The recent surge in South Asian music and the increasing spotlight on South Asian artistes can be attributed to today’s unprecedented global connectivity, allowing cultural influences to spread rapidly. A resurgence in interest mirrors past moments of popularity, such as in the 2000s. DJ Lyan, a formidable name in the London music industry, says it’s Asia’s turn to shine, following the cultural trends that have traversed regions such as South America with reggaeton and Africa with Afrobeat. The diverse diaspora and widespread presence of South Asians contribute to this global phenomenon. “This cultural wave signifies more than a fleeting trend. It establishes South Asian music as a significant and lasting component of the global music landscape,” asserts Lyan.
Speaking from London via video call, the Bangladesh-origin British DJ, producer, and songwriter Lyan, who hails from the vibrant cultural melting pot of East London, delves into his artistry that fuses traditional sounds of South Asia with contemporary Western music. Lyan has recently teamed up with the UK’s emerging Punjabi stars, Juss Nandhra and Khushi K, to create a garage-infused single, ‘Kokka’, released under the label Desi Trill. A homage to the UK Garage classic ‘Body Groove’, Lyan has reimagined ‘Kokka’ into a modern-day hit. “‘Kokka’, set in the heart of London, strikes a balance between the classics that many grew up with and fresh sounds that appeal to the younger generation,” explains Lyan.
‘Kokka’ originated at the end of a studio session when Lyan and friends were listening to UK garage music. “Inspired by Body Groove, I cooked up a loop and thought of Khushi, whom I had met a few weeks earlier. She was enthusiastic about the project. I also thought of Juss, whom I had met at a video shoot. His authentic, traditional-sounding voice complemented Khushi’s youthful energy perfectly. Despite working on their sessions months apart, our chemistry was incredible, and the song came together beautifully,” Lyan recounts.
Lyan agrees with Desi Trill’s slogan, “Brown is Everywhere”, reflecting the growing global presence and influence of South Asian communities. With India now the most populous country and significant populations from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, South Asians are found worldwide, bringing their culture with them. This cultural prevalence is evident in the widespread presence of South Asian restaurants and businesses globally.
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On the global emergence of Punjabi music as its own genre, Lyan notes that music distribution platforms like Spotify and YouTube have amplified its reach. “The genre’s infectious energy and cultural appeal, collaborations with international artistes, and integration into Bollywood have bolstered its popularity worldwide. Social media and a strong global diaspora further contribute to its popularity,” Lyan elaborates.
Lyan’s journey into music and DJing is deeply rooted in his upbringing in London, particularly Hackney. He describes a childhood filled with diverse musical influences – from Bollywood tunes introduced by his mother to the emerging sounds of British Asian fusion from artists like Bally Sagoo and Rishi Rich. These experiences laid a foundation for his eclectic taste, blending genres like grime, hip-hop, and dance.
Reflecting on his initial interest in music production, Lyan shares it began in his teenage years when a friend introduced him to beat-making software. “This led me to spend countless hours creating beats, often prioritizing my music over social outings,” he recalls. As he honed his production skills, Lyan eventually ventured into DJing to share his music and showcase tracks from other artistes he admired. “By this point, I had developed a keen ear for what sounded good and had become a tastemaker. This transition into DJing came naturally as a way to connect more deeply with my audience and the broader music community.”
Growing up in Hackney, Lyan enjoyed exposure to diverse communities, including African, South Asian, and Caribbean cultures, enriching his musical palette. In his musical journey with the Desi Trill movement, Lyan finds being part of a supportive team that brings cultural narratives to life through music deeply fulfilling. “Collaborating with a supportive team and depicting our cultural message through music has been crucial. It is deeply fulfilling when people from the South Asian community understand and appreciate the cultural narrative we’re conveying,” he says.
Looking ahead, Lyan has exciting projects lined up, including an EP album titled ‘Thank You. Come Again’, blending dance-electronic beats with South Asian sounds. He also hints at some significant records set for release later in the year that he believes will be ‘needle movers for the culture’. “I cannot disclose specific names yet, but it will impact the music scene,” he teases.
