Music for Wedding "Kakhan"?

My cousin will be getting married in early July. My aunt and uncle will be putting together a Kakhan for the day after the wedding reception. My cousin has asked me to take charge of the music. Here is where I need help… I have never played for a Kakhan, ever.

I’ve always played for family birthdays by the kitchen or living room (lol) and once for a high school event. The last time I’ve been to a Kakhan was nearly 8 years ago. The family hosting the Kakhan hardly played any music. Actually, somebody played a cassette; yes, a cassette. It was so dull that someone grabbed a CD from their car and played it on the family’s little boombox lol. Anyways…

I’ve always thought of Kakhan as a day of relaxation after the party/reception; an informal, small get-together of close family members where they mingle, chit-chat, and enjoy some food. My cousin told me he will rent a tent to be placed in their backyard so I have an idea of the location/environment.

Unfortunately, he didn’t give me an idea of who will most likely show up to the Kakhan. I have an understanding of what our mothers’ side would enjoy but I do not know what his father’s side will enjoy. I believe I have a pretty good idea of what to play for the Kakhan but I would like to learn more.

So, my main questions to the DJs here on Mastahpiece are:

1. What genres will be appropriate for my cousin’s Kakhan?

2. What range of BPMs should I stick to?

3. Are there any specific songs that I should definitely play or avoid altogether?

4. Should I treat the Kakhan as sort of a dinner party and play Lovers Rock Reggae?

5. Also, is the Kakhan intended for the bride/groom or for their families?​

In addition to responses to the questions above, any and all other comments and tips regarding Kakhans in general will be greatly appreciated. Feel free to share stories about a Kakhan that you may have played for in the past; regardless if you are DJ or someone like me, who just plays music lol.

Once again, your responses will be extremely useful to me. Thank you.

 

x 2 on the nice write up, nice to see someone fully explain shiiiiiit.

First off, I'm gonna assume "Kakhan" = Kanghan. I'd agree with Trev in that you'll prolly play mostly Chutney and Indian (and mostly the older songs). As you've correctly stated, its more of a chill out and relax for the family after the stresses of the wedding organisation.

In my experience, the dancing is just for an hour or so, maybe a little more, so pick your chunes wisely. Again from experience, the crowds tend to favour "dem rum man sang" so they can curl up and think back to Guyana days - I rarely played any new songs at any of the Kanghan's I've been a part of (especially because I use the Reception for that!)

*Oh, and don't play Maticoor Night - if you didn't buss di skunt out of that on the actual Manticoor Night, you need two good bax.

I don't treat it as a Dinner Party Dance thing, so avoid Lovers Rock - I'd usually just have on a couple lovers / old school indian remix cds while people are chillin / drinkin / eatin etc.

Just a few ideas for you, I hope this helps! Make sure you let us know how it goes!

 

Thanks a lot, Trev and SocaSelectah.

Trev

It would've been great if you could stop by, but my cousin's wedding will be in the Toronto area. My family and I will be driving up there.​

SocaSelectah

Don't worry, mostly the high BPM tracks like Maticoor Night and Mor Tor will be playing on the Friday night; even Rajin Dhanraj's Pookne. Nobody guh box mih fi dah weekend... lol. And yes, I'll definitely let you know how everything goes.​

I'll take your suggestions and run with it. Thanks, again.

 

on that note tr3v,
is it possible for you to make a list of wedding indian songs for a wedding?
im going to have to dj one soon and im not really a dj that plays that much indian, i know my way around some current stuff but im lost as to what should get the crowd going and i cant observe a indian wedding because i live in ct.
if it is no problem it would be great for a list of songs.
(im more of a EDM X SOCA X HIPHOP X TOP 40 X and im dirty with dancehall and reggae) so thanks in advance if its no worries to you.

 

what the scunt just play nani wine and hello carol I'm depending on you.