Best Of Both Worlds: AfroDesi Is A New Fusion Party Mish-Mashing African & Desi Music

Afro or Desi? Now you can have both (Credit: All images courtesy of AfroDesi)

In a melting-pot metropolis like Singapore where cultures are constantly intertwining, partygoers are often spoilt for choice when hunting for a genre that resonates with them. But what happens when you have a promoter that posits the best of two worlds, combining disciplines and diasporas to create a fusion event that unites communities? Taking the leap in this trajectory is AfroDesi, a new party series that dabbles in – you guessed it – Afro and Desi club music that fires up infernos on the floor.

Conceptualised by Shahan Shah Shawn who goes by the DJ alias, Triple S, AfroDesi pulls no punches in its musical identity and execution. You’ll be exposed to throbbers and thumpers from the African subcultures of Amapiano, Kwaito, Gqom and Afrobeat. And before you know it, you’ll be awash with rousers from the South Asian phenomenon of Desi music, spanning the likes of Bollywood dance music and Bhangra anthems. Aside from Triple S, AfroDesi boasts an ensemble of resident selectors who dexterously bridge these two musical domains, including K2, Prodiji, and Vijay Singh AKA SWTLKR. It’s an audacious yet apropos criss-cross that reflects the global rise of these genres, and to have this union in Singapore is a pertinent and inclusive act of brilliance.

AfroDesi first started its marketing in April 2023

The AfroDesi comprises a rotational lineup of selectors who’ve cut their teeth in different genres over the years

AfroDesi is “all about blending the pulsating rhythms of Afrobeats with the rich melodies of Desi music. It's a story of cross-cultural connections and a celebration of diversity,” explains founder Triple S, a Bangladeshi-Indian who grew up in Singapore. He’d stumbled upon fellow Desi music enthusiasts at the Afrobeats parties he attended in his youth, forming his impetus to kick-start AfroDesi to connect the gap. “My mission was clear,” he continues, “to create a space where these two vibrant cultures could harmonise through music. I wanted to cultivate not just a dancefloor, but a community that embraced each other's traditions.”

While barely a hatchling with its launch in mid-2023, AfroDesi has already begun to stir the scene with its unique concept, popping up so far in venues like Dirty Blonde and Majesty Chen that’ve been courageous enough to host such endeavours. “Beyond the beats, conversations flourished, nurturing a deeper understanding among attendees,” Triple S further elaborates. “In a world often divided, AfroDesi stands tall as a testament to music's unifying power. It's a movement that celebrates diversity, fosters understanding, and redefines cultural appreciation. As AfroDesi continues to evolve, it's clear that this fusion of Afrobeats and Desi music is more than just music – it's a vibrant celebration of unity in Singapore's cultural tapestry.”