South Asian Influence Finds Its Voice at IMS Ibiza

Moderated by BBC/Kakura’s Amber Haque, the lineup of speakers featured Farah Nanji (IMS/N1NJA), Shana Gujral (Family of East), Sunita Dhaliwal (The Everyday Agency) and Beatport's Chief Community Officer Sofia Ilyas. "East Meets West: The Rising Influence of South Asian Culture in Electronic Music” offered, for the first time, space at IMS to explore the highlights and complexities of the South Asian experience as it relates to music. 

Beginning with a nod to the recent buzz around Indo Warehouse, the group celebrated the growing visibility of genres such as Indo House and collaborations such as that between producer Nicolás Jaar and Pakistani-American vocalist Ali Sethi. Quickly the conversation moved to the speakers’ personal journeys and conservative upbringings. Nanji described discovering the club and recognising it as a judgement-free zone, while Ilyas recounted secretly recording mixtapes in a home where music was forbidden. Dhaliwal related to these experiences, naming the dancefloor as a crucial part of her own rebellion.
 

Practical steps for supporting emerging South Asian talent were also a focus. Gujral highlighted Family of East, her artist database, which is proving to be a critical platform. The industry's quick engagement with Family of East, attracting interest from BBC 6, Mixmag and DJ Mag pre-launch demonstrates a genuine appetite for this representation. 

Amber Haque reminded the room that dance music's foundations are built on inclusivity. The discussion then turned to how to "pass on the torch" to the next generation. Nanji offered pragmatic advice - "it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Be so good you can’t be ignored." Dhaliwal emphasized that authentic self-expression creates the most impactful art. Gujral stressed the importance of community connections and the confidence to set boundaries. Ilyas wrapped up with a simple but crucial point - "be honest, admit when you don’t know something and ask lots of questions."

"East Meets West" was an emphatic statement about the enduring power of identity and heritage in electronic music. It was a clear signal that the South Asian diaspora isn't just influencing the dancefloor, they're shaping the wider narrative of global electronic music.