Final Review: Remixing Identities

Radical Sista:
The name radical makes a statement because as a woman, she is departing from the usual/customary positions of women in the Indian culture by dj'ing. Radical also means favoring fundamental changes in current practices, which also goes along with Radical Sista's views on her music. She breaks away from what is expected of woman and of djs; she went out to the clubs that were mostly male populated, and she dj's in traditional Indian clothing. She is a role model for Asian women in Britain to be different and to do what you want, no matter what society wants you to do.

Asian Music Response

In response to the readings on Asian artists such as Bally Sagoo and Radical Sista, I found it interesting that these people used music as a form of resistance, political action, and public expression by fusing modern sound with their traditional Indian roots. Their music is a direct response to the UK’s Assimilation and Dispersal Policies and Immigration Acts that fuel racist views against Asian immigrants. As Professor Chaturvedi said, these artists wanted to create a place where Asians could come together. And for me, I interpreted this as a celebration of their culture, their origins, and the need for accepting diversity. And similar to other immigrant groups throughout history, Asians and Afro-Caribbeans needed organizations in which to express their views through. For Bally Sagoo, Radical Sista, and the Asian Dub Foundation their political and personal views are expressed through their music. Overall, the lyrics and music of these artists call for social change in society and they are influentially successful by winning playtime on radio stations and during daytime discos. The existence of these political views reminds the British government there will always be dissenters and an ever-present need for transformation.