Bhangra, an infectious folk music and dance style from the Punjab region of India and Pakistan, has slowly crept into the mainstream club scene. The driving force behind this increase in popularity are the South Asian DJs of Great Britain and North America, who took this traditional form and infused it with the programmed sounds of hip-hop, dancehall, and techno. One of the most well-known names in this movement is DJ Rekha (pictured), a New York-based artist who is bringing her international grooves to the Black Cat on Saturday.

"There'll be a strong leaning on bhangra," she said of her upcoming performance, "but it's open to go anywhere."

Saturday's show will be the latest iteration of Basement Bhangra, a dance fest that normally takes place the first Thursday of every month at S.O.B.'s in New York. The party, now in its tenth year, has given Rekha an international reputation within the club circuit and has also provided the fuel for the rhythmic explosion of Rekha's debut CD, which shares the same name.

"The goal was to re-create the experience of the party," she said. While many believe that Rekha caters mainly to the South Asian community, that is a misconception that she is quick to dismiss. "My following is not just South Asian. I developed a following and felt like the community jumped on later."

Ever the astute businesswoman, Rekha's desire to reach a broad audience is reflected in her decision to release Basement Bhangra on KOCH records.

"In this day of the changing and self-combusting music industry, I made the very conscious choice to sign with a label," she explained. "It’s an indie label but it’s a larger indie lable. I wanted [the album] to get as much exposure as possible."

The album features guest appearances by Wyclef Jean, as well as a number of artists well-known to the South Asian music scene. This ecclectic mix is a reflection of Rekha's musical outlook. Growing up in New York, her influences range from 80s New Wave to contemporary electronica.

"My musical interests are diverse," she said, "but like actors get typecast, I might be typecast for bhangra."

Therefore, it is no surprise that Rekha is involved in a wide range of projects, ranging from soundtrack work to running her own production company, Sangament, which not only produces concerts, but also provides consulting services to the recording industry.

"This is one thing I do and it’s not the be all and end all of me," Rekha said of her DJ career and album, "but it’s something I’m proud of."

DJ Rekha will perform tomorrow night on the Black Cat's mainstage along with DJ Dredd. Doors open at 9 p.m. $13.