Friday night’s event at the Royal Albert Hall’s Elgar Room was far more than a club night. Azaadi: Sounds of Resistance combined music, history, and activism into a cohesive narrative that felt both urgent and celebratory. The evening showcased British South Asian talent — from Sarathy Korwar’s jazz-infused rhythms to Bobby Friction’s dynamic DJ sets — creating a soundscape that oscillated between reflective and euphoric.
Archival visuals chronicling fifty years of British South Asian resistance played across screens, grounding the music in political and cultural history. The juxtaposition of traditional rhythms with contemporary electronic and bass-driven sounds offered an innovative take on cultural heritage. Audience reactions ranged from reverent attention during the historical segments to unrestrained dancing during the DJ sets, reflecting the event’s dual purpose: to educate and energize.
For those seeking a night where artistry and activism intersect seamlessly, Azaadi: Sounds of Resistance was a triumph. It was a reminder that music is not just entertainment — it is a medium for storytelling, protest, and communal memory.
Written by: NURA AROOJ
