MUMBAI: Counted as a pioneer of the Asian Underground sound and tabla virtuoso, Talvin Singh will headline a showcase of The Exchange on 31 March at antiSOCIAL, Mumbai. In its fourth edition, The Exchange has introduced an additional showcase featuring British rapper and entrepreneur, Akala alongside highly-acclaimed AV artist, DJ Cheeba and Selectah Si Chai, founder and creative director of unique touring festival venue, Chai Wallahs, at the newly-opened Summer House Café in Mumbai on 30 March.

The Exchange, a dedicated one-day music conference and showcase, is a collaboration between the United Kingdom’s Department for International Trade and Mumbai-based music promoter, Submerge. The Exchange features and promotes ties between music industry professionals from India and the United Kingdom.

Since its first edition in November 2014, The Exchange has grown into a highly-successful international conference-based initiative to connect the music industry sectors in India and UK. It has consistently featured some of the most exciting talents from the two nations. In 2016, The Exchange x AVA showcase included acts like galactic funk pioneer and producer Space Dimension Controller, Belfast-based producers Phil Kieran and Psycatron, and Indian artists like Sandunes, Big City Harmonics, Perfectiming and visual artists Guerrilla Shout and Oblique.

In 2017, there will be two showcases, one each on March 30 and 31. March 30 is a Diplomats of Sound showcase at Summer House, Mumbai featuring Akala, DJ Cheeba, Selectah Si Chai, that is supported by British Phonographic Industry (BPI), and AIM (Association for Independent Music).  The two trade bodies are also responsible for supporting the weeklong trade mission in Mumbai consisting of 30 delegates that are travelling from the UK for The Exchange. Percussionist and composer Talvin Singh will headline the March 31 showcase.

Know more about Diplomats of Sound showcase on 30 March

Diplomats of Sound, a Bristol-based booking agency and event programming and production company, will showcase two of its artists, Akala – who has been instrumental in re-introducing Shakespeare to school kids via his adaptations of the playwright’s works through his project, the Hip-Hop Shakespeare Company – and DJ Cheeba. Joining these two will be Diplomats of Sound creative director, Simon Blatchly aka Selectah Si Chai.

Akala is also a BAFTA and MOBO award-winning artist, poet, label owner and social entrepreneur who has over the past decade maintained his place as one of the UK’s most inspiring hip-hop artists and a trusted representative of today’s generation. His lyrics are riddled with Shakespeare references, and he isn’t afraid to speak his mind on the subject as varied as British politics, poverty, oppressions and cultural appropriation.

Having released six albums over a career that has seen him travel to over 50 countries, Akala in 2016 released ‘10 Years Of Akala’ and undertook a 27-date tour across the UK. Akala has previously visited India and played at the Bacardi NH7 Weekender in Pune in 2012.

Hailed as one of the most progressive audio visual artists around today, DJ Cheeba has found an audience worldwide with his unique style of turntablism and video manipulation. Jumping seamlessly between genres and tempo, Cheeba’s live shows demonstrate a combination of technical excellence, imagination and an ear for a banger.

DJ Cheeba has shared the stage with artists including Mos Def, Coldcut, Roots Manuva, The Cinematic Orchestra, Bonobo and many others. Known for his cut and paste style of turntablism; audiences can expect a high-paced trip through styles made to make you dance, think and smile. More than just a DJ, Cheeba is an audiovisual artist known for the broadest beats and the deepest video vaults.

Having founded the award-winning, independent festival venue, Chai Wallahs, Si Chai is known for having a keen ear for the next big acts to break. His sets are a journey through music, seamlessly genre hopping from reggae to afrobeat, hip-hop to house, Selectah Si Chai has been known to be able to keep the party going for hours on end. The Exchange will host the Selectah’s first ever show in India.

Know more about Talvin Singh showcase on 31 March

Percussionist, composer and producer, Talvin Singh’s debut album, ‘OK’ was the winner of the Mercury Music Prize, among other awards, in 1999. Talvin Singh combined the highly-evolved melody and complex rhythmic intensity of Indian classical music with drum and bass beats to create one of the most exciting sounds in modern Indian music. The sound that emerged has influenced the South Asian diaspora as well as composers in India. Talvin continues to compose for films and perform concerts around the world.

 On 31 March, he will be presenting a Triptiqe set, which will celebrate his diversity and repertoire. The three-pronged showcase will include ‘Indian Classic Music in the Modern Landscape’ featuring Rishabh Seen on sitar, a collaboration with an Indian electronic artist, Vinayaka and DJ set by Talvin, that will see him perform the ‘Archives of the Asian Underground (1994-2007)’. 

This event takes place as part of the UK/India 2017 Year of Culture, a celebration of the long-standing relationship between the UK and India, which will see cultural events, exhibitions, and activities taking place in both countries throughout 2017.