [2].
The momentum that Jawani Nights has built throughout the year shows no signs of slowing down, with 2025 promising to be another wicked year, filled with new faces, fresh sounds, and even more exciting opportunities for growth. The comeback of the Asian Underground has transcended its UK origins, evolving into a truly global phenomenon.
The Asian Underground was led by influential figures such as Talvin Singh, Nitin Sawhney, Asian Dub Foundation, State of Bengal, Panjabi MC, and Apache Indian [3]. As we look ahead to the future, it's clear that these pioneers have paved the way for a new generation of artists to continue pushing the boundaries of this innovative and vibrant musical movement.
- The resurgence of interest in the Asian Underground in 2021 is part of a broader trend that also includes renewed interest in South Asian fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, technology, travel, entertainment, music, and sports within the UK and internationally.
- The revival of the Asian Underground is evident in the establishment of new clubs and events, such as Jawani Nights, which offers a full-throttle underground experience with a Punjabi twist.
- DJ Aza, the mastermind behind Jawani Nights, takes inspiration from DJs in India who blend music in unique ways and envisions Jawani Nights as a sanctuary that offers a sense of solace, escaping the stresses of daily life.
- The comeback of the Asian Underground has transcended its UK origins and evolved into a truly global phenomenon, with 2025 promising to be another wicked year filled with new faces, fresh sounds, and more opportunities for growth.
