DJ Rekha, born Rekha Malhotra in 1971 in London, is a musician, DJ, producer, curator, and activist known for pioneering Bhangra music in North America. After spending their early years in New Delhi, India, and Queens, New York, DJ Rekha graduated from Queens College with a degree in Urban Studies while honing their skills on the turntables. In 1997, they launched Basement Bhangra, a monthly event at SOB's on Varick Street that popularized the traditional-modern bhangra blend within the NYC club scene until its 20th anniversary show in August 2017 at Central Park's Summerstage. DJ Rekha's debut album, DJ Rekha Presents Basement Bhangra, released in October 2007 on Koch Records, fused Punjabi folk traditions with international hip-hop and drum beats, featuring collaborations with Wyclef Jean, Panjabi MC, and Bikram Singh. They were recognized by Newsweek as one of the most influential South Asians in the US.
