Where all good things come together
Fan favourite, Chai Wallahs returns to Kendal Calling for its 13th year! A welcoming space for music from across the globe, it has been hosting hip hop, funk, soul, brass, reggae, ska, jazz and just about everything else since way back in 2012 but the story of Chai goes much deeper than just the music.
Chai set out with a mission statement of providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere to those with open minds, while fostering creativity, advocating healing and platforming a diverse, often overlooked sector of the music industry.
Chai Wallahs started out as a simple Chai stall, selling incense, tea and housing drumming workshops. Over the years, the traveling tent expanded its range to herbal shots, juices, smoothies and a few under the counter brandies and as the years went by – the party just kept growing. In came a stage, a sound system and of course, the legendary performers.
From world-class DJs to 50-piece folk ensembles – Chai Wallahs has long prided itself on support of emerging artists at the beginning of their careers. In the early days, it was Jamie Woon, Kae Tempest, and Portico Quartet, then came Gentleman’s Dub Club and Mr Scruff, while the past few years have seen acts like KOG and TC & The Groove Family pass through.
