By Azzam Bilal 
HangupsMusic.com – London, The global music landscape often witnesses the intersection of history and modernity, but few collaborations carry as much cultural weight as the newly unveiled partnership between the iconic Asha Puthli and the Brooklyn-based "discodelic" trio Say She She. Their joint single, titled ‘PAWA!’, has arrived as a vibrant testament to the enduring influence of disco and funk, while simultaneously serving as a rallying cry for female empowerment. Released via the specialized label Naya Beat, the track was strategically timed to coincide with International Women’s Day, framing its rhythmic energy within the broader context of global feminist solidarity and the strength found in collective action.
For those familiar with the history of experimental pop and dance music, Asha Puthli is a name that commands immense reverence. An artist who has consistently defied categorization, Puthli’s career began in the late 1960s and early 1970s, where she bridged the gap between the traditional sounds of her Indian heritage and the avant-garde jazz and soul scenes of the West. Her work with jazz legend Ornette Coleman on the seminal album Science Fiction established her as a vocalist of extraordinary range and daring, while her solo ventures into the world of disco—most notably the 1976 cult classic ‘The Devil is Loose’—made her a fixture of the international club circuit. Despite her vast influence, Puthli’s contributions were often overlooked by the mainstream for decades, making her recent resurgence not just a comeback, but a long-overdue reclamation of her status as a pioneer.
In ‘PAWA!’, Puthli finds a perfect contemporary mirror in Say She She. Comprised of Piya Malik, Sabrina Mileo Cunningham, and Nya Gazelle Brown, the group has rapidly ascended to the forefront of the modern soul and disco revival. Known for their intricate three-part harmonies and a sound that blends dreamy psychedelia with gritty, danceable grooves, Say She She represents a new generation of musicians who honor the foundations of the 1970s while pushing the genre into socially conscious territory. The collaboration feels less like a passing of the torch and more like a shared flame, as Puthli’s seasoned, ethereal vocals intertwine with the crisp, modern sensibilities of the trio.
The track itself is a masterclass in disco-funk production. Driven by a propulsive bassline and punctuated by shimmering percussion, ‘PAWA!’ captures the euphoric essence of the dance floor. However, beneath its infectious rhythm lies a deeper message. The title, a phonetic play on "power," underscores the song’s thematic focus on "togetherness." In a year where the themes of International Women’s Day emphasize the importance of inclusion and the dismantling of systemic barriers, ‘PAWA!’ serves as a musical manifesto. It celebrates the visibility of women in the recording studio and the DJ booth, spaces that have historically been dominated by male perspectives.
Naya Beat, the label behind the release, has been instrumental in this cultural revival. Founded with a mission to unearth and celebrate the rich history of South Asian dance and electronic music, the label has become a vital conduit for artists like Puthli. By recontextualizing archival sounds for a modern audience, Naya Beat does more than just sell records; it restores a missing chapter of music history. The label’s commitment to this cause was recently highlighted by their reissue of Mohinder Kaur Bhamra’s 1982 ‘Punjabi Disco’ album. Often cited as the first British Asian electronic dance record, its re-emergence provided a crucial link between the South Asian diaspora and the evolution of UK club culture.
The release of ‘PAWA!’ is only the beginning of this collaborative chapter. A comprehensive EP is scheduled to follow on April 10th, which will expand the sonic palette of the original track through a series of high-profile remixes. Among the contributors are the British electronic mainstays Crazy P, whose penchant for "low-slung" disco and house is expected to bring a sophisticated, late-night atmosphere to the track. Joining them are Boys’ Shorts, the duo known for their sleek, synth-heavy productions. The EP will cater to both digital listeners and tactile collectors, with a vinyl release planned to satisfy the growing demand for physical media in the dance music community.
The timing of this release also highlights Asha Puthli’s busy schedule and her continued relevance in the contemporary scene. Beyond her work with Naya Beat and Say She She, Puthli has recently collaborated with the world-renowned virtual band Gorillaz. Her appearance on their latest album, The Mountain, further cements her position as a versatile artist capable of navigating the worlds of indie-pop and mainstream electronic music with ease. This cross-genre appeal was also evident in the 2023 release of ‘Disco Mystic – Select Remixes Volume 1’, a project that saw Puthli’s classic hits reimagined by modern producers like Maurice Fulton, proving that her 1970s catalog remains a fertile ground for electronic innovation.
Furthermore, the academic and critical appreciation for this movement is growing. The recent publication of reviews regarding the ‘Naya Beat Volume 2: South Asian Dance And Electronic Music 1988-1994’ compilation has shed light on a specific era of musical fusion that was previously under-documented. By highlighting the period between the late 80s and mid-90s, these compilations show that the current wave of South Asian influence in electronic music is not a trend, but the continuation of a long-standing tradition of innovation. ‘PAWA!’ sits at the pinnacle of this narrative, bridging the gap between the disco pioneers of the 70s and the electronic explorers of the 90s, all while looking firmly toward the future.
The collaboration also speaks to the geographical fluidity of modern music. While Puthli’s roots are in Mumbai and her career blossomed in Europe and the United States, Say She She carries the torch of the Brooklyn soul scene. The resulting sound is global in every sense of the word. It is a reminder that the dance floor has always been a space of sanctuary and intersectionality—a place where different cultures, generations, and ideologies can find common ground through rhythm.
As the industry prepares for the full EP release in April, ‘PAWA!’ stands as a significant milestone. It is a rare example of a collaboration that feels organic rather than manufactured, born out of a genuine mutual respect between the artists involved. For Asha Puthli, it is another jewel in a crown that has been decades in the making. For Say She She, it is a definitive statement of their artistic values and their ability to stand alongside the giants who paved the way. And for the listener, it is a reminder that the most powerful music is often that which looks back to its roots while dancing toward the horizon.
In an era where the music industry is often criticized for its fleeting nature and focus on viral moments, the release of ‘PAWA!’ offers something with more substance. It is a celebration of longevity, a tribute to the pioneers of the past, and a bold step forward for the feminist movement within the arts. As the disco-funk grooves of the track reach speakers from Mumbai to New York, the message remains clear: there is immense power in togetherness, and that power is best expressed through the universal language of the beat. With the upcoming vinyl release and the promise of more archival re-discoveries from Naya Beat, the legacy of South Asian disco and the women who shaped it is more secure—and more vibrant—than ever before.