Featuring Apache Indian, Panjabi MC, DJ Rekha, Madame Gandhi, Anik Khan, HEEMS, Horsepowar, M Tooray, SMD Bhangra, Sikh Knowledge, DJ Petra, DJ Shilpa
Basement Bhangra --the longest continuously running party in NY nightlife history and the most high-profile club night dedicated to South Asian music in North America--comes to an end of its 20-year run this August. In celebration of Basement Bhangra's impact on both its hometown of New York and the visibility of bhangra music worldwide, international stars Apache Indian ("Chok There"; "Boom Shack-a-Lak") and Panjabi MC ("Beware Of The Boys" ft. Jay-Z) will bless the legendary SummerStage at Central Park's Rumsey Playfield on Sunday August 6th to give the party an epic send off. Rounding out the star-studded bill are virtuoso drummer Madame Gandhi, Heems [Das Racist, Swet Shop Boys] and upcoming rapper Anik Khan (who recently sold-out his first heading show), supported by DJ sets from Basement Bhangra founder DJ Rekha alongside longtime residents DJ Shilpa and DJ Petra. Special surprise guests are expected.
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| Free Show of Basement Bhangra --the longest continuously running party in NY nightlife history and the most high-profile club night dedicated to South Asian music in North America--comes to an end of its 20-year run this August |
The last official Basement Bhangra club night will take place at the party's original homebase of SOB's the Thursday prior (Thurs. 8/3) featuring a special guest appearance from rising Punjabi fusion star Mickey Singh ("Phone"; "Ho Gaya Pyaar") rapper Horsepowar and Sikh Knowledge.
Apache Indian is best known for a distinctive reggae style blending musical elements from Jamaica, India and the UK. Growing up in Handsworth, Birmingham Apache Indian made a name for himself as a DJ in the 1980s. His first single, "Move Over India" was released in 1990, followed by "Chok There" and "Don Raja." His burgeoning popularity and innovative combination of dancehall and bhangra led to a deal Island Records in 1992 and his first album release 'No Reservations' in 1993 and 'Make Way for the Indian' In 1995. In 1997 he released his third LP 'Real People' via Warner Bros. Sweden. Since 2000, he has been signed to Sunset Entertainment. Having collaborated with artists ranging from Boy George to Asha Bhosle, Apache Indian is recognized as one of the earliest UK artists of Asian origin to have a significant impact on the UK charts and has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement award from the UK Asian Music Awards in 2011, the Brit Asia TV network in 2013 and 2014, and the Black Country Asian Business Association in 2015.
What happens when you mix hip-hop and garage with traditional Desi beats? That's the question Rajinder Singh Rai, global star DJ and producer of Punjabi descent, posed in the '90s. The music he made as Panjabi MC answered the question with a string of groundbreaking hits, beginning with 2002's "Mundian To Bach Ke." Breaking through to #1 on top charts around the globe (Italy, Belgium), "Mundian" was also the first purely Asian vocal record to be included on the BBC Radio 1 playlist and UK singles list and ultimately inspired Jay-Z to connect with Panjabi on the collaborative remake "Beware of the Boys." The follow-up single "Jogi" (featuring dancehall king Beenie Man) kept the momentum, paving the way for bhangra anthems like "Jatt Ho Giya Sharabee"; "Kori (Giddah)"; "Snake Charmer" and "Moorni." Having worked with artists like Beyoncé, DJ Premier and The Pussycat Dolls, Panjabi MC has also earned the title of World's Best-selling Indian Artist [World Music Awards 2003].
Born in London, the multi-talented DJ, producer, curator and activist DJ Rekha is known for bringing Bhangra to the West. Melding traditional Bhangra and Bollywood sounds with hip-hop, dancehall and EDM, DJ Rekha has lit up dancefloors worldwide with her pioneering sound. Her first LP, 2008's 'DJ Rekha presents Basement Bhangra', featured a collaboration with Wyclef Jean and received a Best DJ Album nomination at the Plug Awards. She has spearheaded several wildly popular club nights, including Basement Bhangra™, Bollywood Disco and Mutiny (as co-founder). Her musical production has graced a wide variety of stages; she was the sound designer for TONY award-winner Bridge and Tunnel, and received a Drama Desk nomination for her dynamic work in "Rafta Rafta." Appointed the "Ambassador of Bhangra" by The New York Times, Newsweek has credited Rekha as being one of the most influential South Asians in the US and been inducted into New York City's Peoples' Hall of Fame. Most recently she took the national spotlight again as an official DJ for the momentous Women's March on Washington in January.
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