Born in London, with roots in India, alongside time spent growing up in Italy, Albania, Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Nigeria, Mera Bhai’s worldly influence seeps into his unique take on dance music. Known as a founding member of Tropical-Psychedelia band Flamingods, the multi-instrumentalist has worked closely with Moshi Moshi Records, Soundway Records and Total Refreshment Centre.

Hard to pin down, Mera Bhai is centred on a musical balance, between eastern and western traditions, the new and the old. Taking influence from Indian Carnatic music, Arabic Rai and 70s Disco, with a heavy dose of 80s/90s Acid House, Detroit techno and Tropicalia on top. “Having grown up all over the world,” he explains, “I was surrounded by a wealth of different sounds - I’m just trying to weave the cultural through line that I hear in music”.

The merging of cultures is reflected in the artist name also. Mera Bhai is a Hindi greeting, which translates to ‘My Brother’ - the welcoming implication speaks to the borderless nature of dance music, both in a global sense, as well as personal. Infused with a wide, authentic cultural understanding and appreciation for the way dance music brings people together democratically, Mera Bhai seeks to expand minds, or to simply block out the rigorous day to day, and foster a sense of belonging.

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