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with Shumena Akther: Chaos, culture and bangers

Shumena shares stories on her Bengali heritage, quirky name meanings, and reflections on neurodivergence as an autistic and ADHD woman navigating life in a desi family.

New voices and new sounds from the Asian Network.

This May on Asian Network Represents, Shumena Akther returns with a soundtrack that’s equal parts fun, heartfelt, and infectious. From viral hits and Bollywood throwbacks, to modern Punjabi and global South Asian grooves, this show brings music that makes you dance, think, and smile all at once.

Shumena blends her love for music with personal storytelling, sharing her Bengali heritage, quirky name meanings, and reflections on neurodivergence as an autistic and ADHD woman navigating life in a desi family. From celebrating small victories to appreciating everyday joy, she’s honest, relatable, and full of personality.

Listeners can expect everything from Dil Lagana Mana Tha to AP Dhillon’s Thinking of You, Neha Kakkar’s Valeti Daaru and Neha Bhasin’s Nai Jaana. Plus deep dives into her favourite tunes, tales from her life, and the occasional rant. It’s music, culture, and storytelling rolled into one unforgettable show.

Produced in Birmingham by Solis Productions for BBC Asian Network.

17 days left to listen

1 hour

Last on

Sun 24 May 2026 23:00
BBC Asian Network

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with Shumena Akther: Global sounds

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with Shumena Akhter: One Last Ride

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Music Played

  • Karan Aujla

    Tauba Tauba (From Bad Newz)

    • Saregama India Limited.

  • Neeraj Shridhar & Harshdeep Kaur

    Jhak Maar Ke (from Desi Boyz)

    • Desi Boyz.
    • T Series.

  • Sàbba, Jasmeen Akhtar & Dr Zeus

    Hello Hanji

  • Krish Mondal & Kishore Mondal

    Dil Lagana Mana Tha

  • The Rish & Shilpa Rao

    Barbaad Reprise

    • Saiyaara.
    • YRF Music.

  • Manni Sandhu & Sukha

    Who's That Girl?

    • Collab Creations.

  • Ikka, Neha Kakkar & Phenom

    Valeti Daru

  • Alyssia & Dee

    Pyar Hogiya

    • Panjabi Hit Squad Presents Alyssia - The Album.
    • Major Moves.

  • Sargam Jassu & Nakash Aziz

    Chaap Tilak (From "Dark 7 White")

    • Chaap Tilak (From \"Dark 7 White\").
    • Zee Music Company.
    • 1.

  • Arijit Singh

    Tumse Behtar (from Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari)

    • Sunny Sanskari ki Tulsi Kumari.
    • Sony Music.

  • Farooq Got Audio & Amber Malik

    Aaja Habibi

  • Pragati Nagpal & karan jotwani

    Ishare (Nath Dig Payi)

  • Nora Fatehi & Badshah

    Sajan Re

    • T-Series.

  • AP Dhillon

    Thinking Of You

  • Neha Bhasin

    Din Shagna

  • Ankit Tiwari

    Galliyan

    • T Series.

  • Diljit Dosanjh

    Sohni Lagdi (from Sardaar Ji 3)

    • White Hill Music.

  • Mumzy Stranger & H-Dhami

    One More Dance (Desi Remix)

    • One More Dance - EP.
    • TiffinBeats Records.

  • Ezu & Bilal Saeed

    Judaiya

    • VIP.

  • Raaginder, Mastane & Malkit Singh

    Jind Mahi (Remix)

  • Pav Dharia

    Tenu Takeya

  • Neha Bhasin

    Nai Jaana

Broadcasts

  • Tue 19 May 2026 22:00
    BBC Asian Network
  • Sun 24 May 2026 23:00
    BBC Asian Network