In a city where bindis can be bought at Club Monaco and saris are on display at Holt Renfrew, it's not surprising that brown jams have collided with the downtown hipster scene.

Just talk to DJ Kola of the local Masala massive. Like most second generation kids, he grew up watching Amitabh Bachchan films while listening to the Sex Pistols and Grandmaster Flash. With a love for Hip Hop, Reggae, Drum n Bass and Asian Breakbeat, it was only natural to fuse an evening where all musical genres could be pushed to the boundaries.

Since last December, the Masala parties have been one of the greatest east-west collisions in the city. It's clear that the collective behind the Masala movement have put tremendous thought into the vibe and atmosphere. Following in the footsteps of London's infamous Anokha scene, and New York's Mutiny, Masala, with its tabla players, samosas, and Hindi film projections, is as much a mood as a party.

"It's about pairing up international talent, local artists and letting them go head to head". At the first Masala party, local tabla terror Ravi Naimpally teamed up with the UK's DJ Badmarsh to put on show which blew the roof of the Reverb. The two had only met hours before the show.

Masala is also the work of dee jay Nav, who met Kola while they were both spinning at a Toronto after hours. Kola also gives credit to Rosina of Lal who helped them kickstart the local Asian Underground scene. This happened right after Nav was shut down in the middle of a house track during the Harbourfront India day celebrations for not restricting his set to only Hindi and Bhangra. "There must be other kids in this city that are listening to more than just Hindi and Bhangra music...".

You're right Kola...we're listening.


State of Bengal DJ set
also featuring DJ Amita, Kola, and dee jay nav
Friday, Oct 27. Fez Batik. 129 Peter St. Toronto
tickets available at rotate this. play de record. traxx.vice

DJ Kola Quick Facts

Alias: Alok Sharma

Years DJ'ing: 8

First Record: Chipmunk Punk

First Turtables: Bought with student loan money

Current Job: Marketing Coordinator - Urban Music - HMV

Previous Jobs: Anything and everything radio: CIUT, CKLN, CHRY, as a DJ, Program Director, News Director, Station Manager etc. etc.

Current Radio Show: Aural Ammunition, Tuesday, 8-10pm, CIUT 89.5FM. Hailed as one of Toronto's hottest Hip Hop shows, exploring the sounds of the underground, aboveground and all around. Just good old fashioned hip hop.

Website: www.kolakube.com