News / South Asia
‘It’s not about taking over; it’s about what we represent as a collective’
As crowds wandered between stages at Bristol Harbour Festival, the beat of dhol drums drifting across the docks tempted many to stop and take a closer look.
Next to the SS Great Britain, South Asian Voices Bristol CIC was bringing its takeover to the festival for the first time, celebrating South Asian Heritage Month through storytelling, live music, dance and food.
The programme, delivered in partnership with BCfm Radio, featured performances from DJ Sanj, Jeevan Dhols, Jodi Dancers and Keshav, a well-known Soca vocalist, musician and producer.
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Visitors were also invited to take part in a bhangra workshop, with hundreds of people joining in throughout the day.
For Sheetal Jethwa, founder of South Asian Voices, the event was about creating a space where “everyone feels part of it”.
Bhangra dancing was performed by husband and wife duo, Jodi Dancers
This year’s South Asian Heritage Month theme is ‘unity through diversity’.
In keeping with this, Sheetal wanted to create a programme that welcomed everyone, whether they were there to celebrate their own heritage or discover something new.
“We want everyone to feel welcome and included,” she said.
“It’s not about taking over. It’s about what we represent as a collective. We want everyone to feel part of our music, our culture and our food. Bristol is a great place for that as well.”
Throughout the day, Sheetal shared three stories with festival attendees, drawing on both her own experiences and those of the wider South Asian community.
The stories explored her childhood growing up with parents who ran a corner shop, the contribution of South Asian communities to the NHS and the experiences of South Asian migrants who have made the UK their home.
Sheetal Jethwa is the founder of South Asian Voices Bristol
The takeover also reflected the range of influences within South Asian music today.
Keshav, whose work spans Soca, live performance and production, brought his own sound to the Dockyards stage.
Speaking about performing in our city, he said he loves Bristol and its atmosphere.
For BCfm CEO Patrick Hart, the day represented a significant moment of recognition and representation.
Amid the sound of Bollywood music played by DJ Sanj, Patrick said: “As someone with South Asian heritage, I have never known something like this that has really championed us. I am really excited.”
Looking towards the bhangra workshop taking place nearby, he added: “We have had 300-400 people here today learning.
“My 15-year-old daughter is here and gets to learn about her heritage.”
Keshav performed Soca music as part of the day’s programme
For Sheetal, the event was about creating a space where people could share culture, stories and experiences.
“We are doing our bit to piece together our communities with solidarity and cohesion,” she said.
Maelo Manning is reporting on the South Asian community as part of Bristol24/7’s Community Reporters programme, aiming to amplify marginalised voices and communities often overlooked by mainstream media.
This initiative is funded by our public, Better Business members and a grant from the Nisbet Trust.
All photos: Maelo Manning
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