6 Best South Asian DJs to Follow in 2024

Among the catalogue of genres within music, South Asian DJs are experiencing a renaissance.

With a vibrant array of talents shaping the global soundscape, these individuals bring new mixes and diverse performances to thousands.

The emergence of South Asian DJs, particularly in the UK, is refreshing to witness.

However, it’s provided a much-deserved limelight to the various talents across the globe.

We predict that in 2024, the beats will be more vivid, the rhythms more infectious, and the narratives more compelling.

This year promises to be a sonic journey led by trailblazing DJs who bring their cultural influences to the forefront, challenge conventions, and redefine the boundaries of what club music can be.

From Amsterdam to London to Australia, these DJs are taking the industry by storm, and we’re here to guide you through the best South Asian DJs to follow in 2024.

Aisha Mirza

Aisha Mirza is a queer Pakistani-Egyptian DJ, artist, and writer, who stands out as a vibrant force to be reckoned with.

She is on a mission to make you move, bringing a kaleidoscope of beats and rhythms that transcend genres and cultures.

Hailing from the bustling streets of London, Aisha has become a fixture in the city. But, she also delivers her stylings to New York’s most dynamic queer club nights.

Beyond the borders of Europe and into the heart of forests, stages, and clubs worldwide, they have become the maestro of igniting the party spirit.

Aisha’s sets are a sonic experience, weaving seamlessly through South Asian melodies, North African vibes, Brazilian grooves, and Afrobeat rhythms.

But Aisha is not just about the beats; they are the visionary founder of Misery, a mental health charity and sober rave tailored for queer and trans people of colour.

This groundbreaking initiative has found its home in the heart of London, revolutionising the club scene by putting mental health at the forefront.

Misery is more than a party; it’s a sanctuary, a space where BIPOC and trans individuals can revel in the joy of music and connection without hate.

Fabric, the legendary London venue, is a regular haunt for Aisha and they have contributed guest mixes for BBC Asian Network and the South Asian collective, Daytimers.

With such a passion for crafting experiences through music and immersing audiences worldwide, Aisha Mirza is one of the most sought-after South Asian DJs. 

Tara Kumar

Hailing from the vast landscapes of Alice Springs, Australia, Tara Kumar is a globetrotting Irish-Indian-Malaysian DJ and broadcaster. 

With a decade of experience in the music scene, Tara’s journey began in Dublin, Ireland, where she spent six years contributing to the radio industry.

She helmed a New Music radio show on the national broadcaster RTE2FM, showcasing her passion for global artists.

Tara’s musical prowess extends beyond the airwaves; having mastered multiple instruments since 9 years old, including the flute, saxophone, guitar, and piano.

During her time at RTE2FM and as a writer for District Magazine, Tara conducted interviews with notable artists such as Skepta, Mura Masa, Dua Lipa, and TLC.

As a new music tastemaker, she also graced the stages of Ireland’s biggest festivals, from Electric Picnic to Forbidden Fruit.

She even had the honour of supporting Cher during her Arena tour in Dublin.

Tara’s diverse DJ skills found a home at parties for renowned brands like Disney, Magnum, Bumble, Moet Chandon, and Veuve Clicquot. 

In 2022, Tara embarked on a new chapter, making London her home.

The transition has been nothing short of extraordinary, with Mixmag naming her as One to Watch for 2023.

She has spun tunes at prestigious events like the GQ Men of the Year Party, Universal Records Brits Afterparty, and gatherings hosted by Bumble and Nike.

With such a variety of expertise, there’s no doubt that she will continue to succeed in the coming years. 

Jyoty Singh

With an unbeatable ear for music, Jyoty Singh’s journey through the beats began in her hometown of Amsterdam.

Transitioning from the Dutch music scene to the bustling nightlife of London, Jyoty hustled her way from working nightclub doors to presenting on renowned platforms like Boiler Room and Rinse FM.

In 2016, she added another feather to her cap by founding The Move, a quarterly gem celebrating club culture.

The publication’s success earned it a commendation as the ‘Launch of the Year’ from Stack.

For years, Jyoty has become the unmistakable voice of Saturday mornings on Rinse FM.

Her prowess as an interviewer and musical selector has cultivated a loyal following worldwide.

The South Asian DJ’s ascent to becoming one of the underground’s beloved figures is marked by pure dedication.

When not spinning tunes at clubs and festivals worldwide, from NYC’s Good Room to Lisbon’s Music Box and Barcelona’s Razzmatazz, she dedicates herself to community initiatives.

In a nod to her Indian heritage, she hosted DJ workshops for women in Calcutta in collaboration with the British Council.

Additionally, she taught a six-week course for young British Asian women aspiring to break into the music industry.

Reflecting on these experiences, she emphasises:

“Passing on knowledge and experience is key to making a real change in music.”

As she continues to carve her mark on the global music scene, Jyoty’s commitment to her craft remains a driving force.

DJ Priya

Meet DJ Priya, The Bass Baddie, whose electrifying performances are making waves globally.

With stellar appearances at Glastonbury, Boiler Room, Boomtown, and Platform 23 already under her belt, Priya is one to watch. 

Priya’s performances are marked by unparalleled energy, undeniable talent, and a distinct obsession for music.

Supporting artists like M.I.A, Four Tet, Girls Don’t Sync, Jyoty, and Panjabi Mc, she has firmly established herself as a trailblazer.

Priya’s sets are synonymous with high energy and bass-heavy beats.

Hailing from Brighton, she injects fun, dynamism, and versatility into every project.

Her style is unclassifiable but always fast-paced, drawing influences from classical Indian to reggaeton, UK funky to breaks. 

Influenced by classical and contemporary South Asian sounds, Priya’s mixes reflect her identity and roots.

Starting her DJ journey in 2018, she fell in love with the decks, saying to Red Bull:

“As soon as I touched the decks, something unlocked in me.”

“Music transformed me. It gave me a reason to live.”

Beyond the decks, Priya dedicates time to mentoring the next generation of DJs and musicians.

Running free workshops for young people from marginalised groups, she provides a safe space for learning and creativity.

Now she plays bass, grime and Punjabi-infused bassline in cities across the UK.

Nadine Noor

Meet Nadine Noor, a multifaceted force in the world of music, culture, and clubbing.

As the founder of the legendary Pxssy Palace, Nadine has played a pivotal role in reshaping the nightlife landscape.

Pxssy Palace isn’t just a club night; it’s a movement.

Nadine, alongside the Pxssy Palace team, is on a mission to challenge systemic issues that hinder marginalised communities from feeling truly comfortable in club spaces.

Through visionary policies such as gender-neutral bathrooms and a zero-tolerance stance on discrimination, they’ve prioritised inclusivity and safety.

Beyond these critical issues, Nadine thrives within the DJ scene, bringing ultrasonic vibes and head-thumping bass.

The artist admits that 90s UK club classics are timeless and it’s these historic sounds that motivate an eclectic DJ performance.

Presenting tracks that make people get up to the dancefloor is Nadine’s aim. 

With such a catalogue of goals, Nadine is coming to shake up the DJ scene. 

DJ Manara

British-Pakistani DJ Manara has etched her name onto the global dance music scene with a distinctive blend of deep club cuts, pop anthems, garage beats, and Bollywood samples.

Following her standout Boiler Room appearance in 2017, she has taken her electrifying sound from iconic venues like Berghain to cities around the world, including Tokyo and Glastonbury.

The Guardian included the DJ in an article of 30 artists/bands you need to see before you die. They stated: 

“Her sets involve the kind of methodical stimulation of pleasure neurohormones normally conducted in a medical research facility.”

With a reputation for fun club edits and daring live blends, Manara has inspired a legion of fans and fellow DJs.

Born and raised in South England, Manara’s musical upbringing involved many genres, from Bollywood and Bhangra to Qawwali and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

Despite the internal conflicts often experienced by those from Muslim backgrounds in the creative field, Manara is fiercely proud of her identity and heritage. She said to DJ Mag:

“I used to be a hijabi that would go out raving!”

“I thought the two things couldn’t be together.

“But I think now people are realising that it’s common, and hopefully, this is releasing a lot of the guilt and shame associated with that.”

DJing for Manara is not just about beats; it carries a spiritual weight. 

In 2020, Manara’s Pure Spice show, originally a temporary guest slot, became a regular Saturday night fixture, bringing the party to people in lockdown. 

The show’s humorous edge, featuring audio memes like the infamous “Pooja, What Is This Behaviour?” line, adds a unique and entertaining flavour to the mix.

Manara remains vital in the global music landscape, proving that music, laughter, and cultural pride coexist on the dance floor.

These South Asian DJs are at the forefront of a cultural revolution in the music industry.

Their ability to seamlessly blend diverse influences, challenge norms, and create inclusive spaces demonstrates the richness and depth of the global music scene.

Whether you’re a devoted fan or a newcomer to their beats, following these DJs promises to be an exhilarating journey into the future of sound.

As they continue to push boundaries and inspire, one can’t help but be excited about the future of this art form.