Renowned Pakistani artist Ali Sethi took center stage in the captivating documentary Ascending – South Asian Artists at Coachella 2023, shedding light on his incredible journey to global stardom.
Ali Sethi, known for his soul-stirring vocals, reminisces about his musical roots in Lahore, where music was omnipresent. In the docu-film, he shares,
Music was in the air in Lahore, where I grew up. It was a part of the people. You would hear it in shrines, on the streets, in homes – it was kind of a spirit of us.
The “Pasoori” singer attributes his desire to study the music of his culture to the marginalized yet profound essence of Pakistani music. Delving into his connection with raags, Ali Sethi expresses how these traditional melodies hold the power to evoke a sense of calm and joy among people.
He recalls the communal experience of performances, where individuals from all walks of life come together to dance and express themselves. Sethi, known for hits like “Pasoori,” also reveals that the song is about forbidden love between nations.
Sethi also opens up about facing bullying as a child due to his eccentric nature. However, the stage became his sanctuary, where he felt the freedom to thrill and express himself. Introducing childhood friend Leo Kalyan, another guest artist, Ali Sethi proudly declares, “We connected through music and theatre, and here we are today at Coachella doing our queer brown thing.”
The 25-minute-long film features an array of South Asian talents, including Diljit Dosanjh, Charli XCX, Jai Paul, Jai Wolf, and Joy Crookes, offering fans a glimpse into the personal stories that led them to the iconic Coachella stage. Here’s what they had to say,
Joy Crookes: A Journey of Rhythm and Diversity
British singer-songwriter Joy Crookes, with roots in Bangladesh and Ireland, shares her eclectic musical influences. From qawwali music introduced by her father to Nelly Furtado introduced by her mother, Crookes emphasizes the rhythm ingrained in her upbringing. Despite initial doubts about pursuing music professionally, she now stands as a testament to the diverse voices making waves in the industry.
Jai Wolf’s Bengali Roots and Pursuit of Passion
Jai Wolf, hailing from Bangladesh, highlights the arts-oriented culture of the Bengali people. Trained as a classical violinist for the first 18 years of his life, he reflects on the fear of losing touch with his roots upon moving to America. Breaking free from traditional career expectations, Jai Wolf embarked on a journey to pursue his passion for music.
Jai Paul’s Enigmatic Presence
Described as an enigma, Jai Paul’s first live performance at Coachella marks a significant moment. With his release gaining recognition through samples by Beyoncé and Drake, Jai Paul’s presence on stage becomes a highlight in the documentary.
Charli XCX’s Global Success and Gujarati Heritage
Acknowledging Charli XCX’s incredible success, the film emphasizes that artists of any background can excel in various genres. Her half-Gujarati heritage adds another layer to her story, challenging stereotypes and showcasing the diversity within the music industry.
Diljit Dosanjh: A Traditional yet Global Superstar
Diljit Dosanjh’s manager, Sonali Singh, applauds his unique blend of tradition and global appeal. Dosanjh’s emphasis on music’s universal nature and his commitment to spreading positivity resonates with global audiences. The film captures the excitement surrounding Dosanjh’s performance at Coachella.
The documentary touches upon the challenges faced by South Asian artists in navigating the expectations of representation. Jai Wolf shares the struggle of being perceived as either “too brown for white people or too white for brown people.” Joy Crookes challenges the notion of being seen as a representative and asserts her right to represent herself authentically.
As the film concludes, it becomes evident that artists like Ali Sethi, along with their fellow South Asian talents, are breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes on the global stage. They share a collective goal of authentic self-expression and empowering their voices beyond the limitations of cultural expectations.*
Check out the full docu-film here:
