Get Ready to Bhangra: Ashay Sewlall, DJ Tira & More Star in Guinness World Record Attempt
South Africa is set to witness a large-scale cultural event as Fire Water Earth Productions prepares for a Guinness World Records™ attempt for the Largest Bhangra Dance at Desi Raves 2026, taking place on Saturday, 18 April at Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria.
The event aims to bring together 5,000 dancers for a synchronised bhangra performance, led by choreographer Jitesh Ranchod alongside dance groups including Oriental Fire, Desi Motion Dancers, Divya Art of Dance, Darpan Kathak Dance Group, and Shamz & the Dhot Guys.
Big Brother Mzansi personality Ashay Sewlall will join the lineup alongside DJ Tira, DJ Kent, and DJ Jashmir, adding star power to a programme that blends South African and Indian music and dance cultures.
According to organisers, the attempt will be officially adjudicated by Guinness World Records™, with participants required to meet strict verification standards during the mass performance.
The choreography will be performed in unison as part of a structured routine designed specifically for the record attempt.
“Moments like this create memories. This event is a legacy born from a dream — not for one person, but for a nation to experience unity and diversity together. From an Indian soul to a South African heartbeat, you become the moment,” says Kishore Ramharakh, Chairman, Fire Water Earth Productions.
After the attempt, the event will transition into a live music showcase featuring both local and international artists.
The lineup includes DJ Reme (India), Robot Boii, DJ Carly O, DJ Dino Bravo, DJ Desi Blue, Just Verge, DJ Nimal, DJ Adi B, DJ Dizzy D, DJ Manic Thor, DJ Neal Rain, DJ Jason 2Ray, and DJ Aves, alongside DJ Tira, DJ Kent, DJ Jashmir, and Ashay Sewlall.
Organisers say the event is designed to celebrate cultural fusion through music and dance, combining bhangra, amapiano, gqom, afro-house, and global dance sounds into one unified experience. They describe Desi Raves as an inclusive platform bringing together diverse communities through shared cultural expression.
All participants are required to arrive before the record attempt for official verification in line with Guinness World Records™ standards.
Desi Raves 2026 will take place at Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria, with doors opening at 16:00 and the record attempt scheduled for 17:30. Tickets range from general access at R250 to VIP packages up to R5,000.
