Dub, Diversity Sound and Space

Today on Southall Broadway, I found myself at a  dub session hosted by Vedic Roots, West London Dub Club, Roots Youth and Rebels & Pilgrims. The bass was heavy, the crowd was mixed, and people stopped to take it in—some drawn by nostalgia, others by curiosity. It wasn’t just music; it was something that cut across cultures and generations, bringing people together in a way that felt both natural and necessary.

Music has always been a way to navigate identity, especially in a place like Southall, where different cultures exist side by side. For decades, this community has been shaped by migration, resistance, and reinvention. The sounds that fill these streets—whether it’s dub, bhangra, or hymns—reflect that constant push and pull between past and present.

It’s a reminder that music isn’t just about personal identity; it’s about collective experience. Whether you grew up here or just arrived, whether you remember when Southall first found its voice or you’re discovering it now, the music speaks to something familiar. It bridges gaps—between young and old, between different backgrounds—and creates a shared space where those differences don’t matter as much.

At the same time, music like this is about resistance. Setting up speakers on a busy street is more than just playing music—it’s about being seen and heard. In a city that’s constantly changing, where communities are often pushed to the margins, these moments reclaim space. They remind people that culture isn’t something you visit in a museum; it’s alive, evolving, and part of everyday life.

What struck me most today was how effortlessly the music brought people together. A mix of locals, passersby, and those who just happened to be in the right place at the right time—some stopping for a few minutes, others staying longer, caught up in the atmosphere. It’s moments like these that build community in the simplest but most meaningful ways.

Experiences like this aren’t just about the music; it’s about connection. It’s about holding onto identity while embracing change, about finding common ground across cultures and generations. And in a place like Southall, that’s something worth holding onto ❤️

The talent -

Vedic Roots

Roots Youth

West London Dub Club