PHUNK! Music of Defiance & Celebration
"Great night. Great DJ set. Brilliant drumming. Best cross-cultural vibes. Loved it."
PHUNK! is back by public demand on Friday 17 July at the BRIG Café at the Warehouse.
Bringing a unique blend of global beats—from hip hop to Latin to bhangra—this month's beats-and-rhythm duo, DJ Deesh and Kadence Music, will also be celebrating South Asian Heritage Month 2026.
So What's the Inspiration Behind PHUNK!?
Hardish Virk, aka DJ Deesh, is an artist, curator and producer. His recent exhibition, Stories That Made Us – Roots, Resilience, Representation, at the Herbert Art Gallery in Coventry tells not only his family's story, but also the story of thousands of South Asians who call Coventry, England, and the UK their home.
"PHUNK! is a political night of funk (P-Funk) – challenging racism through art and culture. It invites people into a safe space of community, music and dance. It's also about celebrating global music and culture that pre-dates smart technology with live music, vinyl and CDs."
DJ Deesh has been involved in music since the late 1980s as a DJ, before moving into music production in the 1990s. He has also run DJ and music production workshops for young people and adults with learning disabilities.
"I saw the impact music had on people's lives. PHUNK! is about celebration, defiance and the transformational power of art and culture."
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.
Music, Community and Belonging
Mahendra Patel is a musician, creative, founder of Kadence Music, and an arts accessibility consultant. His musical journey began playing tabla at his local temple. After experiencing a mild stroke, he decided to pursue music full time and now also runs free drumming wellbeing workshops.
"This is about bringing people together in a safe space. It doesn't matter where you come from, who you are or what you're doing in life—and not worry about being in a pub, a club or somewhere people might not like you there because of your background, your race, your colour. Hardish and me truly believe there should be a space where we can do this and fight racism at the same time through music. That is PHUNK!."
Mahendra says the night is for everybody.
"There are no barriers with us. If you feel like you can't go out, just come to us. Come to the café."
The duo have performed together at anti-racism events and festivals across the region, but their collaboration comes with a twist. DJ Deesh doesn’t plan a playlist, so Mahendra never knows what's coming next.
“We’ve performed together on many occasions - we don't rehearse. I throw down tracks that I feel are right for that moment and Mahendra comes in with his beats and rhythms. He plays by ear and is brilliant at improvising. Collectively we come together to create magic on the dance floor.”
PHUNK! takes place at the BRIG Café on Friday 17 July, from 7 pm. Expect an evening of defiance and celebration with DJ Deesh, Kadence Music and special guests, plus desi snacks, café bar and visuals.
Future PHUNK! dates are 28 August and 25 September.