Words: Theo Thompson, Photos: Yushy, Bryan Kwon
When you walk into a Panjabi Hit Squad show, you immediately sense something deeper than just a night of music, it’s the energy of a movement. Dee (MC) and Rav (DJ) are the beating heart behind the Panjabi Hit Squad, a duo that has redefined what it means to be at the intersection of South Asian culture, UK garage and electronic music. Their journey has been one of relentless hustle, cultural pride and a deep sense of responsibility to the community that has supported them from the beginning.
“It’s not just about making music,” Dee says thoughtfully. “It’s about creating memories and spaces where people feel connected; where they feel like they belong. That’s always been our vibe.” From their humble beginnings to their international acclaim, Panjabi Hit Squad have continually nurtured the roots of South Asian culture while evolving into a genre-defining force that resonates globally.
Roots in Culture: From Southall to the World. Panjabi Hit Squad’s story is rooted in the vibrant South Asian community of the UK, particularly Southall, a cultural melting pot that has shaped Dee and Rav‘s musical identities. Growing up in this environment, they were steeped in a world of diverse sounds, from traditional Bhangra to the energy of UK garage. Their sound was never one-dimensional; it was a fusion of everything they loved, from hip-hop and R&B to the rhythmic sonic of South Asian music.
“We were on the remit for 1Xtra… hip-hop, R&B, dancehall, we were all of that together,” This openness to blending genres, especially the rich traditional sound of Punjab with the modern beats of garage and electronic music, allowed them to carve out a unique musical identity, setting them apart.
Nevertheless, their connection to their community remains the core of their journey. “We’ve never left Southall,” Rav says. “We are still deeply rooted in the same area, know the same people and are connected to the heritage of where we came from. That’s something we never want to lose.”
One of the defining moments of Panjabi Hit Squad’s story was the discovery of Miss Scandalous, a female MC who would go on to become an icon in the industry. Dee fondly recalls how it all began: “We were in a record shop, and we just asked her to ‘spit some bars.’ She did, and it was like magic. Immediately, we knew we had something special.”
At the time, the music scene was dominated by male voices, and to see a woman step up and own the mic was revolutionary. “Having her in the crew, being part of that sound, it was ground breaking,” Rav says. “We were always pushing for inclusivity, for bringing in talent that wasn’t just following the norm.”
Miss Scandalous became a symbol of the duo’s commitment to empowering women in an industry that often side lined them. “We’ve always made sure we support female artists, whether it’s Miss Scandalous, G (Gaia Ahuja/G33) or others breaking through,” Rav continues. “There’s a lot of growth in the female scene now, and we want to be a part of that, pushing boundaries together.”
The rise of artists like Gaia, who boldly is leading the way, are carrying this legacy forward with power and purpose. “She is doing something incredible for the scene. There was this perception that women couldn’t excel in music, but we’re seeing more and more women breaking that stereotype. It’s beautiful to witness,” Rav shares with admiration.
The Power of Live Spaces: Southall Boiler Room & More. Yet Panjabi Hit Squad’s journey is not just about music. It’s about community. Their events, like the now-iconic Southall Boiler Room, marked a turning point for the scene. “That event was a full experience, not just a set,” Dee reflects. “We brought people together families, young people, everyone. It was like creating a festival within a festival. What happened there was pivotal.”
The Boiler Room took place in Southall Community Centre featuring everything from chandeliers to live instrumentation to the notorious ‘scooter guy’, a celebration of Punjabi sounds united with global beats. It was more than just a successful event, this was a cultural statement. “It wasn’t just about South Asian music in the UK; it was about showing the world what we were capable of. We weren’t just part of the scene, we were creating something bigger.”
Their commitment to intimate, grassroots spaces continues to shape their outlook today. Whether it’s the smaller venues or community-driven events, Panjabi Hit Squad ensures that their audience feels a deep, personal connection to the experience.
Resilience & Innovation: Surviving the Pandemic. The pandemic, like for so many, was a challenge that forced Panjabi Hit Squad to rethink everything. But true to form, they adapted. “COVID was tough, but we kept pushing through,” Dee says. “We found new ways to stay connected with our audience, to keep creating and to support the community engaged. It wasn’t about stopping; it was about finding a new path forward.”
This adaptability was key, not just in surviving, but in thriving during the crisis. Panjabi Hit Squad continued to innovate, and with the re-release of their iconic track ‘Hai Hai’ on vinyl, a rich red vinyl might I add, they have brought a piece of their history into a new phase of their journey. “Hai Hai represents more than just a track,” Rav explains. “It’s a memory, it’s an essence, it’s about where we came from. Releasing it on vinyl, it’s a celebration of that energy.”
Moving Beyond the Scene: Creating a Genre. For Dee and Rav, the goal has never been to remain confined to a niche. “We don’t want to be called a scene anymore. We want to fit in with everything else,” Rav asserts. “We’re pushing the boundaries, blending our South Asian roots with global sounds and bringing it to the world.”
Their intention has always been clear: to transcend and create a lasting cultural movement. As they put it, “We’re not just here for a moment; we want South Asian music to be permanent, not simply a trend. We want to be part of the global conversation.”
The Future: A Legacy of Growth and Support. As Panjabi Hit Squad continues to break barriers paving the way for the next generation of artists, their focus remains on community, collaboration and support. “Whenever we play, we always try to support local talent. It’s about nurturing the scene, creating opportunities for others,” their voices filling with sincerity.
The duo’s journey is far from over, but their humility and unwavering commitment to their roots shine through in every conversation. “It’s all about what’s next,” They conclude. “We’ve seen the changes, but we’re still learning. We’re still pushing forward, we’re here to make good music and support the next generation.”
In a world where musical landscapes are constantly evolving, Panjabi Hit Squad stands as both a pillar of the past and a beacon for the future. With their blend of cultural pride, genre-defying sound and commitment to inclusivity, Dee and Rav are not just shaping the South Asian music scene; they are reimagining it, one track, one performance and one community at a time.
Panjabi Hit Squad is gearing up for more electrifying live performances with upcoming shows at The Jazz Café in Camden and Manchester’s Blues Kitchen. To celebrate their sell-out show at The Jazz Café, the duo will also be releasing a highly anticipated single in the first week of March. With their unique fusion of South Asian culture, UK garage and electronic beats, they’re set to continue their mission of connecting communities and pushing musical boundaries on stages across the UK. Keep an eye out for their new release as they prepare for the next chapter in their cultural movement.
