This summer, a music festival in Keighley will centre South Asian sounds in a way rarely seen on big public stages. As part of Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture, Summer Sounds is taking over Cliffe Castle Park for a two-day celebration of global music on 2 and 3 August, and for many in the district, it will be the South Asian performers who strike the deepest chord.
From folk traditions and classical improvisation to Panjabi basslines, protest beats, and jazz fusion, the artists reflect the incredible range of sound and identity within the South Asian diaspora, especially as lived by communities in Bradford and Keighley.
One of the most remarkable names on the line-up is Ustad Noor Bakhsh, an 80-year-old master of the Balochi Benju, a type of zither known for its resonant, trance-like sound. Born in coastal Balochistan, Bakhsh spent his life performing in villages and roadside gatherings. For decades, he remained unknown outside the region until field recordings of his music began circulating online. His performance in Keighley will be his first in the UK, bringing a rare piece of living South Asian heritage directly to Yorkshire.
In many ways, Bakhsh’s appearance is a quiet cultural milestone. Generations of South Asian families in Bradford have roots in regions like Balochistan, Punjab and Kashmir, but these traditions haven’t always been visible in the mainstream. Seeing them honoured on a festival stage, rather than confined to private weddings or cultural centres, represents a shift.
Joining him on Saturday are Metz n Trix, legends of the early British Asian underground scene. Their blend of Panjabi lyrics with UK garage, grime and desi beats earned them a loyal following in the 2000s, especially among working-class British Asian youth.
Although Manchester-born, they say Bradford shaped their rise. “The connection with Bradford came through RDB and their studio,” they told Asian Standard. “That’s where we would meet up and create those organic, super global hits. Bradford just became like a second home to us.”
Their debut album, Danger and songs like “Ambersariya” became youth anthems. “There was a really strong, real-world connection with large audiences who embraced the sound and movement we created,” they said.
Their storytelling, like their beats, reflected diasporic realities. “We both come from typical South Asian families where music wasn’t seen as a ‘proper’ profession. We kept our lyrics hyper and energetic. The tracks had to smash the dancefloors, that’s what drove us.”
Performing in Bradford during the City of Culture year holds special meaning. “This city gave us our careers and changed our lives. Let’s make history again.”
Another standout set will be from Inder Goldfinger of Fun’Da’Mental and SilverFinger Singh, both known for fusing rhythm with radical politics. Their joint performance promises not just beats, but a reminder of how music has long been a form of resistance for diasporic communities.
Younger artists are also carving space for new expressions. Ganavya, a US-based singer trained in Carnatic classical music, melds South Indian devotional music with jazz, poetry and improvisation. Jasmine Jethwa, a singer-songwriter from London, offers a quieter mood with lyrics about family and belonging, speaking to a generation who may not feel traditionally “desi” but still carry that culture within.
Sunday’s headliner is Nitin Sawhney, a composer whose work has shaped how South Asian music is heard in the UK. From scoring films to orchestral collaborations, his music explores migration, identity and hybridity.
Also performing is Sarathy Korwar, a drummer who blends Indian classical with jazz, hip hop and spoken word, often confronting issues of colonialism and belonging.
Closer to home, Bradford’s S Dog, known for his Yorkshire-Punjabi bassline bangers, takes the stage Saturday. On Sunday, Kenzo Jae, who blends indie, punk and hip hop, brings a voice shaped by the city’s layered identities.
As Metz n Trix put it: “We’re still getting booked for weddings where the parents used to rave with us and now their kids are getting married to our music. It’s amazing to know the scene lives on across generations.”
It’s rare to see a line-up this rich in South Asian creativity, especially in a public park in Keighley. Summer Sounds isn’t just a festival, it’s a moment of visibility, connection and celebration.
“We need to fly the flag and keep pushing our sounds,” Metz n Trix added. “More importantly, respect, peace and helping each other. Let’s make it special for Bradford.”
