The word 'inqlab' is a take on the term 'inquilaab', which means 'revolution' in a number of Asian and Middle-Eastern languages (including Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Arabic, Persian and Turkish).
The idea behind inqlab was to create a 'conscious club night'. The people who put on the nights, the inqlabees, all have common interests in cultural activism, campaigning and community development. We wanted to put on a night with good music and a nice progressive vibe which provided a platform for us to spread the word about various human rights, civil liberties and poverty-related issues that we feel passionate about.
Inqlab would be nothing without the artists who support the night and its principles, who play for free. Over the previous two years we've had lineups that have reflected the diversity of Birmingham (and the UK for that matter). After the Lozells riots, we had Black and Asian DJs spinning side by side in a show of solidarity and unity... We think that's pretty special...
Inqlab is not about money
We don't make any profit; the majority of the money goes towards good causes. Sometimes we may need to take a little cash to help us put on the night.
We prefer contributing towards local grassroots activity rather than big charities or big sweeping appeals - it's about keeping it personal and showing solidarity.
Inqlab is not about personalities
It is a collective effort with responsibility shared amongst all who want to be part of it and who feel the inqlabee vibe.
We'd like to think of inqlab as a space to appreciate diversity and commonality in our culture, history and ancestry.
We hope that inqlab provides a means to mobilise and work together towards our common aims of combating racism, human injustice and fundamentalism.
We try to make positive steps with each night and work towards finding that delicate balance between having a great night with good music and a good vibe, and one that allows us to be conscious without being too preachy...
If you feel the inqlabee vibe, either as an artist or as someone who would like to help organise and promote the night with us, then please get in touch.