The Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration Society (VIBC), parent company of the noted South Asian music festival and non-profit arts organization, has announced Neesha Hothi will be stepping into the role.
The non-profit arts organization is dedicated to elevating Punjabi culture across Canada and globally, through its flagship festival, digital platforms and artist development initiatives — creating inclusive spaces for diasporic artists, audiences and allies.
In the new role, Hothi says she will aim to strengthen financial stability, expand the festival with year-round programming and collaborate with artists, contractors and community partners to maintain the organization’s transparency and accountability.
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A longtime South Asian arts advocate, Hothi has her own agency, Neesh Communications, and was marketing director for 2025’s Juno Host Committee in Vancouver. She also served as the South Asian talent buyer and played a role in programming Jazzy B to perform alongside Chani Nattan, Inderpal Moga and Gminxr at last year’s Juno Awards, a big spotlight for Punjabi-Canadian artists.
“The work of uplifting and amplifying our arts and culture scene has always been deeply important to me, which is why 5X has meant so much to me over the years. It represents what’s possible when community leads the way,” Hothi says. “I’m excited about the future and committed to stewarding this work forward in a way that honours both its roots and its potential.”
5X Fest, which takes place annually in Surrey, B.C., is one of the country’s biggest South Asian music events. Originally called the City of Bhangra festival, it went through a rebrand in 2018 to reflect the range of contemporary Punjabi creativity. Previous acts include, among others, Ikky, Divine, Intense, Chani Nattan, Inderpal Moga, Jasmine Sandlas, AR Paisley, Prabh and Babbulicious, who recently performed at New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration ceremony.
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Hothi succeeds previous executive director Harpo Mander, who recently started a role as senior manager of South Asian music at Universal Music Canada
Hothi has served as an ongoing external communications and PR consultant for the organization since its inception in 2004.
Now, the organization is looking to further elevate its efforts beyond the festival — evolving from a grassroots initiative into a nationally recognized platform that celebrates South Asian creativity and artistic innovation.
“Neesha’s longstanding relationship with the community and this organization, combined with her strategic leadership and executional strength, make her the right leader for this next chapter,” says the 5X Fest/VIBC Society board of directors. “She understands both the cultural responsibility and the operational realities required to lead a growing organization, while remaining deeply grounded in the community it serves.”
