PHUNK! Music of Defiance & Celebration is back for a Halloween special!

Beats-and-rhythm duo, DJ Deesh and Kadence Music + Guest DJ Ayah return to the BRIG Café at the Warehouse on Friday 30 October with their unique blend of global beats.

What’s the night about?

Challenging racism through art and culture. It invites people to come together in a safe space of community, music and dance.

The P in the Funk represents the Political nature of the night, whilst the Funk is the energy and vibe audiences experience when they attend a PHUNK! night.

It also celebrates the diverse genres of music from across the world, from Latin to Bhangra to Hip-Hop, performed by DJ Deesh (who only plays vinyl records and CDs), accompanied by live percussionist, Mahandra Patel (aka Kadence Music).

The duo have performed together at anti-racism events and festivals across the region, but their collaboration comes with a twist. DJ Deesh plans the set, but Mahandra never knows what's coming next!

DJ Deesh (Hardish Virk), also an artist, curator and producer, has been involved in music since the late 1980s as a DJ. He went on to produce music in the 1990s, while also running DJ and music production workshops for young people and adults with learning disabilities.

Mahendra Patel is a musician, creative, founder of Kadence Music and an arts accessibility consultant. His musical journey began at an early age playing tabla at his local temple. After experiencing a mild stroke, he decided to pursue music full-time and also runs free drumming wellbeing workshops.

Special Guest DJ Ayah:

DJ Deesh’s daughter (who he taught to DJ using vinyl when she was eight years old during the COVID pandemic) is also part of the PHUNK! crew. DJ Ayah plays vinyl records from her father’s record collection. At 13 years old, she has her own following who love watching her spin vinyls on the turntables.

The night is a collaboration between Unite The People, Birmingham Race Impact Group (BRIG), Beyond Racism and Stories That Made Us.

At its heart is the creation of a welcoming space of unity where everyone can enjoy great music together.

Watch out on socials @wearebrig for more details to get your tickets for this very special, exclusive Halloween PHUNK! night. 

The next PHUNK! night is a Halloween special on Friday 30th October and will feature visuals, food, bar, DJ Deesh, Kadence Music and DJ Ayah. Doors open at 7.00pm (7pm till late).