Our obsession with Asifa Lahore seems to grow daily. The South Asian artist recently hosted the first ever South Asian Queer Pride in London, was featured in Vogue India, and starred in the cinematic release of Unicorns, so when we heard that she was about to release her new single – a cover of Asha Bhosle‘s Sharara, with a rap twist – we couldn’t wait to listen and watch the visual shot in Pakistan!

Sharara has long been a cult queer classic anthem. Asifa’s rendition not only revives its vibrant energy but also infuses it with her unique flair and soulful interpretation. This release, set perfectly for Pride 2024, promises to enchant audiences with its seductive vocals, infectious beats, and dazzling visuals.

The music video, shot in Karachi, Pakistan, stands as a testament to Asifa’s mission to elevate LGBTQ representation in South Asian media. By choosing Karachi as the backdrop, she challenges prevailing stereotypes about Pakistan, showcasing that queer individuals not only exist but thrive within the country. This artistic choice underscores a spiritual message of unity and acceptance, breaking barriers and fostering a deeper understanding.

Sharara portrays a woman as a captivating and fiery presence, likened to a spark that ignites passion and desire. Her graceful movements and enchanting allure attract admirers, but she warns of the dangers of getting too close, using vivid metaphors of fire, lightning, and snakes to highlight her powerful and transformative nature. The repeated assertion that she is a “sharara” (spark) emphasizes her dynamic and electrifying impact on those around her.

Asifa’s decision to film in Pakistan is a deliberate act of cultural reclamation. Through this project, she aims to illuminate the presence and resilience of queer communities in traditionally conservative spaces. Her collaboration with Pakistani media professionals is a bold step towards inclusivity, symbolizing a harmonious blend of heritage and progressive values.

“I’m thrilled to share this new chapter of my journey with the world,” Asifa confesses. “The song ‘Sharara,’ and my decision to release this cover, is inspired by hosting the UK’s first-ever South Asian Queer Pride earlier this year. It’s very much my gift to the South Asian queer community and its allies. This single and music video are deeply personal, representing the fusion of my identity, culture, and artistry. I hope it resonates with people and encourages them to embrace their true selves.”

We have added Sharara to our New Music Spotlight playlist, whilst we continue to stream Asifa Lahore‘s wider discography, including Tore Bina, and True Colour, and anticipate future releases from the talented artist!

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This lack of representation not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes and misconceptions but also denies queer South Asians the opportunity to see themselves reflected and celebrated in the broader LGBTQ+ movement. In light of this dearth of representation, the need for a South Asian Queer Pride movement has never been more pressing.

The good news is that a South Asian Queer Pride event is finally coming to the UK – designed to serve as a powerful symbol of empowerment, unity, and solidarity, offering a safe and inclusive space for queer South Asians to come together, share their stories, and celebrate their identities in a supportive and affirming environment.

South Asian Queer Pride is being brought to life through an amazing collaboration between Inspirate, Asifa Lahore (Festival Curator), Claudia Coelho (Producer), Queer Croydon and Stanley Arts. This year, the festival is a one day event, happening on Saturday 20th April, from 1-11pm, at Stanley Arts, Croydon.

Showcasing the vibrancy of South Asian Queer identity and artistic expression, this unique festival will be a safe, healing and inclusive space where South Asian Queer artists can freely express their sense of self, their imagination and creativity through their art form.

South Asian Queer Pride 2024 is a multi art form event, including dance, music, poetry, cabaret, burlesque and visual arts, and will feature both emerging and established South Asian Queer artists including NEO 10Y, Kaajel Patel, Shiva Raichandani, Bolly Illusion, DJ Ritu, Jason Patel, SABIYHA and more!

Speaking on the inception of the event, Asifa Lahore, Britain’s first out Muslim drag queen confesses, “I have dreamt, yearned for and advocated for a South Asian Queer Pride for my entire life. To have an event where we can be unapologetically Desi and queer at the same time is my queer Bollywood fantasy come true. The South Asian queer community is arguably the largest queer community of colour in the UK and we are constantly sidelined by the mainstream.“

She continues, “To have an event where we are not there to tick boxes, are simply add ons or have to present western appealing performances is us taking control of our own narratives and destiny. This is our queer Mela. This is South Asian Queer Pride.“

The festival will also be a platform for dialogue about LGBTQIA issues, including a programme of discussions, workshops and talks exploring the intersectionality of being South Asian and Queer, and the importance of rights, representation, inclusion and freedom of identity.

This year’s theme is Shakti, meaning ‘power’, ‘force’, ‘action’, an energy that resides within us and is present within the world around us. Through forming these exciting partnerships and collaborations, and channelling our collective inner ‘shakti’, the festival embraces JOY, TRAILBLAZING VISIBILTY, STRENGTH and COMMUNITY.

This powerful theme has also been inspired by the first ever UK LGBTQIA South Asian support network during the 80’s, called Shakti, providing a safe space for British South Asian Queer people. One of the pioneering voices within Shakti, DJ Ritu, will be the resident DJ during the day, alongside an eclectic and exciting programme of artists and activities that will unapologetically transform and energise Stanley Arts throughout the day and evening!

The establishment of a South Asian Queer Pride movement is essential not only for increasing visibility and representation but also for fostering a sense of belonging and community among LGBTQ+ individuals of South Asian descent. By highlighting the unique intersections of culture, identity, and queerness within the South Asian community, the Queer Pride is set to help challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and promote understanding and acceptance within and beyond the LGBTQ+ movement. Now more than ever, it is crucial to uplift and celebrate the voices and experiences of queer South Asians, affirming their right to visibility, dignity, and pride in a world that often seeks to erase or silence their existence.

This project has been funded by Arts Council England.

The post NEO 10Y, Kaajel Patel, Shiva Raichandani, Bolly Illusion, DJ Ritu and more announced for UK’s first ever South Asian Queer Pride, curated by Asifa Lahore appeared first on KIMU.