Panjabi Hit Squad - ASBO Magazine

Pioneers of Culture, Sound and Community

W: Theo Thompson I: Orson Salha

Panjabi Hit Squad, led by Dee (MC) and Rav (DJ), transcends typical music shows. Their performances are charged with energy, forming a deep connection with the community. Their journey has been one of cultural pride, musical evolution and a sense of responsibility to their roots.

“It’s not just about making music,” Rav reflects 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, they’ve grown into a globally recognised duo, merging South Asian culture with UK garage and electronic music.

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,” Dee says. This blend of traditional and modern sounds set them apart, allowing them to carve a unique musical identity. Despite their success, they remain deeply connected to Southall. “We’ve never left Southall,” Rav emphasises. “We are still deeply rooted in the same area, know the same people.”

A pivotal moment in their career was discovering Miss Scandalous, a female MC who would become an industry icon. 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. “We’ve always made sure we support female artists, whether it’s Miss Scandalous, G (Gaia Ahuja/G33) or others breaking through,” Rav continues with admiration. “There’s a lot of growth in the female scene now, and we want to be a part of that, pushing boundaries together. 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.”

Panjabi Hit Squad’s impact goes beyond music. 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 celebrated Punjabi sounds alongside global beats, reinforcing their mission to showcase South Asian music on the world stage.

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.

The pandemic posed a significant challenge but also pushed them to innovate. “COVID was tough, but we kept pushing through,” Dee recalls. “It wasn’t about stopping; it was about finding a new path forward.” The re-release of their track ‘Hai Hai’ on vinyl celebrated their journey, creating a bridge to the future. “Hai Hai represents more than just a track,” Rav notes. “It’s a memory, an essence of where we came from.”

Panjabi Hit Squad aims to transcend the confines of niche genres. “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 goal is to make South Asian music permanent in the global conversation, not just a passing trend.

Panjabi Hit Squad’s dedication to supporting emerging artists remains central to their mission. “Whenever we play, we always try to support local talent.” They are committed to nurturing the next generation, ensuring that the South Asian music scene continues to evolve.

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.