In the early 1990s, while prominent record labels showcased their highly polished pop-stars in well-established venues across Europe, new sounds of resistance began breaking through. Faintly at first, angry, defiant Asian youth began speaking their truth about living in diaspora – and the realities faced by the children of immigrants.
Lyrics in all languages were blended with music of all genres – including drum and bass, dub, Bollywood, funk, reggae and qawaali as the movement grew in strength and volume. Small clubs sprang up to showcase what is now known as ‘Asian Underground’. A key player was, and remains, Ritu Khurana – aka DJ Ritu – who would mix at tiny cult venues. That’s where I first encountered her.
