'Connection and Cultural Pride': Jazba at Lupo's

Jazba is a vibrant South Asian music collective dedicated to celebrating the richness of South Asian culture and showcasing its community at St Andrews. Their Desi Boiler Room event, held on 8 November at Lupo’s, perfectly embodied this mission, uniting students from diverse backgrounds in a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and community. 

One of the event’s heads, Abhinoor Singh, described the collective’s mission of Jazba: saying, “Jazba is all about uniting people from diverse backgrounds through the energy of South Asian music and culture.” This year's Jazba was especially significant, as it marked the event’s revival of the event after following a hiatus. Reflecting on its return, Abhinoor shared, “Due to its disappearance, a lot of the South Asian community in St Andrews was quite disappointed and were truly missing the event, so we decided to bring it back.”

And bring it back they did. The return of Jazba was electrifying, with every performance and detail meticulously crafted to immerse attendees in the colours, sounds, and tastes of South Asia. A unique highlight was the thoughtfully curated cocktail menu, with the Pani Puri shot being a particular favourite. This interactive cocktail offered a hands-on twist on the classic Indian street snack. Their version featured a limoncello-based shot poured into a crispy puri shell after creating a small opening, similar to the traditional preparation. The tangy, refreshing limoncello beautifully complemented the puri shell, creating a memorable drinking experience. Other creative drink options included a refreshing Limca Mojito, a fragrant Rose Gin Fizz, and a tropical Coconut Kairi Margarita.

The event ran from 10pm to 2am, beginning with a focus on South Asian music and IndoHouse beats to cater to the South Asian community. As the night progressed, the music shifted to a mix of house tracks layered with South Asian influences, seamlessly merging genres and sounds. Abhinoor emphasised the significance of this approach, noting how important Jazba is for celebrating the South Asian community at St Andrews while inviting participation from the wider student body. By blending popular house music with South Asian beats later in the evening, he hoped to “bring different cultures and genres together.” This thoughtful mix of music was designed not only to connect different backgrounds, but to also create an inclusive experience that resonated with diverse groups across the University.

The celebration was further elevated by the many attendees who embraced the event’s spirit by dressing in traditional South Asian attire, proudly donning saris, kurtas, lehengas, and other cultural clothing. This choice of attire brought an authentic sense of identity and tradition, transforming the space into a vibrant reflection of South Asian heritage. The enthusiastic participation underscored how meaningful it was for students to express and celebrate their culture in a visible, collective way.

Jazba’s return to St Andrews was a celebration that went beyond music and dance — it was an evening that brought together students from all backgrounds in a lively embrace of South Asian culture. Through a thoughtfully crafted mix of traditional and contemporary music, interactive elements like the unique cocktail selection, and the vibrant attire of attendees, Jazba captured the spirit of connection and cultural pride. This revival of Jazba not only rekindled a beloved tradition but also strengthened the bonds within the St Andrews community, leaving attendees with a lasting sense of unity and celebration.

Photo: Jazba