We Are Lady Parts returns for its 'villain era’
Words By Aditi
We Are Lady Parts - series 2 // Credit: Channel 4
We Are Lady Parts returns for its much-anticipated second series written, directed and produced by Nida Manzoor. The British TV series follows all-female Muslim punk band Lady Parts as they navigate friendship, love and music in London.
The series picks up from the band’s return from their first successful UK tour and begin to work on their first album, but the harsh reality of pursuing success causes tension amongst them. Lady Parts find themselves trying to balance their personal goals and wondering if making it big is truly what they desire.
In the midst of their musical journey, the band members start facing personal challenges that force them to question their identities. Saira (Sarah Impey), the fiery lead singer is torn between her desire for the band’s success and loyalty to her bandmates who have differing views on how to get there. Meanwhile, band manager Momtaz (Lucie Shorthouse) grapples with her identity outside of the band and Bassist Bisma (Faith Omole) relentlessly yearns to break free from the shadows and truly be recognised for who she is. Lead guitarist Amina (Anjana Vasan) enters her “villain era” embracing a darker, more enigmatic aspect of her personality and drummer Ayesha (Juliette Motamed) faces the struggles of trying to follow her heart.
The characters undergo various shifts as they navigate these struggles, forcing them to evolve as individuals. The band reaches a crossroads as they each define what success means to them, leading to intense conflicts and incredible revelations. Through these challenges and transformations, the women learn more about themselves and each other, ultimately shaping their journey towards success. It’s a relatable whirlwind of a series and this time with a surrealist edge we saw in Nida explore feature film debut Polite Society (2023).
Malala with Lady Parts // Credit: Channel 4
Viewers can also anticipate a stunning cameo from Nobel Peace Prize winner, Malala Yousafzai. That's right, in the episode ‘Malala Made Me Do It’ as Lady Parts perform a new song of the same name, Malala appears in radiance, sitting on a fake horse in a stunning costume.
What makes this show so special to viewers beyond its wit and laugh out loud moments is the authentic and refreshing representation of Muslim women. We Are Lady Parts provides a much-needed perspective in both the music and TV industries, which still lack diverse Muslim and South Asian representation. With well-known London grassroots music venues featured in the show, it’s no doubt a relatable series for all the Muslim and South Asian women in rock music who have performed in the city.
The series hopes to inspire and comfort a whole generation of women and as Anjana Vasan who plays Amina said “I hope you take away hope, joy, belonging, understanding, sisterhood and love for this incredible world Nida has once again brought to life.”
The second season of We Are Lady Parts, which is filled with genuine depth, waves of emotion, and an unstoppable musical heart, is a confident comeback and a must watch – and we certainly hope it’ll return for a third series.
Series 2 of We Are Lady Parts is out now on Channel 4.
About Aditi
Aditi is a multimedia artist and writer originally from India, currently based in London. She loves all things alternative and is always on the lookout for new music to obsess over. Usually you can find her exploring all the quirky cafes and markets hidden across London.