DJ Lyan, shaking the rhythm to South Asian music | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The recent surge in South Asian music and focus on South Asian artists can be attributed to today’s unprecedented global connectivity, allowing cultural influences to spread rapidly. If one looks back at past moments when South Asian music gained popularity, such as in the 2000s, there is now a renewed interest.
DJ Lian, a strong name in the London music industry, says that while cultural trends have already spread to regions such as South America with reggaeton and Africa with Afrobeat, it is now Asia’s turn, highlighting the diverse diaspora and widespread presence of South Asians contributing to this global phenomenon. “This cultural wave represents more than a fleeting trend. It establishes South Asian music as a vital and lasting component of the global music scene,” he says.
Over a video call from London, Lyan, a Bangladeshi-born British DJ, producer and songwriter who hails from the vibrant cultural sector of East London, explains his artistry, which blends the traditional sounds of South Asia with contemporary Western music.
Lyan has teamed up with two rising UK Punjabi stars, Jass Nandra and Khushi K, to create the garage-inspired single ‘Kokka’, released under the Desi Trill label. Paying homage to the UK garage classic body groove, Lyan has reimagined ‘Kokka’ as a modern-day hit. “Set in the heart of London, ‘Kokka’ strikes a balance between the classics that many have grown up with and the new sounds and talents that appeal to the younger generation,” says Lyan.
‘Kokka’was born at the end of a studio session when Lyan and some friends were listening to UK garage music. “I was inspired by the body groove, created a loop, and thought of Kushi, who I’d met a few weeks before. She was excited about the project. I also thought of Jas, who I’d met at a video shoot. Her authentic, traditional voice complemented Kushi’s youthful energy perfectly. Despite working on their sessions months apart, our chemistry was incredible, and the song came together beautifully,” says Lyan.
Brown boom
Agreeing with Desi Trill’s slogan, Brown is Everywhere, Lyan says it reflects the growing global presence and influence of South Asian communities. With India now the most populous country and Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal having significant populations, South Asians are found all over the world, bringing their culture with them. This is evident in the prevalence of South Asian restaurants and businesses globally.
Speaking about Punjabi music making its mark on the global stage, Lian says this is due to the wide range of music distribution platforms like Spotify and YouTube, which have expanded its reach. “The genre’s infectious energy and cultural appeal, collaborations with international artists and integration into Bollywood have fuelled its popularity across the world. Social media and a strong global diaspora further contribute to its popularity.”
London Moorings
Lian’s journey into music and DJing is rooted in his upbringing in London, particularly Hackney. He describes a childhood filled with diverse musical influences; Bollywood from his mother and the emerging sounds of British Asian fusion from artists such as Bally Sagoo and Rishi Rich. These musical experiences laid the foundation for his eclectic taste in music, mixing genres such as grime, hip-hop and dance.
Recalling his interest in music production, Lian explained that it started when he was a teenager, when a friend introduced him to beat-making software. “This led to me spending countless hours making beats, often prioritising my music over social gatherings.”
As he honed his production skills, Lyan eventually ventured into DJing to share his music and showcase other artists’ tracks he loved. “By this point, I developed a keen ear for good sounds and became a tastemaker in my own right. This shift into DJing came naturally as a way to connect more deeply with my audience and the broader music community.”
Spending her formative years in Hackney, Lynn enjoyed being exposed to diverse communities, including African, South Asian and Caribbean cultures.
support team
DJ Lian (centre) with Desi Trill members Ty Ty Smith (left) and Shabazz Naqvi | Photo credit: Special Arrangement
Lyan says his musical journey and being a part of the Desi Trill movement has been extremely fulfilling. “Collaborating with a supportive team and just showcasing our cultural message through music has been so important. It is so fulfilling when people in the South Asian community understand and appreciate the cultural narrative we are telling through our music. Representing South Asian culture through my work has been a special and fulfilling experience.”
Lynn has a few exciting projects coming up; an EP album titled Thank you come againwhich blends dance electronic beats with South Asian sounds. Additionally, he has hinted at making some important records later this year, which he believes will be ‘needle movers for the culture’. “I can’t reveal specific names right now, but it will impact the music landscape.”
