South Asian Women in Rock Music
Words by Nandita Suria, Zee Ahmed, Ella Patenall & Naz Toorabally
A non-exhaustive list of South Asian women making rock music. When people ask “where are all the South Asian women in rock music?” send them this list!
Women are notoriously underrepresented across the music industry – from only 61 of the 719 inductees to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame being women to top festivals saying it’s a “risk” to book women headliners. According to Vick Bain, researcher and founder of The F-List, in an interview with the Guardian, “women are far less likely to be picked up by an A&R, far less likely to be invested in, far less likely to get a manager or an agent, and all of these things mean you’re less likely to be chosen to play on festival stages.”
The challenges faced by women in music are exacerbated for those who are racially minoritised and varies by the music “scene” or genre an artist falls into. We don’t (totally) blame you if you think South Asian women simply aren’t making rock music as so few chart, make it to the big stages and win awards. In fact, we previously shared a listicle of some of the most famous bands with South Asian members, but found it difficult to find and include South Asian women in “famous” bands.
This is a (non-exhaustive) list of women of South Asian heritage making rock – that is, guitar-based or heavy – music at various levels of their careers. Read about them, listen to their music, go to a show and support them – discover your new favourite artist.
This list is not in any particular order, just the order we wrote them in so make sure you scroll down and check out all the artists!
Azeka Kamal
Azeka Kamal is the lead vocalist in Aurat, a Los Angeles-based band that has been described as darkwave, post-punk and goth. While the band doesn’t necessarily place themselves in any one category, Azeka has said that she likes being associated with the goth scene as it has been a space distinctly lacking in representation and she wants to inspire more South Asians to break into the genre.
Azeka is of Pakistani descent and grew up in Orange County, USA. She incorporates Urdu in her music in a way that makes the language feel right at home in a goth track. Aurat, which means “woman” in Urdu, has three studio albums available. Azeka is a skilled live performer, unafraid to express herself in her distinct aesthetic and vocal style, and Aurat regularly plays the Los Angeles circuit.
Laila Khan
Laila Khan is a British-Pakistani singer and songwriter – she fronts the Manchester-founded Sonic Boom Six, a ska punk and rock band that is known for their energetic, opinionated, and politically-driven music. Outside of the band, Laila also works with British music therapy charity, Nordoff Robbins.
Laila tackles sensitive topics and social issues head-on in her lyrics and has always been candid about her struggles, including the pressures of drinking alcohol in the music industry, being one of the few women in rock bands or, as she spoke about in Issue 2 of WEIRDO Zine, being a musician from a working class and South Asian background. With the recent release of Sonic Boom Six’s latest album ‘RE:Generation’, Laila continues to be a striking and integral voice in the British rock scene.
Aneela Siddiqui
Aneela Siddiqui is a British Pakistani singer and guitarist who fronts up-and-coming shoegaze band Pleasure Centre, which originated in Scarborough and is now based in Leeds. Her band has a cohesive, well-honed sound and Aneela’s unique vocals confidently shine through. Pleasure Centre has already started to make waves in the relatively short time they have been around, featuring on BBC Introducing, releasing their debut EP ‘the weight of it all’ in 2022 and touring for the first time in 2023 with prominent American punk rock band Destroy Boys. In 2024, the band has already hinted at new music and shows no signs of slowing down.
Abi Masih
Abi Masih is of Indian descent and is the drummer of Leicester-based all-female garage punk band, The Wonky Portraits. She and her band are also part of the all-female punk collective, Unglamorous Music, which aims to bring together older women in the punk scene and normalise being in a band at any age. The Wonky Portraits and Unglamorous Music frequently play shows in Leicester, and although she has only been drumming in a band for a few years, it’s clear Abi is only just getting started.
Suna Dasi
Suna Dasi is a vocalist and keyboardist in Scotland-based prog rock band EBB, and she also performs as a vocalist and dancer for machine metal band Krow. Suna is of Indian and Dutch heritage and boasts a multitude of skills and interests. She studied theatre and dance in the Netherlands, but is also a writer, a self-proclaimed steampunk aficionado, as well as the founder of PandoraFest – Scotland’s first women-focused music festival.
Sareena Rai
Lauded by many as the “godmother of Nepali punk”, Kathmandu-based Sareena Rai has certainly been a driving force behind Nepali punk, rock and ska as the lead singer and guitarist of multiple bands over the past 30 years, including the anarcho-punk band Rai Ko Ris, as well as The Kathmandu Killers, Naya Faya, Tank Girl, and most recently Slime Baff Toilet Surprise.
Sareena also runs Ris Records, a label dedicated to archiving and putting out music from socio-political Nepali artists and bands, as well as a radical library called The Infoshop that produces its own zines on topics like identity and resistance.
Naz Toorabally
Naz Toorabally is a British Indo-Mauritian singer, songwriter and guitarist. She is also the founder of WEIRDO Zine which she created to highlight South Asian people in the alternative scene. She fronts the London-based melodic post-punk grunge band Dogviolet and is one half of grunge-folk duo Naz & Ella.
Naz’s lyrics tackle social injustice, familial challenges, sapphic desire and the power of community. Her strong, resonant vocals, thoughtful lyrics and stage presence contribute to making them a band to watch.
Nadia Javed
Nadia Javed is a British Pakistani Indian singer, songwriter and guitarist from London. She is best known as the frontwoman of DIY pop-punk band The Tuts who formed in 2007 and disbanded in 2019. The Tuts toured with Sonic Boom Six (fronted by Laila Khan), Kate Nash and The Selecter; and supported The Specials and Bikini Kill.
Nadia is also a solo artist and in 2022 joined punk supergroup The Sex Patels. She is a born performer who captures audiences with her energetic performances and humorous storytelling – both in her lyrics and between song chat. Vocally, Nadia expertly switches between a sweet, gentle singing to raucous screaming.
Jojo Orme
Heartworms is the moniker of Jojo Orme, a solo artist who is redefining post-punk in its revival with her gothic, dystopian sound. The London-based musician is half Pakistani and has previously spoken about her experiences of racism growing up as a mixed race kid.
Since her debut single ‘Consistent Dedication’ and debut EP ‘A Comforting Notion’ released via Speedy Wunderground, Jojo has been unstoppable with multiple festival bookings and support slots at iconic venues like the Roundhouse in London. It was also announced that she would be supporting The Kills on their 2024 USA tour. Commanding audiences with her unshakeable confidence, aesthetic and songwriting, Jojo is an innovator and much-needed antidote to the white-man-shouty-vocals saturating the British post-punk revival.
Maya Lakhani
British Indian rock artist, Maya Lakhani, made her debut in 2020, stating that she “felt a deep need to create music in lockdown,” where she taught herself how to write, record and produce music from her bedroom. Through her music, Maya advocates for change, with her writing focused on women’s rights and representation.
Since her debut she has received radio play across BBC Introducing, Radio 1, BBC Asian Network, Planet Rock and Radio X, including a BBC Live Lounge session. In 2022, Maya played Dialled In festival as part of WEIRDO’s stage takeover.
Baria Qureshi
Baria Qureshi is a British Pakistani musician and songwriter, formerly of The xx. In 2023, she began creating music again and releasing demos as a solo artist, carving a space for herself in the London music scene with her catchy goth pop rock musicality and honest lyricism.
Havni Gohil
London-based British Indian guitarist and bassist, Havni Gohil, is a session musician and one half of shoegaze duo Shoefig. She creates lush atmospheric dream pop that’s captivating audiences in London – check out her Instagram where she regularly shares guitar videos.
Somrata Sarkar
Somara Sarker is a keyboardist and co-lead vocalist in post-punk dream-pop band The Dead Zoo, which is fronted by British Japanese musician Kaoru Sato. Somrata contributes delicately delivered vocals and intriguing synth lines, adding depth and texture to their already rich musical landscape.
Pryti
Hailing from Birmingham, British-Indian solo artist Pryti is a singer, guitarist, and songwriter. Collaborating with producer Justin Hill, her music seamlessly blends the doom of metal with alt-rock, indie, and electronica influences. Drawing inspiration from nu-metal to soft rock, Pryti writes songs for those who, in her own words, “feel like outsiders”.
Releasing music through her own label, Welcome to Pariahville, her work has gained recognition from outlets like Kerrang!, Rock Sound and New Noise. She was also recognised as a global artist to watch by Rolling Stone India in 2022.
Mallika Sundaramurthy
Mallika Sundaramurthy is vocalist in multiple death metal bands: Unfathomable Ruination, Emasculator and Nidorous. She is of Indian and English-American heritage and is a powerful and important presence in the extreme metal scene, a genre where women are few and far between.
Mallika has gained recognition for her fierce growling/guttural vocal style. Formerly part of Abnormality from formation until its end in 2020, she now leads Ultimate Massacre Productions, an independent label focusing on brutal and extreme death metal. In addition to her vocal prowess, Mallika works as a freelance artist.
Dana Mohammed
Dana Mohammed aka Ms. Mohammed is a songwriter, guitarist and vocalist. As well as making music as a solo artist, she is a DJ and plays guitar in the all-South Asian punk band The Sex Patels.
Born in Trinidad and of Indian descent, Dana currently resides in London. Her multicultural background is reflected in her unique sound which blends beats, rock riffs, and bluesy elements as she channels her ancestry into a captivating auditory experience. BBC Radio's Bobby Friction has championed her work, describing it as "Powerful, Brilliant, Goddess-like."
Ishani Jasmin
Ishani Jasmin is a British Indian musician and songwriter who fronts the angsty punk band Breakup Haircut, where she serves as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist. She is also the founder of Decolonise Choir, a “monthly space for POC to practise the radical act of collective song,” a sister project of Decolonise Fest.
Breakup Haircut is rooted in quintessentially English pop, drawing inspiration from a rich musical heritage that spans decades. Ishani commits to simplicity in lyrics and chord progressions, and the band’s sound echoes influences from iconic acts like The Kinks, Buzzcocks, Delta 5, the Monochrome Set, and the punk era incarnation of The Slits, embodying a nostalgic yet fresh take on the English pop tradition.
Myura
Led by the magnetic Myura, PollyPikPocketz is a standout rock band based in London. Myura's stage persona effortlessly blends elements of 90s Gwen Stefani with a punk-rock edge, captivating audiences with her dynamic energy.
With a dual-vocalist setup, the band delivers raw, heartfelt lyrics and a fearless attitude. Their live shows are intense and passionate, featuring seamless harmonies and lyrics that are both playful and sincere. PollyPikPocketz brings an authentic and infectious sound to the rock scene, leaving a lasting impression on all who experience their performances.
Abi Natesh
Abi Natesh is a singer-songwriter based in Pennsylvania (PA), USA and is a member of the band KulfiGirls. Hailing from a small town in PA, Abi draws heavily on her Indian roots to craft soulful and intimate music aimed at fostering connections with her audience.
She is a singer and multi-instrumentalist, playing the veena, guitar, piano, and ukulele. She showcases her musical versatility through her performances, and her compositions reflect a unique blend of cultural influences, resulting in a captivating sound that resonates with listeners, showcasing her ability to create music that is both deeply personal and universally appealing.
Yasmin Nur
Yasmin Nur, a rising Bangladeshi-American indie rock artist from Wichita, Kansas, blends introspective lyrics with ethereal guitar melodies. Her 2020 EP, ‘Punch Me! This Is a Nightmare!’, showcases her ability to mix dark themes with uplifting music, drawing inspiration from bands like The Sundays and Paramore.
Yasmin's music explores life's complexities, with her latest single, ‘My Favorite T-Shirt’, highlighting her compelling storytelling. With a captivating style and authentic voice, Yasmin Nur is set to leave a mark on the indie rock scene - stay tuned for more from this promising artist.
Krishanti Daryanani
Lady Bits is a Brooklyn-based femme-punk trio led by Indian-American frontperson Krishanti Daryanani, who serves as the group's lead vocalist and guitarist. Krishanti's driving guitar riffs not only define the band's sound but also serve as a powerful complement to the uplifting message of perseverance woven throughout their music.
With their unique blend of punk energy and feminist ethos, Lady Bits stands out as a formidable presence in the music scene, captivating audiences with their electrifying performances and empowering lyrics.
Jyoti Sekhawat
At the core of German post-punk band Ara Lil Yoon is the powerhouse drummer Jyoti Sekhawat, a British musician of Indian origin, whose rhythmic prowess drives the band's sound forward with intensity and precision. With experience garnered from playing in various bands across Berlin, Jyoti's drumming serves as the heartbeat of the group, anchoring their music in a dynamic blend of post-punk energy and diverse musical influences.
Ara Lil Yoon’s EP ‘Taste’ showcases Jyoti’s skills alongside the band's innovative approach to genre-blending, offering listeners a captivating sonic journey.
Other artists we recommend you check out are Nadine Shah, Natasha Khan (Bat For Lashes), Nabihah Iqbal, Sonya Madan (Echobelly), Shilpa Ray and Anjali Bhatia (formerly of Voodoo Queens). Who else should be on this list? Let us know in the comments!
Collage by WEIRDO // Image credits: Azeka Kamal by Nathalie Martin, Laila Khan by Hold My Pint Photography, Aneela Siddiqui by DSD Photography, Abi Masih by The Wonky Portraits, Suna Dasi by Gavin Dougan, Sareena Rai by unknown, Jojo Orme by Gilbert Trejo, Naz Toorabally by Robyn Skinner, Maya Lakhani by Guy Joben, Nadia Javed by Danny Simpson, Havni Gohil by Laura Inácio, Baria Qureshi by WEIRDO, Mallika Sundaramurthy by Daniela "Dahlien" Neumanová, Somrata Sarkar by @livinginacoffin, Dana Mohammed by COCO VU, Pryti by Marcus Maschwitz, Ishani Jasmin by Bad Vibrations, Myura by Gary Trueman, Abi Natesh by unknown, Yasmin Nur by Justin Labadie, Krishanti Daryanani by Kate Hoos, Jyoti Sekhawat by Sebastian Oskar Kroll.
About Nandita
Nandita Suria is a music enthusiast based in London. She works in data privacy by day, and drums in dream-pop band Momo and the Minutes by night. When she’s not at an alt-rock, pop or R&B gig, she’s probably exploring her interest in film photography or picking up yet another new hobby.
About Zee
Zee Ahmed is a drummer who enjoys exploring the underground music scene and particularly loves all things punk and electronic. She currently lives in Toronto, Canada where they work as a research consultant. Zee is passionate about diversity and inclusion in all spheres and is learning to play bass guitar.
About Ella
Ella Patenall is a musician, gig-goer and writer from London. She plays guitar in post-punk band Dogviolet and writes and produces for her solo project Kindred Fawn. She also writes music reviews for music blog Get In Her Ears and loves championing exciting emerging artists.
About Naz
Naz Toorabally is a queer, British Indo-Mauritian musician, model and zine maker based in north London. She is the founder of WEIRDO Zine and fronts post-punk band Dogviolet. When she’s not making music or zines, you’ll find Naz hanging out with her cat.